Overview
EN ISO 29464:2024 - Cleaning of air and other gases - Vocabulary is the CEN-adopted version of ISO 29464:2024. It is a vocabulary standard that defines terms used across the air filtration and air cleaning industry. The document provides consistent, harmonized air filtration vocabulary for particulate and gas‑phase filters, UV‑C germicidal devices, inlet filters for static and seaborne rotary machines, cleanable filters, and stand‑alone electrically powered air cleaners. It applies to equipment used for general ventilation of inhabited enclosed spaces, but excludes cabin filters for road vehicles, air inlet filters for mobile internal combustion engines, and dust separators for air pollution control.
Key topics
This edition (third) consolidates and updates terminology across multiple sub‑areas. Key technical topics and terms defined include:
- Air cleaner / filter and distinctions between them (e.g., filter medium, filter insert, filter face area).
- Airflow and velocity terms: face velocity, medium velocity, flow rate, design/test/rated flow and user nominal air volume flow rate.
- Performance descriptors: removal efficiency, average removal efficiency, decontamination factor, bypass, penetration.
- Component and installation terms: clean side / dirty side, header frame, holding frame, housing.
- Equipment categories: fresh‑air air cleaner, robotic air cleaner, combination product, stand‑alone electrically‑powered air cleaners.
- Specialized areas: particulate matter filters (including references to EPA/HEPA/ULPA classes), gas phase air cleaners (GPAC), UV‑C germicidal devices, and cleanable filter degradation terminology.
The standard is structured into clause 3 with subclauses 3.1–3.7 covering particle & gas‑phase air cleaners, particulate filters, inlet filters for rotary machines, cleanable filters, GPAC, UVC devices, and stand‑alone electrically‑powered cleaners.
Applications
EN ISO 29464:2024 is a foundational reference for:
- Manufacturers of filters and air cleaners - to label and describe products consistently.
- HVAC engineers and system designers - to specify components and communicate performance expectations.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to use harmonized terminology in test reports and standards references.
- Facility managers and procurement teams - to interpret specifications (e.g., rated flow, removal efficiency) when selecting products.
- Standards writers and regulators - as a common terminology source when developing or referencing performance and safety standards.
Using this vocabulary reduces ambiguity in specifications, procurement, testing, and compliance for indoor air quality and ventilation projects.
Related standards
- Prepared by ISO/TC 142 and CEN/TC 195 under the Vienna Agreement.
- This edition supersedes EN ISO 29464:2019.
- Terminology databases referenced: ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia.
