Molecular filters in ventilation systems: Keeping harmful gases out

People spend over 90% of their lives indoors: at home, in offices, pre-schools and schools, gyms, movie theaters, restaurants, and so on. Indoor air quality is paramount in making sure we stay healthy. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) can transfer a range of pollutants present in the outside air indoors. Choosing the right air filters is crucial here—according to Eurovent 4/26-2024, there are many decisive factors, but most important is the quality of the outside air respective to the pollution in it.

Which filtration types are there, and when are molecular filters the best choice? Gas filtration vs. particle filtration

Pollutants in the outside air can be divided into two main categories:

Aerosols with solid or liquid particles (from nanoparticles under 0.1 µm to coarser particles over 10 µm)

Molecular pollutants in gases and vapors

Regarding air quality, different filter systems are required to filter aerosols and gaseous contaminants. Particle filters - usually fiber filters - can only separate particles from air flow in ventilation and air-conditioning systems. However, invisible gaseous pollutants pass through these particle filters unhindered.

Special molecular filters are used to prevent harmful-yet-common gases in the outside air - such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), ozone (O₃), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) - from penetrating the inside air via HVAC systems. Molecular or gas filtration can be used to remove the smallest of contaminants from the air by using specific technological processes.

Amongst other gas removal media, MANN+HUMMEL Molecular has a strong preference for activated carbon as its primary adsorbent for molecular filtration. Thanks to the vast internal surface area of activated carbon media with van der Waals binding sites, gases will be attracted by non-reactive physisorption.

Find the right molecular filter that fits your needs!

We have designed individual and customized filter elements for each of your applications.

We can help you find the right solution for your needs and ensure clean air in accordance with the Eurovent 4/26-2024 guideline.

Our molecular filters have all undergone the new ISO 10121–3 test procedure for molecular filters. This new standard enables you to make informed purchasing decisions based on clearly defined specifications.

Eurovent 4/26

How to determine the service life of molecular filters

Eurovent 4/26

Making the right molecular filter choice based on ISO 10121-3

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