EN 1822 HEPA Filter Classification Guide | H13 vs H14 Efficiency

1. Introduction: Why EN 1822 Matters for OEM Sourcing

In the global market for air purification and cleanroom technology, standardizing filter performance is critical. For OEM buyers and HVAC engineers, EN 1822 is the gold standard for classifying High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and Ultra-Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters. Understanding this standard is essential when sourcing from a HEPA filter China manufacturer to ensure regulatory compliance and system performance.

EN 1822 defines how filters are tested and categorized based on their ability to capture the most difficult particles. This guide provides a deep dive into the classification system, the engineering trade-offs between efficiency and pressure drop, and the latest innovations in low-resistance technology.

2. What is EN 1822-1? Understanding the MPPS Concept

The EN 1822 standard is divided into several parts, with Part 1 covering classification, performance testing, and marking. The revolutionary aspect of EN 1822 is its focus on the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS).

Unlike older standards that might test at a fixed particle size (like 0.3 microns), EN 1822 recognizes that every filter medium has a "weak spot"—a specific particle size that is hardest to capture. This size typically falls between 0.1 and 0.3 µm. By identifying the MPPS for a specific filter and testing its efficiency at that exact point, the standard provides a "worst-case scenario" guarantee of performance.

3. HEPA Classification Table: H10 through H14

EN 1822 classifies filters into three main groups: EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air), HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air), and ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air). For most industrial and commercial applications, the H10 to H14 range is the most relevant.

Class	Efficiency @ MPPS	Penetration @ MPPS	Typical Applications
H10	≥ 85%	≤ 15%	Pre-filtration for HEPA, high-end residential
H11	≥ 95%	≤ 5%	Industrial general ventilation, basic medical
H12	≥ 99.5%	≤ 0.5%	Clean room pre-filters, high-end air purifiers
H13	≥ 99.95%	≤ 0.05%	Hospitals, HVAC terminals, premium air purifiers
H14	≥ 99.995%	≤ 0.005%	Pharmaceutical cleanrooms, semiconductor labs

*Note: Classification is based on local and integral efficiency values per EN 1822-1:2009.

4. H13 vs H14: Practical Selection & Pressure Drop Implications

The jump from H13 to H14 represents a 10x reduction in the number of particles that can pass through the filter (from 0.05% to 0.005%). While this sounds superior, it comes with a physical cost: Pressure Drop (ΔP).

For many HVAC systems, an H13 filter offers the best balance. An H13 initial ΔP typically ranges from 110 Pa (for low-resistance models) to 180 Pa (standard) at a face velocity of 0.45 m/s. In contrast, an H14 filter often starts at 150-200 Pa. Choosing H14 when H13 is sufficient can lead to significantly higher energy costs over the life of the system.

5. Pressure Drop vs Efficiency: The Engineering Trade-Off

Engineering a HEPA filter is a constant battle between maximizing surface area and minimizing airflow resistance. The following table shows typical performance benchmarks for Deli's high-performance range.

Filter Specification	Efficiency @ MPPS	Initial ΔP (at 200 m³/h)	Energy Class
H13 Low-Resistance (Deli)	99.97%	110 Pa	A+
H13 Standard pleat	99.95%	180 Pa	B
H14 Standard pleat	99.995%	195 Pa	C

Typical values per industry benchmarks. Actual performance may vary by custom dimensions and media weight.

6. Low-Resistance HEPA Technology: The Deli Advantage

At Nantong Deli Purification Equipment Co., Ltd., we have focused our R&D on breaking the link between high efficiency and high pressure drop. Our low resistance HEPA H13 filters achieve 20-40% lower ΔP compared to conventional designs.

We achieve this through:

• Bi-layer Gradient Media: Combining a pre-filter layer and a high-efficiency layer in a single sheet.
• Increased Pleat Count: Utilizing precision pleating machinery to maximize the active filtration area without increasing the frame size.
• Patent-backed Design: Our specialized hot-melt separator geometry (protected by over 4 patents) ensures uniform airflow across the entire media surface.

7. EN 1822 vs ISO 16890 vs ASHRAE 52.2

While EN 1822 is the standard for HEPA, it is often useful to see how it maps to general ventilation standards like ISO 16890 and MERV (ASHRAE 52.2).

EN 1822 Class	ISO 16890 Equivalent	MERV Rating (Approx)
H10 / H11	ISO ePM1 > 95%	MERV 16
H13	N/A (Beyond ISO 16890)	MERV 17-18
H14	N/A (Beyond ISO 16890)	MERV 19-20

8. Deli HEPA Manufacturing Range & OEM Support

Since 1993, Nantong Deli has been a pioneer in air filtration. Our facility is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified, ensuring that every H13 and H14 filter we ship meets the rigorous demands of EN 1822.

• Custom Dimensions: We can manufacture filters in any size for HVAC units, air purifiers, and FFU modules.
• Fast Prototyping: Free samples for qualified OEM projects in as little as 7 days.
• Global Logistics: Experienced in shipping to 50+ countries with full test report documentation.

Ready to upgrade your system efficiency? Learn more about our Low-Resistance HEPA Filter line.