MERV 8 Filter Generates Immediate,
Substantial Energy Savings for Pharma,
Biotech Facilities

Background:

According to independent research firm McInvaine Company,
“bioclean,” a sector that includes pharmaceutical manufacturing
and biotechnology labs, is the 2nd largest user of high-efficiency
air filtration.  Air filters are critical for this industry, both because
they are necessary to maintaining standards, and because they
directly impact the largest variable cost item on the balance
sheet:  ENERGY.

Camfil-Farr, a world leader in pre and final filtration products
for pharmaceutical manufacturing, genetic research and biotech, 
has introduced the first true MERV 8*(ASHRAE 52.2-2007)
“30/30” air filter.

The 30/30® is a high-efficiency radial pleat panel filter engineered
specifically to deliver substantial energy savings in facility air
handling units.  It has very low initial resistance, and low
maintained resistance, to airflow, and the lowest average
pressure drop of any MERV 8 filter.  This translates immediately
into energy savings that are both measurable, and significant –
typically 15% and higher.

The MERV 8 30/30 filter is distinctive in having earned five stars
on the ECI (Energy Cost Index+) – the best-possible performance
ranking.  It was designed to deliver the greatest overall value in
medium efficiency filtration. 

The Camfil Farr MERV 8 30/30 has a distinctive design that
provides full use of the media for maximum dust holding capacity. 
Tests show the 30/30 has 30% higher dust holding capacity
than conventional MERV 8 filters. This means a longer service life,
and less-frequent change-outs.   

The 30/30 has proved highly effective as a system’s filter for a
broad range of areas served by make-up air handling units in
pharmaceutical production operations and support spaces. 
The media for the 30/30 filter is all-mechanical, rather than
electrostatic, and maintains consistent, high removal efficiency
throughout the filter’s life.  In contrast, other MERV 8s are made
with electrostatically charged media, whose efficiency plummets as
dust loads.  (Buyers of electrostatic media filters are advised to
obtain the “discharged MERV” rating, in order to determine the
actual, in-service performance level of the product, to make
valid comparisons.)

The Camfil Farr Performance Guarantee Program assures that
the 30/30 will maintain its efficiency over time, and will last longer
than any pleated panel filter.  It also has very high structural
integrity.  The radial media pleats on the 30/30 are secured by
a welded wire grid, spot-welded on one-inch centers. The grid
is treated for extended corrosion protection and is bonded to
the media to prevent oscillation. 

A high wet strength beverage board frame creates a stable,
non-yielding media pack.  The media pack is bonded to the
frame and diagonal support members are bonded to each pleat
to enhance rigidity through bridge-style engineering.  Filter
bypass is virtually eliminated. The MERV 8 30/30 is guaranteed
to 2.0” w.g. without media pack failure. It is well-suited to
the higher filter face velocities common in bio-pharma.

The MERV 8 30/30 is a UL Class 2 or 1 filter, and is available in
2” and 4” configurations.  Its unique combination of performance,
energy savings and applications flexibility makes it ideal for
environments with frequent air changes.

* MERV, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a number from 1 to 16 that is
relative to an air filter’s efficiency, according to a universal filtration standard. 
The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles.