AAF Astrocel I HTP is a high temperature HEPA filter designed for dry heat sterilization and other critical high temperature processes. It is made of stainless steel and has a maximum continuous operating temperature of 350°C, with a maximum peak temperature resistance of 400°C for 1 hour. The Astrocel I HTP is available in two executions: a horizontal mount version and a vertical mount version. It comes with an optional single or double sided gasket to create a seal between the filter and the mounting frame.
AAF Astrocel I HTP is a high temperature HEPA filter designed for dry heat sterilization and other critical high temperature processes. It is made of stainless steel and has a maximum continuous operating temperature of 350°C, with a maximum peak temperature resistance of 400°C for 1 hour. The Astrocel I HTP is available in two executions: a horizontal mount version and a vertical mount version. It comes with an optional single or double sided gasket to create a seal between the filter and the mounting frame.
TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
AstroCel® I HTP
High temperature HEPA filter
User manual
2
TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
User manual
1. General introduction
Thank you for your trust in the AstroCel® I HTP high temperature HEPA filter from AAF, meant for dry heat sterilization and
other critical high temperature processes. To make the best use of your AstroCel I HTP we recommend you to carefully follow
the steps described in this manual.
For technical product details, please refer to AAF’s technical documentation. In case of further questions please contact your
local AAF representative.
! Please note that high temperature HEPA filters are to be handled with care
Improper handling while mounting, installing, cleaning and revalidating may result in damage to the filter and degradation of
its performance. This can influence the quality of the output of your dry heat sterilization process.
EN
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
2. Receipt of goods and internal transportation
a. Receipt of goods
Upon the receipt of your AstroCel I HTP filter, please check if all packaging and products are undamaged from
delivery upon receipt of the filter element.
AAF ships its products from its plants in virgin packaging materials. Damaged packaging indicates rough handling
during transportation and may result in degradation of the products performance.
AAF International B.V. does not warrant any product deviations or damage to products after receipt by the
customer. For detailed information and further storage recommendations, please refer to the AAF document
“Recommendations for Filter Storage”.
Please contact your local AAF representative if the outer packaging of your AstroCel I HTP filter is damaged.
b. Internal transportation
When transporting AstroCel I HTP filter, check what the upright position is for transportation. This is indicated on
the packaging by means of a “This Way Up” sign. Do not transport the product in a different way as this may result
in damage to the filter media or sealing material and may result in degradation of the product’s performance.
Hold the packaging firmly with both hands when lifting and moving the products.
When placing the products on a surface such as a floor, do this in a gentle way. Dropping the products on a floor or
other surface may result in damage to the filter media or sealing material and may result in degradation of the
product’s performance. If the product was subjected to a high impact, due to dropping of the product or otherwise,
open the box and confirm whether there is any damage visible on the media or sealing part.
Clearly damaged filters should not be installed in any heat sterilization equipment and should be exchanged for an
undamaged product.
Do not stack more than two cardboard boxes containing AstroCel I HTP filters on top of each other during
transportation.
Do not expose the filter or its packaging to adverse weather conditions during transportation, such as rain or snow.
Avoid transporting the AstroCel I HTP filter via unpaved roads to prevent any unnecessary exposure to vibration.
Note that the weight of the filter in dimensions 610x610x290 mm and bigger is above 20 (twenty) kilograms and
may require lifting tools depending on local health and safety regulations.
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
3. Unpacking
Illustration of the front view of the air filter:
Wear gloves when handling the AstroCel I HTP. Finger prints on the filter’s stainless steel components may result in
potentially undesired stains under high temperature.
Lift and hold the filter by its outer frame only when you handle the filter.
Remove the filter gently from its cardboard packaging and plastic wrapping and make sure not to damage the filter.
Make sure you do not touch the filter media, sealant material, separators and stays.
Do not step on the filter or subject it to high impacts such as dropping. Dropping the AstroCel I HTP on the floor or
any other surface may result in damage to the filter media or sealing material and may result in degradation of the
products performance.
4. Inspection on damages
After unpacking the AstroCel I HTP please carefully inspect the filter for any visible damages to the filter frame,
media pack, separators and sealant material such as holes, tears, deformation of the filter frame and stays.
Do not use the AstroCel I HTP in case of clear visible damage(s) or defects in the filter.
In case of clear visible damage(s), not caused by internal transportation or handling, follow your company’s
complaint procedure and contact your local AAF representative.
Frame
Stay
Media
Separator
Supporter
Sealant
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
5. Mounting of gaskets (optional)
In case you have ordered an AstroCel I HTP with a single our double sided gasket the gasket is packed separately within
the box of the AstroCel I HTP.
The gasket is not attached to the filter due to the fragile nature of the laminated glass material of which it is made. It is
to be handled with care.
Note that once the gasket is attached, it cannot be detached without damaging the gasket. Therefore, please attach the
gasket before installation according to below instructions.
Illustration of gasket in packaging:
1) Take the gasket from the AstroCel I HTP packaging in which it is enclosed.
2) As the gasket is easily broken, please handle it with care.
3) Do not subject the gasket to high impact or shocks. This may cause damage to the gasket. Damaged gaskets are not
to be used.
4) Before you peel off the release liner of the double sided tape, please put the gasket on the frame in order to confirm
its length and location where it should be attached as it cannot be detached once placed without damaging it.
5) The four pieces of gasket are to be applied in a butt joint configuration as indicated on the right.
6) See diagram on the right:
Step 1 - Attach a piece of gasket on the H (Height) side.
Step 2 - Attach two pieces of gasket on the W (Width)
side.
Step 3 - Attach the remaining piece of gasket on the
other H (Height) side.
7) Note that the pre applied double sided tape is for temporal
fixation only. Please apply the gasket when the filter is
positioned horizontally as it can easily fall off when handled
too rough.
Inner carton
Gasket (within the bag)
Craft tape
Cardboard box
H
W
2
2
1 3
Joint part of gasket (4 parts)
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
6. Installation
Before installing the AstroCel I HTP into your dry heat sterilization equipment make sure that the sealing flanges are
clean, scratch free and have not suffered from any significant heat deformation. Also check that the clamping
mechanism allows for a correct clamping according to your equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
The AstroCel I HTP comes in two executions; a horizontal mount version and a vertical mount version. Please make sure
that you have the right version for your dry heat sterilization equipment and that the product specifications match your
equipment specifications before continuing with the installation and burn-in procedure.
Always install the vertical mount execution with its separators in vertical direction.
Always install the horizontal mount execution with its separators parallel to your process direction for optimal air flow
distribution.
Always install the AstroCel I HTP following the direction of air flow as indicated on the filter. Do not install the filter in
reverse as this may damage the filter and potentially your dry heat sterilization equipment or sterilized products.
In case a gasket is used to create the seal between your equipment and the filter tighten the gasket uniformly when
installing the AstroCel I HTP into the mounting frame of your dry heat sterilization equipment.
Record the initial pressure drop at normal air flow for your equipment after the filter installation and check if this in line
with the equipment’s specifications.
Execute any relevant validation procedures prescribed by your equipment manufacturer or Quality Department.
7. Burn-in procedure
AAF’s instructions for burning-in an AAF AstroCel I HTP high temperature HEPA filter are general recommendations these
are superseded by the installation and burn-in instructions of your equipment manufacturer.
Before putting the AstroCel I HTP filter in to operation the filter must be initially burned-in to remove any potential
process distorting components, such as the binder present in the filter media, from the filter.
The maximum continuous operating temperature for the AstroCel I HTP is 350°C.
The maximum peak temperature resistance of the AstroCel I HTP is 400°C for 1h.
Do not exceed the peak temperature limit.
Increase or reduce the temperature during your process with a maximum speed of 5°C/min, or 300°C/h to allow for a
gradual heating and cooling of the filter.
The burn-in process needs to take place at the temperature settings recommended by the manufacturer of your heat
sterilization equipment. The recommended time period for the AstroCel I HTP filter is about 1 hour or until all white
smoke, generated by carbonizing of the binder which is in the filter media, has disappeared.
Note that inhalation of the white smoke generated must be avoided.
Burning-in is embrittling and weakening the stability of the filter media.
Handle a burned-in filter with utmost care. Avoid rough handling and shocks.
Rough handling and shocks will result in damaged filter media and a potentially leaking filter.
Once the filter is clamped in its operating position do not peel off the gasket until filter exchange. Repeated clamping is
weakening the gasket and facilitating leakage. In addition, be careful when removing the filter as the gasket and
carbonized tape for temporal tacking might easily detach.
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
When starting your operation after the burn-in procedure, start or stop the fan gradually to minimize particle emission
levels from the filter caused by air pressure pulses from the fan. Additional low levels of particles may be emitted from
the filter during increase or decrease of the temperature in your system. Note that the special construction of the
AstroCel I HTP minimizes particle emission levels compared to conventional high temperature HEPA filters.
Use the filter at the rated airflow level or a lower airflow level. In addition use a baffle plate to uniformly distribute the
airflow over the filter’s surface area and to avoid overloading of any area in the filter. Overloading may result in reduced
dust holding capacity and filter damage.
If you use a special gas or chemicals in the airstream which pass the filter or come into contact with the filter consult
with your local AAF representative before applying our filters.
In case of questions or lack of clarity do not hesitate to contact your local AAF representative.
AAF does not recommend to remove, re-install and re-use burnt-in filters as this may damage the filter media and
sealant material.
8. Filter exchange
Prepare for filter exchange of your AstroCel I HTP when the filter reaches close to its final pressure drop of 500 Pascal or
earlier if required by your equipment manufacturer or Quality Department.
Life time of the AstroCel I HTP filter depends on the conditions of use and the environment in which it is used.
If the dust holding capacity of the filter decreases or other unforeseen issues with the filter are revealed, please
exchange the filter as soon as possible.
For removal of the AstroCel I HTP from your equipment, follow your equipment manufacturer’s procedures.
For installation of new filters repeat steps 3 to 7 of this installation manual.
9. Filter disposal
The disposal of used filters is to be conducted according to your company’s procedures for contaminated filter disposal
taking into account the applicable local regulations for chemical- or industrial waste disposal.
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TC_301_EN_052014 © AAF International B.V.
10. AAF contact details EMEA region
AAF office
Telephone
Fax
Austria and Eastern Europe
+43 2236 677 628
+43 2236 677 628-1
Belgium and Luxembourg
+32 24 26 54 51
+32 24 26 74 15
Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden
+35 81 02 29 07 00
+35 81 02 29 07 20
France
+33 14 39 84 223
+33 15 86 41 142
Germany
+49 208 828 423-0
+49 208 828 423-23
Great Britain and Ireland
+44 16 70 71 34 77
+44 16 70 59 02 62
Greece
+30 21 06 63 20 15
+30 21 06 63 51 09
Italy
+39 31 35 25 311
+39 31 35 25 333
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
+96 61 26 51 116
+96 61 26 50 005
Spain and Portugal
+34 91 66 24 866
+34 91 66 24 275
The Netherlands
+31 59 16 64 466
+31 59 16 64 477
Turkey
+90 21 64 49 51 64
+90 21 64 49 51 50
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
+97 14 33 97 688
+97 14 33 97 881
For the latest contact information please visit: aafeurope.com
11. Disclaimer
This document contains the AAF user manual for the AstroCel I HTP air filter which is always superseded by the installation
and burn-in instructions of the equipment manufacturer. The recommended user instructions are drawn up by way of
information only and does not constitute an offer binding upon AAF. AAF has compiled the contents to the best of its
knowledge. No express or implied warranty is given for the completeness, accuracy, reliability or fitness for particular
purpose of its content and the products and services presented therein. Prior to ordering, always contact AAF for the latest
information and specification. AAF explicitly rejects any liability for any direct or indirect damage, in the broadest sense,
arising from or related to the use and/or interpretation of this user manual.
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AAF Astrocel I HTP is a high temperature HEPA filter designed for dry heat sterilization and other critical high temperature processes. It is made of stainless steel and has a maximum continuous operating temperature of 350°C, with a maximum peak temperature resistance of 400°C for 1 hour. The Astrocel I HTP is available in two executions: a horizontal mount version and a vertical mount version. It comes with an optional single or double sided gasket to create a seal between the filter and the mounting frame.
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