tested according to ISO 10121-3 : Activated carbon air filter

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in air filtration, especially when it comes to adsorbing harmful gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Activated carbon plays a decisive role in air filtration, particularly in adsorbing harmful gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

EMW® activatedcarbon compact filters are the ideal solution for efficient adsorption of harmful substances. The activated carbon compact filters are used in ventilation and air conditioning systems, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in ventilation technology and for extraction at workplaces for the adsorption of gaseous substances.

Rely on the EMW® compact activated carbon filter, classified in accordance with ISO 10121-3, to effectively reduce harmful substances and sustainably improve air quality. For additional particle filtration, EMW® offers activated carbon filters with a pre-filter medium in ISO ePM1 65% (formerly F7 according to EN 779) or ISO ePM10 75% (formerly M6) according to ISO 16890.

Activated carbon compact filter
Activated carbon air filter

Properties of activated carbon filters

  • Optimal filter surface: Thanks to the maximum filter surface in a compact space, our activated carbon filters guarantee a long service life and high adsorption performance.
  • Low pressure loss: Our activated carbon filters provide effective air purification with minimal pressure loss, which helps to reduce operating costs.
  • Certified performance: Tested in accordance with the ISO 10121 standard, the filters offer outstanding adsorption values for harmful gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs via the reference gas toluene).
  • Particle filtration: Tested with a pre-filter layer in in ISO ePM1 65% (formerly F7 according to EN 779) or ISO ePM10 75% (formerly M6) according to accordance with ISO 16890
  • High-quality filter medium: The activated carbon air filter uses a pleated synthetic medium with granular carbon, bound between two layers of fleece, which offers optimal filtration performance.
  • Simple installation: With standard dimensions, the compact filter is easy to install in standard mounting frames of existing ventilation ducts.

Activated carbon filter - areas of application


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Characteristics of Activated Carbon Filters

Filter Media

What are the key features of the filter media used in EMW® activated carbon compact filters?

  • A pleated synthetic media with integrated activated carbon,
  • maximizing filter surface area in a minimal space for extended service life
  • High contaminant capture capacity
  • Optional pre-filter media for optimal filtration efficiency in the filter classes ISO ePM10 75% (formerly M6 according to EN 779) or ISO ePM1 65% (formerly F7) per ISO 16890.

Activated Carbon

Why aren’t conventional filters sufficient?

Harmful gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have molecular sizes in the nanometer range, whereas conventional air filters (such as (H)EPA filters) primarily capture particles in the micrometer range. Therefore, filtration using standard air filters is often insufficient to effectively remove these harmful gases.

How do compact activated carbon filters work?

Activated carbon has an extremely large internal surface area. Harmful gases are bound through two mechanisms:

  • Physisorption: Molecules adhere to the carbon surface
  • Chemisorption: Molecules form chemical bonds with the carbon

This combination enables the highly effective removal of even the smallest gaseous pollutants.

EMW® activated carbon filters are capable of adsorbing a wide range of harmful gases. They thus offer a comprehensive solution for air purification.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of our activated carbon filters or have a specific inquiry, please feel free to contact our team.

Carbon

Frame and Seal

Plastic frame: Robust and durable plastic frame that provides stability and reliability in demanding environments and is also immune to corrosion.

Fully incinerable: The filters are fully incinerable, allowing for easy and environmentally friendly disposal.

Endless seal: The endless seal ensures optimal sealing after installation and prevents unfiltered air from escaping.

Technical Data

Activated carbon filter without particle filtration

Filter type MPK 4-20 AKP
Dimensions 592 x 592 x 296 mm
Nominal air flow rate [m³/h] 3400
Initial pressure drop 70
Ozone (O3) MD 60
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) vLD 35
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) LD 65
Toluene (C7H8) MD 65

*Toluene is used a a reference gas for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Activated carbon filter with particle filtration (filter class according to ISO 16890, formerly EN 779)

Filter type MPK-4-AKP/M6 eDMPK-4-AKP/F7 eD
Designated Filter Group ISO 16890 ISO ePM 10 75%ISO ePM 1 65%
Filter class according to EN 779 M6F7
Dimensions 592 x 592 x 296 mm592 x 592 x 296 mm
Nominal air flow rate [m³/h] 34003400
Initial pressure drop 75175
Ozone (O3) MD 60MD 60
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) vLD 35vLD 35
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) LD 65LD 65
Toluene (C7H8) MD 65MD 65

*Toluene is used a a reference gas for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Excursus ISO 10121-3

The risks posed by air pollution are now recognised as the greatest threat to human health1. Harmful gases are also increasingly coming into focus.

Almost in the same breath, there are innovations to report regarding the ISO 10121 test standard for activated carbon air filters! Part 3 of the series of standards has been active since 2022. The third part establishes a new classification system for activated carbon air filters with the filter classes Light Duty (LD), Medium Duty (MD) and Heavy Duty (HD). You can find more information here.


1cf. World Health Organisation (2021a): WHO global air quality guidelines - particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

FAQ – Activated Carbon Filters & Gas Adsorption

1. Which harmful gases can activated carbon filters remove?

Ozone, NO₂, SO₂, VOCs such as toluene, as well as many other gaseous substances.

2. How long does an activated carbon filter last?

Depending on the pollutant load and the achieved filter class Light Duty (LD), Medium Duty (MD) or Heavy Duty (HD) according to ISO 10121-3, the service life may vary.

3. What is the difference between physisorption and chemisorption?

Physisorption = adhesion of molecules
Chemisorption = chemical bonding
The combination of both processes enables very high adsorption performance.

4. Which ISO 10121-3 class is suitable for me?

LD for low,
MD for medium,
HD for high pollutant concentrations.

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