Air Filter

A particulate air filter is a device composed of fibrous, or porous materials which removes particulates such as smoke, dust, pollen, mold, viruses and bacteria from the air. Filters containing an adsorbent or catalyst such as charcoal (carbon) may also remove odors and gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds or ozone.Air filters are used in applications where air quality is important, notably in building ventilation systems and in engines.

Some buildings, as well as aircraft and other human-made environments (e.g., satellites, and Space Shuttles) use foam, pleated paper, or spun fiberglass filter elements. Another method, air ionizers, use fibers or elements with a static electric charge, which attract dust particles. The air intakes of internal combustion engines and air compressors tend to use either paper, foam, or cotton filters. Oil bath filters have fallen out of favour aside from niche uses. The technology of air intake filters of gas turbines has improved significantly in recent years, due to improvements in the aerodynamics and fluid dynamics of the air-compressor part of the gas turbines.

1) Functions and functions

● Provide clean air: the air filter filters out impurities and particles in the air through its filter element, ensuring that the air entering the engine is clean.

● Protecting the engine: Clean air reduces wear and tear on the internal parts of the engine and prolongs the engine's life.

● Improve Fuel Efficiency: Clean air helps fuel to burn fully, thus improving fuel efficiency and engine performance.

2) main components

● Filter element: The filter element is the core part of the air filter, usually made of paper or fiber material, with good filtration performance. The filtering effect of the filter element directly affects the performance and life of the engine.

● Housing: The housing provides the necessary protection for the filter element and ensures that air passes smoothly through the filter. The housing is usually made of metal or plastic, with sufficient strength and corrosion resistance.

3）Principle of operation

When air enters the engine, it is first filtered through the air filter element. The tiny pores on the filter element can block most of the impurities and particles, while the clean air enters the engine through the filter element. With the gradual clogging of the filter element, its filtering effect will be reduced, so it is necessary to replace the filter element regularly to ensure the normal operation of the air filter.

Automotive cabin air filters

The cabin air filter, also known in the United Kingdom as a pollen filter, is typically a pleated-paper filter that is placed in the outside-air intake for the vehicle's passenger compartment. Some of these filters are rectangular and similar in shape to the engine air filter. Others are uniquely shaped to fit the available space of particular vehicles' outside-air intakes.

The first automaker to include a disposable filter to keep the ventilation system clean was the Nash Motors "Weather Eye", introduced in 1940.

A reusable heater core filter was available as an optional accessory on Studebaker models beginning in 1959, including Studebaker Lark automobiles (1959-1966), Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk automobiles (1962-1964) and Studebaker Champ trucks (1960-1964). The filter was an aluminum frame containing an aluminum mesh and was located directly above the heater core. The filter was removed and installed from the engine compartment through a slot in the firewall. A long, thin rubber seal plugged the slot when the filter was installed. The filter could be vacuumed and washed prior to installation.

Clogged or dirty cabin air filters can significantly reduce airflow from the cabin vents, as well as introduce allergens into the cabin air stream. Since the cabin air temperature depends upon the flow rate of the air passing through the heater core, the evaporator, or both, clogged filters can greatly reduce the effectiveness and performance of the vehicle's air conditioning and heating systems.

Some cabin air filters perform poorly, and some cabin air filter manufacturers do not print a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) filter rating on their cabin air filters.