In commercial vehicles, there is less and less space available for components such as air filters and air intake systems.
The installation space is further restricted by the increasingly compact design of vehicles, comfort components and exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems. It is likely that legal requirements will also influence vehicle design and thus installation space in the future. MANN+HUMMEL develops customisable air filter concepts in order to ensure optimum utilisation of the restricted space available.
In addition to its classic round filters, MANN+HUMMEL also offers the EXALIFE and VarioPleat series as two innovative air filter system concepts. These provide a number of alternative installation positions even in applications with restricted installation space.
The oval, cone-shaped air filter elements of the EXALIFE series are predestined for installation in narrow and flat spaces. They are suitable for installation behind the cab, for example, or assembly above the engine under the long bonnets typical of American trucks. EXALIFE filters are also characterised by a significantly lower pressure loss in comparison with air filters with axial air flow used in such applications. The reliable radial sealing concept familiar from round filters is a great advantage of this filter type. MANN+HUMMEL has production capacities for this filter variant worldwide. A safety element is optionally available.
The filtration specialist took a large step forwards with its innovative VarioPleat air filter concept. Using a globally unique production technology, pleat heights of up to 300 mm can be realised. Because the individual pleats can be dimensioned with different heights, the filter element can be ideally adapted to the available space and contours, e.g. on the wheel arch. Both gradual transitions and pleat steps are possible. In terms of its adaptability to the relevant installation space, VarioPleat therefore surpasses everything that was previously believed to be technically feasible on the market. Compared with current concepts with axial air flow, the VarioPleat concept achieves a considerably lower pressure loss.
In comparison with VarioPleat filters, classic round filters with a star-pleated filter element require more space for installation and service, but are still characterised by a high dust holding capacity and a very low pressure loss. The result is higher efficiency and lower engine fuel consumption. A further advantage is the possibility of designing the air filter as a Piclon air filter with integrated dust pre-separator. While Pico air filters without dust pre-separation are typically used in Europe, Piclon air filters are used as standard for applications with high dust loads, e.g. in China, India, Africa or Brazil.
Depending on region or country, urea tanks for emission control or other elements increasingly now occupy the traditional position of the air filter behind the cab. MANN+HUMMEL is therefore showing alternatives to the previously conventional position behind the cab: at the MANN+HUMMEL stand at the IAA, visitors can see a special presenter which shows a vertical Piclon air filter in front of the wheel as well as the VarioPleat and EXALIFE concepts. Filter installation on the chassis is also possible.