Comfortable climate in the cabin
Press release [PDF; 39 KB]
Press release [RTF; 40 KB]
Arnd Franz Zip file [150 dpi RGB] Zip file [300 dpi CMYK] | Cabin air filter LA43 Zip file [150 dpi RGB] Zip file [300 dpi CMYK] |
Cabin air filter production
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Air conditioning has become a standard feature in new commercial vehicles. But care is required: A clogged cabin air filter can damage the air conditioning system. Therefore, the recommended replacement interval of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers must be strictly adhered to. For a truck that covers 250,000 kilometers per year, that translates to changing the cabin air filter at least every three weeks. For extremely dusty conditions, MAHLE has developed a filter that can even be tapped out for cleaning purposes.
Cabin air filters are not just a bonus for comfort. Without such filters, drivers would face pollutant levels six times higher than those measured at the side of the road. Particle and combination filters from MAHLE Filter and Knecht reliably absorb exhaust gases, ozone, any toxic fumes, diesel soot, pollen, and noxious odors.
Arnd Franz, General Manager of MAHLE Aftermarket, puts it more precisely: "Our cabin air particulate filters reliably protect truck drivers and operators of agricul-tural and building machines from fine particulates, pollen, and other respirable particles. Furthermore, filters with supplemental activated carbon layers absorb odors, fumes, and up to 99 percent of ozone." The high efficiency of activated carbon granulate is due to its tremendous surface area. A filter with about 200 grams of activated carbon boasts a filter surface of almost 100 soccer fields!
The cabin air filter is typically installed in front of the heating and air conditioning system. Polluted outside air is cleaned before it is blown into the cabin interior. If the filter is working properly, this can amount up to 150 liters of air per minute. With a clogged filter, the air volume—despite increased blower power—drops significantly, and the cabin air quality suffers.
When commercial vehicles are operated in extremely dusty areas—such as large construction sites—the cabin air filters have to capture huge amounts of small and large particles. The dust holding capacity can then be exhausted within a few hours, disrupting the operation of the ventilation system. In order to avoid the expense of several filter changes each day, MAHLE came up with something special: a filter that the driver can simply clean himself.
The LA43 cabin air filter developed by MAHLE, for example, can be cleaned up to 80 times. Only after that period does its performance potentially start to decline. Gently blowing it out with compressed air from the clean side is the optimal method of cleaning. If compressed air is not available, it can be tapped out mechanically. The next cleaning, however, should then be performed with compressed air.
The LA43 filter insert is already used as original equipment in Mercedes-Benz Actros and Actros II construction site vehicles. It has aluminum strips on the sides. A fin on the end pleat of the fleece and a foam seal all around the edge guarantee optimal sealing. A stainless steel mesh on both sides protects the synthetic filter fleece, which can absorb a much higher volume of dust than is typical.
For further information:
MAHLE Aftermarket GmbH
Andrea Arnold
Corporate Communications
Pragstraße 26—46
70376 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 711/501-13124
Fax: +49 (0) 711/501-13700
andrea.arnold@mahle.com
