AstroCel I

High Efficiency Particulate

Air Filters (HEPA)
Ultra Low Penetration
Air Filters (ULPA)
Available with Antimicrobial

Better Air is Our Business

AstroCel I

The Industry's Widest Selection

of HEPA and ULPA Filters

HEPA and ULPA filters are the most efficient air filters commercially
available. Originally developed for the U.S. Atomic Energy
Commission, they have broad application in cleanrooms and other
areas requiring the very highest levels of contamination control:

Semiconductor manufacturing

Electronics

Pharmaceutical processing

Nuclear power stations

Department of Defense installations

Department of Energy installations

Photo film manufacturing/processing

Hospitals

Laboratories

Food processing

Asbestos abatement

AAF HEPA and ULPA filter products feature a broader selection of

efficiencies, cell side materials and configurations, and separator
designs and bonds than any other manufacturer.
AstroCel filters are available to meet all performance classes per the
Institute of Environmental Sciences & Technology IEST RP-1
including:
Type A
Minimum efficiency of 99.97% on 0.3 m at rated flow.
Type B
Minimum efficiency of 99.97% on 0.3 m at 100% and 20%
of rated flow.
Type C
Minimum efficiency of 99.99% on 0.3 m and scan tested.
Type D
Minimum efficiency of 99.999% on 0.3 m and scan tested.

AstroCel I filters contribute to the achievement of

LEED Project Certification.

AstroCel I filters with antimicrobial are designed specifically to

improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Air filters are designed to trap and
concentrate particulate air contaminants including viable fungal and
bacterial spores. The presence of antimicrobial in the filter media is
intended to preserve the integrity of the media throughout the useful
life of the filter. Antimicrobial preservatives are not meant to increase
the efficiency of the filter, nor to kill microorganisms on the fly as
they pass through a filter.

Guaranteed Performance
Every AstroCel filter is individually tested before it leaves the factory
your assurance that it meets rated efficiency. The actual test data is
indicated on the label. Each filter is also assigned a serial number and
a permanent record is kept of the materials of construction and
performance.

Type E
Constructed and tested in accordance with ASME AG-1,
Section FC.
Type F
Minimum efficiency of 99.999% on 0.1 to 0.2 m and
scan tested.

Test results on
each filter are
indicated on
the label.

Manufactured to the Highest Quality Standards

Standard Capacity
5 7/8" deep 150 FPM @ 1.0 in. w.g.
11 1/2" deep 260 FPM @ 1.0 in. w.g.
HEPA Efficiencies - 99.97% and 99.99% minimum
efficiency on 0.3 micrometer particles.
ULPA Efficiency - 99.999% minimum efficiency of 0.3 micrometer
particles and 99.9995% on 0.1 to 0.2 micrometer particles (11 1/2" deep
only). For ULPA and MEGA efficiencies up to 99.999995% on .10 to .20
micrometer particles, use AstroCel II LPD Series minipleat filters.
High Capacity
24" x 24" x 11 1/2" deep - 2000 CFM @ 1.4 in. w.g.
HEPA Efficiencies - 99.97% and 99.99% minimum
efficiency on 0.3 micrometer particles.
Selected nuclear grade AstroCel filters have been
qualified by the Department of the Army in accordance with ASME
AG-1. They are used in critical applications such as the Department
of Energy and nuclear power plants. The qualification tests subject
the filters to a series of rigorous environmental conditions and must
meet rated efficiency.

Scan Testing
Leak Testing
Filters that pass the overall
efficiency test may still have
minute pinhole leaks. AstroCel
filters can be factory scanned to
assure there are no pinhole
leaks. Scanning detects these
leaks which are repaired before
the filter is released for shipment.
AAF uses a proprietary static
scan test with a challenge
aerosol of non-toxic,
polyfunctional alcohol that
leaves no residue on the
media.
For pharmaceutical and those
applications requiring PAO,
AAF offers scanning with this
material using a light scattering
photometer.

Scan test showing leak indicated

by a smoke trail.

Scanning with light scattering

photometer.

Overall Efficiency Testing

Underwriters Laboratories Classifications
UL Class 1
AstroCel l filters are classified UL Class l by Standard 900 (except
those made with non-fire retardant wood cell sides).
UL 586
This standard ensures that each filter is individually tested at the
factory. Additionally, representative filters are tested by UL to ensure
that they provide HEPA level filtration, after being subjected
to the following conditions:
High moisture (90% R.H.)
High temperature (700F/371C)
Low temperature (27F/-3C)
UL also subjects the filter to a spot flame test (1750F/954C).
A numbered UL label certifying that the filter meets Standard 586 can
be applied to the filter.

Media Testing to Meet Exacting Quality Standards

Every roll of media is carefully checked for a specific set of physical
and performance characteristics, including:

Efficiency
Thickness
Tensile Strength
Water Repellency

Two methods of overall efficiency testing used:

PAO Test
This has been the industry
standard for many years.
It is conducted using a forward
light scattering photometer. The
filter is challenged with
poly-alpha-olefin (PAO). By
measuring the upstream and
downstream concentration, the
filter efficiency can be calculated.
Laser Test
The filter is tested with a laser
spectrometer using polystyrene
latex (PSL) spheres. Filter
efficiency is determined by
comparing the upstream and
downstream concentrations.
Efficiencies down to 0.10
micrometers can be determined.

AAF PAO test facility.

AAF laser spectrometer test.

Resistance
Weight
Binder Content

AstroCel l filters are available in a variety of construction materials and cell side configurations to fit
AAF and competitive framing systems or sealing designs. Refer to the section on selection data for
a complete list of cell side materials.

Gel Seal Filters

Gasketed Filters

Wood Construction

Wood Construction

Particle Board

Plywood

Metal Construction

Metal Construction

Double Box Flange

(Single Flat Flange Available)

Galvanized Steel

For installation in high integrity filter holding frames,

replaceable cartridge ceiling modules, side access
housings, and Bag In/Bag Out systems.

For installation in AAF and competitive knife-edge gel seal framing

systems, side access housings, or Bag In/Bag Out units. The channel
around the perimeter of the filter is filled with AAF PermaGel (silicone
sealant that will not dry out or crack over years of service life).
Filters for Bag-In/Bag-Out systems are available with extractor clips.

Special Construction AstroCel Filters

High Temperature Applications
AstroCel filters made with
stainless steel or aluminum
cell sides are available for
applications with continuous
operating temperatures
up to 750F.
HT 500 AstroCel

400F (204C) Stainless Steel or

Aluminum Cell Sides, White RTV
Silicone Bond
500F (260C) Stainless Steel
or Aluminum Cell Sides, Red RTV
Silicone Bond
750F (399C) Stainless Steel
Cell Sides, Black Cement Bond

AstroCel l Side Access Filters

AstroCel l filters are constructed
with a flange at the top and
bottom for installation into earlier
models of AstroSeal side access
housings. The filters are
available with wood or metal cell
sides.
Side Access AstroCel

Military and Nuclear Designs

AstroCel filters are available to comply with military and nuclear
specifications (ASME AG-1) requiring special cell side material,
radiation resistant media, rabbeted joints, special testing, and
special packaging and marking.

Bond

Separators

The media pack is thoroughly

sealed to the inside of the cell
sides with a variety of adhesives
that prevent bypass leakage
around the pack. The sealant
totally encapsulates the media
edges, closing off all leak paths.

Pleat spacing is precisely

maintained by corrugated
aluminum separators that
permit maximum usage of the
media at minimum resistance.
For corrosive environments,
vinyl coated separators are
available.

Close-up photo shows how the

polyurethane bond, standard on
most AstroCels, encapsulates
the pack, eliminating voids.

Rolled edge separators are

used to minimize the risk of
media damage.

Media

Gaskets

AstroCel media is made from

sub-micron glass fibers formed
into a high density paper.
Continuous sheets are pleated
to provide a high ratio of media
area to face area, resulting in
low media velocity, which is
essential for ultra-high efficiency
filtration. AstroCel media is
waterproof and fire retardant
to 1000F (538C). A radiation
resistant media is also available
(for nuclear applications).

Standard closed cell neoprene

rubber gaskets are available to
provide an airtight seal and
prevent leakage past the filter.
Gaskets are 3/4" wide by 1/4"
thick. Silicone gaskets are also
available.

Gel Seal
Gel seal filters contain AAF
PermaGel silicone gel sealant.

Cell Sides
Wood
3/4" particle board is typically
used. Butt joined edges are
glued and stapled to assure a
strong corner joint. Plywood is
also available.

Wedge Shaped Pleats

The 180 turn, forming each pleat of
media on both sides of the filter, is wedge
shaped. The media is double scored to
form a box fold around the flattened ends
of the separators. The uniform fit of the
wedge shaped box fold pleats prevents media damage. Single score
or rolled media pleating used in some competitive filters increases the
risk of media damage caused by the sharp pointed crests of the
corrugated separators puncturing the media.

Metal*
A variety of metals are available
including plated steels, stainless
steel, and aluminum.
*Available with antimicrobial treated
media.

AstroCel I Selection
AstroCel l filters are available
in a wide variety of standard
sizes and construction materials.
Special sizes can be fabricated
or special materials used for
unique requirements.
There are twelve criteria
encompassing materials and
performance that go into the
makeup of an AstroCel filter.
Careful selection of the right
combination will result in the
filter that best meets the
needs of your application.

Size
40 standard sizes from
8" x 8" to 36" x 72".
AstroCel sizes are listed
with the height dimension
first, followed by the width,
then depth.
Minimum Efficiency
99.97% .3m (HEPA)
99.99% .3m (HEPA)
99.999% .3m (ULPA)
99.9995% .10 to 20m
(ULPA)
Scan Tested (Optional)
AstroCel I filters can be
scan tested to eliminate
pinhole leaks.

Cell Side Material

Plywood
Fire Retardant Plywood
Particle Board
Fire Retardant Particle Board
*Galvanized Steel
*Stainless Steel
*Aluminum

Gasket
Neoprene Expanded Rubber
Silicone
Gasket Location
None
One Side
Both Sides

Separators
Aluminum
Vinyl Coated Aluminum

Faceguards (Optional)
4 x 4 Mesh Hardware Cloth
Galvanized Steel
Stainless Steel

Bond
Polyurethane Elastomer
Silicone
Black Cement

Faceguard Location
None
One Side
Both Sides

Media
(Available with antimicrobial)
Waterproof, fire retardant
fiberglass.
Waterproof, fire retardant,
radiation resistant fiberglass.

UL 586 Classified (Optional)

Numbered UL certification label
to be applied.

*Available with antimicrobial treated media.

AstroCel HCX
High Capacity
High Capacity AstroCel HCX filters are designed to handle higher airflow than the corresponding
sizes of standard AstroCel l filters. This offers greater operating flexibility and cost savings.

Up to 2000 CFM
(24" x 24" x 111/2" size).

Higher airflow with the same resistance

Higher airflow (up to 2000 CFM for a 24" x 24" x 11 1/2" filter, with
slightly higher initial resistance)
Lower resistance, lower energy cost, and substantially longer
life at the same rate of flow compared to standard HEPA filters
Available with antimicrobial treated media
Sizes
All standard and special sizes, 111/2" deep only.
Efficiencies
99.97% and 99.99% minimum, 0.3 m.
Cell Side Materials, Bonds, Separators, Gaskets
Same as standard AstroCel l filters.
AstroCel HCX filters can be classified according to UL Standard 586.
They are also classified UL Class 1 by Standard 900 (except those
made with non-fire retardant wood cell sides).

Shallow crimp separators.

Save on New AstroCel

HCX Installations
Fewer filters required.
Less space required for
filter bank.
No transitions.
Faster installation.

Standard
AstroCel I
24" x 24" x 111/2"

High Capacity
AstroCel HCX
24" x 24" x 111/2"

Rated Airflow Capacity

@ 1.4 in. w.g. (350 Pa) initial resistance

1450 CFM
(2465 m3/hr.)

2000 CFM
(3400 m3/hr.)

Rated Airflow Capacity

@ 1.0 in. w.g. (250 Pa) initial resistance

1050 CFM
(1785 m3/hr.)

1500 CFM
(2550 m3/hr.)

1.0

2.0

Service Life Ratio

@ 1000 CFM (1700 m3/hr.)

When operated at
1000 CFM, the filters last
approximately twice as long
as standard HEPA filters.

HCX Initial Resistance vs Airflow Capacity

Less frequent change-out

saves on labor and
disposal costs.

Shallow Crimp
Separators Permit
More Media
Increased airflow capacity
is the result of shallow crimp
separators that have a lower
profile (shorter height) compared
to standard HEPA filters. This
permits more pleats and, as a
result, more media.

Initial Resistance (in. w.g.)

Lower energy cost.

1.4

350

1.2

300

250

1.0

1/ "
x1
1 2

.8

24"

4"

x2

200

.6

150

.4

100

.2

50

.0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000

Airflow Capacity (SCFM)

AstroCel HCX filters are non-directional and may be installed with the airflow in either direction. The arrow on the label
indicates the direction of airflow during factory testing.

Initial Resistance (Pa)

Save on Replacements
and Operating Costs
in Existing Systems

Operating
Comparison

AstroCel I

Extend AstroCel Life with Prefilters

No HEPA filter installation should ever be operated without prefilters.
AAF has a broader selection of prefilters than any other manufacturer
from roughing filters, to automatic roll filters, to pleated filters, to
extended surface filters. AAF strongly recommends two stages of
prefilters in front of HEPA filter installations.
AAF tests have shown that prefilters greatly extend the life of HEPA
filters. The higher the efficiency of the prefilters, the longer the life of
the AstroCel filters. MERV 15 filters can extend HEPA filter life nearly
nine times.

Prefilter

Life Extension of AstroCel

2" Disposable Panel Filter

26%

Extended Surface Filters

MERV 7

35%

MERV 11

170%

MERV 13

520%

MERV 15

880%

Typical Three Stage HEPA Filter Installation

1st
Stage

2nd
Stage

1st Stage

2nd Stage

Final Stage
HEPA Filter

Select from:

Select from:

Select from:

PerfectPleat
(MERV 7)

*VariCel

*AstroCel I

*VariCel II

*AstroCel HCX

*VariCel II MH

(99.97 - 99.9995%)

Final
Stage

PerfectPleat HC
(MERV 7)
PerfectPleat ULTRA
(MERV 8)

*VariCel M-Pak
*VariCel V
*VariCel VXL
*(MERV 11-15)

*Available with antimicrobial.

LEED is a registered trademark of the US Green Building Council.

Better Air is Our Business

10300 Ormsby Park Place Suite 600

Louisville, Kentucky 40223-6169
www.aafintl.com

ISO Certified 9001:2000

Customer Service 888.AAF.2003

Fax 888.223.6500

2008 AAF International

AFP-1-110V APR 08 DC 5M

AAF has a policy of continuous product research

and improvement and reserves the right to change
design and specifications without notice.