NELIOR Filtration Technology for enhanced performance of critical processes

AAF has officially unveiled its proprietary NELIOR Filtration Technology. New HEPA and ULPA filters are available that are tailored to the stringent demands of the pharmaceutical and microelectronic industries. A distinctive Life Cycle Valuation program has developed for demonstrating the value potential and latest insights in the mechanical strength of air filtration media have been presented in a technical paper.

About NELIOR Filtration Technology
NELIOR Filtration Technology is based on a patented membrane air filtration media, which is developed by AAF’s engineers and is produced in one of AAF’s own manufacturing facilities. It features a superior composition and mechanical strength that give unique performance characteristics to HEPA and ULPA filtration, unmatched by any other air filtration media currently available on the market. NELIOR membrane media is composed of an evenly distributed layer of fibers with nanometer-scale diameters. NELIOR Filtration Technology provides for an up to 50% lower operating resistance in combination with an excellent overall particulate collection efficiency. Furthermore, a recently conducted research study by the renowned ÖP textile testing laboratories in Germany has shown a superior mechanical strength performance of NELIOR membrane media versus traditional air filtration media. The outcome of this research study has been presented in a technical paper for the ICCCS 2012 symposium.

The superior composition and mechanical strength are complemented by a chemical inert and hydrophobic media structure, that together result in a unique blend of benefits for the most sensitive processing areas. AAF’s HEPA and ULPA filters with NELIOR Filtration Technology provide value added through consistent air quality, improved process performance, environmental savings and beneficial Total Cost of Ownership.

HEPA and ULPA application solutions
Each individual process application is faced with its own challenges to ensure that the required air purity conditions are met for keeping output quality on a consistently high level. This means that the demands that are put on air filtration do also differ per application. AAF recognizes this and has developed new HEPA and ULPA filters, featuring NELIOR Filtration Technology, that meet the most stringent requirements of individual industries. For the pharmaceutical industry, AAF launches the VITCAcel filter and for the microelectronic industry the MEGAcel filter.

VITCAcel is available in filter classes H14 and U16 to EN1822:2009 for application in ISO 5/GMP grade A cleanrooms and adjacent areas. MEGAcel is available in filter class U16 to EN1822:2009 for application in controlled areas up to ISO 1, including highly sensitive semiconductor minienvironments.

NELIOR Life Cycle Valuation program
For demonstrating the value potential to be achieved by air filters with NELIOR Filtration Technology, AAF has developed a distinctive Life Cycle Valuation (LCV) program. The LCV approach recognizes that air filtration does not only play an important role in reducing energy consumption in buildings and manufacturing facilities, but also in optimizing the conditions for safe production of sensitive products. Both energy costs and failure risk costs are therefore included in the LCV analysis. The environmental and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings potential is calculated following a risk management approach with application specific data, of which the results are summarized in a clear, detailed customer report.

New NELIOR website
AAF has designed a new website for presenting its proprietary NELIOR Filtration Technology. The website demonstrates all the air filtration solutions and explains the value that can be achieved. A short introduction to the functionality and design of AAF's new NELIOR Life Cycle Valuation program is provided. Via the FAQ section, in-depth insights can be obtained on various themes, such as the technical characteristics, applications, and testing and validation. Visitors can also subscribe to the quarterly newsletter for staying informed on the latest developments.

The new NELIOR website is live since 3 September and can be visited on: www.nelior.com