A guide to choosing the right filter
A distinction is made between particle filters , gas filters , and combination filters . Adequate protection is only guaranteed if the mask/hood/protective suit and filter, as well as the blower unit if necessary, are optimally coordinated.
Depending on the application, filters have several types that are precisely defined and color-coded.
PARTICLE FILTER
Certifications according to EN 143, EN 12941, EN 12942, EN 148-1
Type P (White)
Particle filters capture particles in the form of liquid and solid aerosols such as dust, smoke, fibers, bacteria, viruses, and radioactive particles. They are divided into the following classes (efficiency in %):
P1 / FFP1: 80%
P2 / FFP2: 94%
P3 / FFP3: 99.95%
P3 MIL: 99.999%
GAS AND COMBI FILTERS
Certifications according to EN 14387, EN 12941, EN 12942
Type A (Brown)
Areas of application: Organic gases and vapors with a boiling point above 65 °C. The main group of these substances are hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, benzene, xylene, styrene, cyclohexane, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride), organic solvents, and thinners (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, mineral turpentine, ethylene glycol, methyl isobutyl ketone, isobutanol, etc.).
Type AX (Brown)
Areas of application: Organic gases and vapors with a boiling point below 65 °C. Substances with a low boiling point include acetone, acetaldehyde, acrylaldehyde, butane, butadiene, diethyl ether, dichloroether, dichloromethane, ethylene oxide, methanol, trichloromethane, vinyl chloride. Filters may ONLY be used fresh from the factory.
Type B (Gray)
Application areas: Inorganic gases and vapors, e.g. fluorine, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen peroxide
Type E (Yellow)
Areas of application: Acidic gases and vapors (e.g. carbon dioxide, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride)
Type K (Green)
Applications: Ammonia and organic amines (e.g. methylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine)
Type Hg (Red)
Areas of application: Mercury vapor and its compounds (always in combination with a P3 particle filter; may only be used for a maximum of 50 hours)
Type CO (Black)
Areas of application: Carbon monoxide (may only be used once)
Type NO (Blue)
Areas of application: Nitrous gases including nitrogen monoxide
Type REACTOR (Orange)
Applications: Radioactive iodine including radioactive iodomethane (local guidelines must be observed)
OTHER MARKINGS
R = Reusable
Reusable, the filter can be used for more than one shift.
D = Dolomite dust test passed
These filters meet the requirements of the additional dolomite dust test (less breathing resistance with longer usage time).