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The primary purpose of using automotive engine and interior air filtration systems is to reduce the airborne contaminant level entering the engine and passenger compartment. However, the reasons for using such systems are different. The engine air filter should protect the engine from potentially abrasive contaminants causing engine wear. On the other hand, a well designed interior air filter can reduce the concentration of respirable particles, especially allergens, while increasing passenger comfort. The performance of engine and cabin air filters is evaluated by measuring filtration characteristics according to SAE J726 and J1669 standards respectively. To achieve the maximum performance of the filtration system under real conditions, the definition of filter performance must be closely related to the application of the filter. In this paper, standards and filtration characteristics for both applications will be investigated.

The primary goals of vehicle cabin air filtration are to improve air quality in the passenger compartment, protect the HVAC components from contaminants, and to increase car interior cleanliness. In order to accomplish these goals, cabin air filters must have suitable performance characteristics, including filtration efficiency and pressure drop. Filter performance was measured after operation in two geographical regions. The field test results show that after approximately 24,000 km, filters tested in Arizona trapped over three times more particulate matter than filters tested in Alabama. The pressure drop and efficiency results from filters loaded in a laboratory with various test dusts were compared to the results from the field loaded filters. The comparison showed that filters loaded with SAE Fine dust best reflect the actual pressure drop with both the Alabama and Arizona field tested filters.