Is It Possible to Use a Centralized AHU with Heat Recovery in Dusty Rooms, and How to Protect the Filters?
Ventilation systems with heat recovery have confidently taken their place in modern construction projects – both residential and commercial. Centralized air handling units (AHUs) provide effective air exchange and energy savings, especially in cold climates. However, the question of their practicality in environments with elevated dust levels still remains relevant. Is it actually possible? And how to protect equipment from rapid wear?
How ventilation with recuperation works in a dusty environment
Centralized AHUs extract heat from exhaust air and transfer it to the supply air stream, which allows for a significant reduction in heat loss and heating costs. But when used in highly dusty areas, like manufacturing, workshops, construction or finishing work, such installations experience serious strain on the filter elements. Large amounts of dust in the air quickly clog filters, resulting in increased pressure drop, reduced air flow efficiency, and accelerated equipment wear.
To prevent these issues, it’s essential to choose equipment carefully, considering the facility’s specifics, and conduct regular maintenance.
Choosing the right AHU and what the Blauberg brand offers
What’s important to know when selecting a system? First of all, the filtration class, air duct configuration, and serviceability. High-quality AHU air units are often equipped with multi-stage filters: from G4 to F9, and sometimes HEPA, if an exceptional purification is needed.
Blauberg is a reputable German brand in the ventilation industry. They offer various solutions for all types of objects. All products have a nice design, are very reliable and energy-efficient. This has been confirmed by tests in serious laboratories. On the official Blauberg website, you can find out details about technical characteristics, check certificates, and choose the right model depending on operating conditions.
Protecting filters from premature clogging
It’s important to provide protection against dust in advance, and then your centralized AHU with recuperation will serve for a long time and effectively. So, what can be done?
- Use coarse filters (e.g., G3-G4 class). Adding pre-filters can help catch bigger dust particles before they reach the main filter.
- Follow maintenance frequency. Regular filter replacement is necessary for stable operation. In spaces with elevated dust levels, replacements may be needed every 1-2 months.
- Arrange the air supply area away from pollution sources. If possible, place the AHU away from dust-generating activities or sources.
- Install filter contamination sensors. Modern AHU systems can be equipped with differential pressure sensors that signal the need to replace filters.
Thus, it is indeed possible to use centralized air handling units with heat recovery in dusty places if you choose the right equipment and keep it well-maintained. Blauberg’s professional solutions make it easy to adapt the system to actual tasks.
