US-based Donaldson Aerospace & Defense has received product manufacturing approval for its A330/A340 Air Purification System (APS), a system originally developed in conjunction with Boeing for the 787 Dreamliner. The APS pairs EASA-recommended HEPA filtration with advanced air purification, into a single system.
According to Donaldson, the HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of harmful contaminants down to 0.3 microns, including pollen, smoke, dust, allergens, bacteria, spores, fungus and viruses. Air purification takes the HEPA’s efficiency a step further by removing odours as well.
This air purification is achieved through a gas phase adsorption chemical filtration process that removes unpleasant and irritating odours originating inside and outside the aircraft, such as exhaust, anti-icing fluid, bleed air, perfume, cleaning agents, harsh chemicals, etc.
“With the extensive cleaning airlines are undertaking today with harsh chemicals that can affect allergies, the APS helps ensure fresh, clean air to increase passenger comfort, said Donaldson’s fixed wing director, Lars Hesbjerg.
The APS is interchangeable with the HEPA filter, and according to Donaldson has a minimal weight increase and similar change intervals compared to a standard particulate filter.
The APS is currently installed and in use on hundreds of Airbus A320s and Boeing 777s, and all Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Approval for the Boeing 777 is expected later this year.
