A powered filtration system designed to protect operators from harmful particulates and extend HVAC service intervals on machines with enclosed cabs has been introduced by Red Dot Corp. www.reddotcorp.com Applications include construction, military, crash/fire/rescue, refuse, mining, and other severe-service operations. 
 
The lightweight system (11 lb) draws debris-laden air into a pre-cleaner where the largest particles are removed and discharged back into the environment. Smaller particles are then captured using one of two filtration options: a high-capacity filter which provides a general level of protection, or a high-efficiency filter that can capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. The latter option delivers High Efficiency Particulate Arresting or HEPA-level filtration.
 
The air that passes through the pre-cleaner and filter media can be used to pressurize the cab and prevent dirty air from blowing back into the re-circulation filter and into the cab vent.
 
Dust and other particulates are leading causes of premature HVAC component failure, especially the evaporator, which is responsible for absorbing heat in the cab and moving it outside. Protecting the evaporator coils, says Red Dot, promotes better HVAC performance and uptime.
 
Older filtration technologies draw large quantities of dirty air over the filter, according to Red Dot, whereas its new system removes particles from the air before it reaches the filter. That’s said to prolong service life, meaning a possible return on investment of less than a year.

It’s available for both OE and aftermarket applications.