Testing Automotive Interior Air Filters: A Comparison of SAE and DIN Standards

The quantification of automotive interior air filter performance can involve several laboratory tests including pressure drop, efficiency, dust holding capacity and a variety of physical properties of the filters. Since cabin air filtration is one of the fastest growing global automotive filter markets, the need for a reliable test procedure has become critical.

The SAE J1699 and DIN 71460 test procedures describe the measurement of filter performance characteristics; however, the recommended test stand design, instrumentation and challenge aerosol are not the same. This paper presents the results of an examination of the differences between both standards and their influence on measured filter performance characteristics. The accurate determination of filter performance can be achieved when the sources of test variability are controlled and minimized. The critical components that contribute to variability of both tests are identified and recommendations are made on how to control them. These recommendations should help to develop the standardization of the cabin air filter test methods.