Fire safety is a non-negotiable priority in public transportation, especially in enclosed spaces like railway vehicles where passenger safety depends on rigorous material standards. 

While the Fire Services Department has clear fire performance requirements for air filters used in commercial building ventilation and air-conditioning systems, railway vehicles demand even stricter criteria to mitigate fire risks.

The core standard governing the fire behavior of railway vehicle materials and components is EN45545-2, a European benchmark designed to protect passengers and crew by regulating material flammability, heat release, smoke emission, and toxic gas production. For air filters specifically, compliance with EN45545-2 R5 at Hazard Level 3 (HL3) is mandatory—this level of certification ensures the filter can withstand fire scenarios without exacerbating hazards, meeting the high safety thresholds for railway operations.

Nanofil has long been committed to developing air filter solutions that balance multi-scenario applicability with uncompromised fire safety and energy efficiency. Responding to the stringent demands of the railway industry, the company is set to launch its new railway-specific air filter, model RTF-MERV 13, which not only meets the rigorous EN45545-2 R5 HL3 fire safety standard but also delivers exceptional performance across multiple dimensions.

The RTF-MERV 13 filter integrates their advanced nanofibrous filter media and sophisticated pleating technology to redefine railway air filtration, boasting the following key advantages:

• MERV 13 Filtration Efficiency: Complies with ASHRAE 52.2 standards, effectively capturing fine particles and ensuring high air purification quality for enclosed railway carriages.

• Low Pressure Drop: Adopts optimized structural design and patented nanofibrous filter materials, reducing airflow resistance to minimize energy consumption of the vehicle’s ventilation system—an advantage derived from advanced nano-technology that maintains efficiency while lowering resistance.

• Long Working Life: Engineered for durability, the filter reduces replacement frequency and maintenance costs, aligning with the high operational demands of railway vehicles that require reliable components for extended service intervals.

• 99% Bacteria Removal Efficacy: Eliminates common airborne bacteria, enhancing in-carriage hygiene and reducing the spread of pathogens in densely populated passenger environments.

• Over 99% COVID-19 Omicron Variant Inactivation: Provides robust protection against viral transmission, addressing post-pandemic health concerns and reinforcing the safety of railway travel.

• Self-extinguishing filter media
• Low smoke & zero toxic emissions (no hydrogen cyanides or nitrogen oxides)
• Effective fire-spread prevention
• Minimal heat release during combustion

As railway systems worldwide prioritize both fire safety and passenger health, the RTF-MERV 13 filter fills a critical gap in the market. By adhering to the strictest fire standards while delivering superior air purification performance, Nanofil’s new product sets a new benchmark for railway air filtration—ensuring that safety, efficiency, and health protection go hand in hand for modern rail operations.