Activated carbon filters for AHUs are an option when the application involves odors or gaseous contaminants rather than particles alone. Matching an existing frame size is only the starting point: identify the source and operating conditions before confirming the media.
1. Carbon and HEPA serve different purposes
HEPA captures airborne particles. Gas-phase filters use sorbents such as activated carbon for suitable gaseous substances. An upgraded HEPA filter therefore does not automatically solve an odor problem. See our HEPA filter guide.
The EPA air-cleaner guide explains this distinction. Its residential guidance is background information, not an industrial equipment sizing method.
2. Information to check before choosing a filter
Select gas-phase media for the target substance; ordinary activated carbon and chemically impregnated media should not be assumed interchangeable. The Camfil molecular filtration overview describes media targeting different contaminant groups. It is a general reference, not certification of VAF products.
- Source: where and when the odor occurs, chemical names and safety data sheets if available.
- System: outdoor-air or recirculation AHU, design airflow and intended filter location.
- Conditions: temperature, humidity and available gas-concentration measurements at that location.
- Installation: width × height × depth, frame type, gasket, airflow direction and service access.
- Requirements: allowable pressure drop, treatment objective and verification method after installation.
If information is missing, send photographs for an initial discussion and mark unknown fields clearly. Do not substitute a guessed concentration or airflow on an order. Have the responsible engineer confirm that an operating system can accommodate another filtration stage.
3. V-DURA Carbon in the VAF range
V-DURA Carbon is a V-bank gas-phase filter in the VAF catalogue, configured with activated or impregnated carbon media. The cover uses the existing catalogue product image. Confirm the supplied configuration for the actual application rather than assuming one medium addresses every odor.
Ask quotations to identify the model, dimensions, media and conditions attached to performance data. The label “carbon filter” alone does not establish equivalence between offers. For replacements, use our filter measurement guide before submitting dimensions.
4. Copy this quotation checklist
- Company and contact person:
- Application and odor source:
- Existing model, dimensions and quantity:
- AHU airflow and operating conditions:
- Target substance and measurements, if available:
- Delivery location and required date:
Send the details and photographs through Zalo: 0817 250 442, call +84 817 250 442 or use our Vietnam hotline 1900 8949. Alternatively, contact VAF through the website.
5. Frequently asked questions
Can HEPA replace an activated carbon filter?
No. HEPA captures particles; odors and gaseous contaminants require gas-phase media selected for the target substance.
Can I select a carbon filter by dimensions alone?
No. Confirm the target contaminant, airflow, operating conditions and allowable pressure drop before selecting the configuration.
What should I send to request advice from VAF?
Send filter and label photos, frame dimensions, quantity, AHU airflow, odor source and any available gas measurements via Zalo at 0817 250 442.
