Primary filters
Illustrated Guide to Ventilation (BG 2/2009), compiled by Kevin Pennycook and published by BSRIA in 2009, states : ‘Primary filters (Grade G1 to G4) have an average arrestance ranging from 50 – 90%. Average arrestance is the amount of dust retained as a percentage of the total load (a ratio). Primary filters can arrest particles down to 5 um but have a minimal effect on particles below 1 μm. Air velocity through primary filters is an average of 2 m/s, and the pressure drop rises from 10-60 Pa when clean to 125-250 Pa when dirty. These filters can be permanent and cleanable (made of foam or metal mesh) or disposable (made of a glass or synthetic media). Primary filters are mainly used to protect ventilation and air conditioning equipment (if building use does not require filtered air), or as pre-filters to extend the operating life of fine filters installed further downstream.’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.

















