How to Choose a Dedicated Filter for an MAU System: Your First Line of Defense for Clean Air Conditioning
In cleanrooms and high-purity production environments, air quality control is absolutely critical. The MAU (Make-Up Air Unit) is an indispensable component within the entire HVAC filtration chain. As the first line of defense in the air-intake system, the filters installed in the MAU directly influence the performance and stability of downstream equipment such as FFUs (Fan Filter Units) and the clean zones they support.
What is an MAU, and why is its filter configuration so important?
An MAU is responsible for drawing in fresh outdoor air and performing initial filtration as well as pre-cooling or heating. It is widely used in:
- Semiconductor fabs
- Pharmaceutical plants and aseptic production areas
- Precision optics, biotechnology, and medical device manufacturing
Compared with general HVAC systems, MAUs must handle higher airflow volumes and greater risks of incoming contaminants. As a result, the selection of MAU filters directly determines the cleanliness efficiency, maintenance cycle, and energy consumption of the entire cleanroom HVAC system.
Recommended Filter Configuration for MAU Systems
| Filter Type | Recommended Grade | Installation Location | Function Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Filter (G4–MERV 8) | High-dust-holding pleated filter with paper or metal frame | First stage at MAU air-intake | Captures large particles, pollen, insects, and coarse dust; protects the lifespan of downstream filters |
| Medium Filter (MERV 9–13) | High-airflow bag filter or V-bank filter | Inside MAU / secondary filtration stage | Effectively removes suspended particulates, some bacteria, and oil mist particles |
| High-Efficiency HEPA Filter (MERV 17–19 / H13–H14) | Optional configuration | At MAU outlet for special cleanliness requirements | Provides maximum filtration efficiency to ensure clean air is delivered into critical indoor areas |
Three Key Factors in Selecting MAU Filters
1. Does the filtration efficiency meet the application requirements?
For pharmaceutical aseptic rooms and environments with ISO Class 7 or stricter requirements, we recommend MERV 13 or above in combination with HEPA filters to prevent intrusion of fine particles and pathogens.
2. How to balance resistance and energy consumption?
Hencolin’s MAU-dedicated filters are designed for high airflow, offering low initial resistance and high dust-holding capacity to effectively reduce pressure drop and overall HVAC energy use.
3. Are modular or quick-change designs supported?
Modular filter designs (e.g., 595 × 595 × 20/50/150 mm) provide excellent compatibility with various MAU dimensions and support OEM customization.
Choose the Right MAU Filter for Stable Cleanroom Air Quality
The filters used in an MAU are not just the first barrier for incoming air—they are the foundation for maintaining HVAC performance and cleanroom stability.
Choose Hencolin industrial-grade filters to ensure your cleanroom starts from a position of reliability and safety—from the very first point of air intake.
