MERV 8 Filter Proves Important
New Tool for Reducing Absenteeism,
Cutting Energy Use

Background:

According to EPA,53 million children and 6 million adults spend their
days in US schools. Many school buildings have poor IAQ, which
contributes to illness, asthma, and absenteeism.   Notably, asthma
is the #1 cause of absenteeism, and one in 13 school children has
the disease.  14.7 million school days are missed every year due
to asthma, and the number is far higher if all respiratory illnesses
are included.  This situation can now be improved through sound
IAQ strategies and the management of environmental “triggers.”

Camfil-Farr, a world leader in institutional air filtration, has
introduced the first true MERV 8*(ASHRAE 52.2-2007) “30/30”
air filter for schools and similar settings where a healthful
indoor environment is critical.

The 30/30® is a medium-efficiency radial pleat panel filter with
15 pleats per linear foot (2” depth.)  Its distinctive design provides
full use of the media for maximum dust holding capacity.  Tests
show the 30/30 has 30% higher dust holding capacity than any
conventional MERV 8 filter.  This means a longer service life,
and less-frequent change-outs.  More time between changeouts
translates into less waste – an increasing concern for many
districts – and measurable labor savings.

The 30/30 has proved highly effective as a system’s only filter
throughout most school environments, including classrooms,
cafeterias, locker rooms, and gymnasiums, and photography labs.  
It is also a highly effective pre-filter for configurations that use
higher efficiency final filters such as HEPA or ULPA filters.  This is
key for schools and universities whose campuses include laboratory
or health care facilities. 

The filter media for the 30/30 is mechanical, rather than
electrostatic, and was developed using a patented blend of
natural and synthetic fibers.  The media maintains consistent,
high removal efficiency throughout the filter’s life.  In contrast,
other MERV 8s are made with electrostatically charged media,
whose efficiency drops as dust loads.  (Buyers of electrostatic
media filters are advised to obtain, in addition to the MERV rating,
the “discharged MERV” rating, in order to determine the actual,
in-service performance level of the product, in order to make a
valid comparison.)

The Camfil Farr Performance Guarantee Program (see “Nation’s
Fastest Growing School District Minimizes Filter Usage” and
“University Saves $46,000 annually, not including reduced
energy Costs”) guarantees that the 30/30 will maintain its
efficiency over time, and will last longer than any pleated
panel filter. 

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, along with the risk of filter
blowouts. The 30/30 is guaranteed to 2.0” w.g. without
media pack failure.

The 30/30 was engineered for low initial resistance, and low
maintained resistance, to airflow.  It was engineered to have
the lowest average pressure drop of any MERV 8.  These features
translate directly and immediately into lower energy costs, a major
factor for institutional buyers who consider “life cycle costs,” as well
as purchase price, when buying consumable products.

The MERV 8 30/30 filter is distinct in having earned five stars on
the ECI (Energy Cost Index+) - the best-possible performance
ranking.  It was designed to be the best value in the field for
medium efficiency filtration. 

The MERV 8 30/30 is a UL Class 2 or Class 1 filter. Its unique
combination of performance and energy savings makes it ideal for
settings that demand frequent air changes, and where student
and teacher absenteeism is an issue. 

The MERV 30/30 can play an important role in initiatives such
as Green Schools, Sustainable Buildings and others that seek to
minimize energy use, reduce absenteeism caused by airborne
illnesses, and create a healthier environment.

The Camfil Farr 30/30 may be used to meet requirements of the
U.S. Green Building Council (“LEED”) in terms of efficiency,
energy savings and reduced disposal impact.

* 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.