HEPA Panel Recirculation Filter

Reduce Decay Time and Protect Operators

Image shows a return air filter for Caterpillar 374F

HEPA Panel Recirculation Filter

Reduce Decay Time and Protect Operators

Designed to integrate directly with the cabin’s air recirculation system, the HEPA Return Air Filter captures more than 99.95% of particles at 0.3 microns, effectively removing fine dust and airborne contaminants.

Housed in a durable metal casing with a protective screen and sealing foam, it ensures clean cabin air, extended filter life, and protects the HVAC system from contamination.

Wide Range of Options to Fit OEM Design

Applications

Operator Cabin Pressurisation

Electrical Enclosure Pressurisation

Gallery

Features

Hover over the images to play the videos

HEPA H13 Filtration

Removing 99.95% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns, ensuring clean recirculation air.

Reduce Decay Time and Downtime

Quickly remove fine dust after door openings, reducing operator exposure and unplanned downtime.

Custom Assembly Kit

Durable custom aluminium housing with protective screen and sealing foam for secure installation.

Specification

Wide range of options built to fit various OEM designs. Common configurations shown below.

Parameter Value
Part Number500026
Length407 mm
Width177 mm
Height49 mm
Compatible withKomatsu 930E,
Caterpillar 992/995NG, 60XX, 6040, 6060, 6090
Epiroc DML and more
Parameter Value
Part Number500014
Length280 mm
Width250 mm
Height31 mm
Compatible withKomatsu WA900-3, WA600-8, HM400-5, WA500-6 and more
Parameter Value
Part Number500016
Length285 mm
Width165 mm
Height31 mm
Compatible withKomatsu HD785-7, HD605-7, WA470-8
Caterpillar 924K, 930K, 938K, 948K, 930M and more
Parameter Value
Part Number500011
Length270 mm
Width250 mm
Height51 mm
Compatible withCaterpillar 789, 793, 854K, 992K, 993K, 994K
Hitachi EH4000/5000-3 and more
Parameter Value
Part Number500028
Length485 mm
Width180 mm
Height56 mm
Compatible withLiebherr R9400, R9800, Epiroc PV271, Komatsu HM300-2 and more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a HEPA panel recirculation filter and why is it needed?

A HEPA panel recirculation filter (or return air filter) is a high-efficiency filter used within an air recirculation system to continuously filter air in pressurisation systems across different applications.

In an operator cabin pressurisation system, the HEPA panel filter is installed inside the cabin as part of the cabin air filtration system. It removes respirable silica dust, fine particulate (PM2.5), and airborne contaminants that are already present inside the cabin due to operator movement, door openings, and leaks.

In an electrical enclosure pressurisation system, HEPA panel filters are used at the enclosure outlet to prevent dust ingress when the system is not operating, protecting sensitive electrical components from contamination.

A HEPA panel recirculation filter is needed to:

  • Maintain consistent cabin air quality in industrial environments
  • Reduce internal dust buildup over time
  • Protect the HVAC system from dust loading and premature failure
  • Prevent contamination of critical components and airflow pathways

By combining HEPA filtration with an air recirculation system, panel filters support both operator protection and equipment reliability.

How does a HEPA recirculation filter work?

A HEPA recirculation filter works with the OEM evaporator fan by continuously drawing cabin air through a HEPA filter panel and returning clean air into the cabin. This creates a constant internal filtration airflow that continuously scrubs the cabin air.

This process reduces the concentration of respirable silica dust, PM2.5, diesel particulate, and airborne contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.

Unlike fresh air filtration, which treats incoming air, a recirculation filter focuses on cleaning the air already inside the cabin. This is essential because contaminants can still enter through operator activity, door openings, and system leakage.

By continuously filtering and recirculating air, the system can significantly reduce the decay time of airborne particles, allowing the cabin to return to safe air quality levels more quickly after contamination events.

Reducing decay time is a key performance factor under ISO 23875, where maintaining low particle concentration and rapid recovery of cabin air quality is critical for effective operator protection.

What particles can a HEPA recirculation filter remove?

A HEPA recirculation filter used in an air recirculation system is highly effective at removing a wide range of fine and hazardous airborne particles, including:

  • Respirable silica dust
  • Coal dust and mineral dust
  • Diesel particulate matter (DPM)
  • Fine particulate (PM2.5)
  • Airborne contaminants and nuisance dust

These particles can still accumulate inside the cabin even when a cabin pressurisation system is in use. Dust can be introduced through operator clothing, entering and exiting the cabin, door openings, leaks, or an unclosed window.

A HEPA recirculation filter continuously cleans the internal air, helping maintain consistent cabin air quality and reducing the buildup of harmful airborne particles over time.

How often do I need to replace HEPA panel recirculation filters?

The replacement interval for a HEPA panel recirculation filter depends on operating conditions, dust levels, and usage. In high-dust environments such as mining, filters may load faster and require more frequent replacement.

As a general guideline, follow your site’s maintenance recommendations or replace the filter at approximately 500 operating hours, as recommended by BreatheSafe.

Regular replacement is critical to maintain:

  • Effective HEPA filtration performance
  • Proper airflow within the air recirculation system
  • Consistent cabin air quality and protection against respirable silica dust and airborne contaminants

Monitoring filter condition and system performance will help ensure the filter is replaced at the correct interval.

Do I need a recirculation filter if I already have a pressuriser?

A cabin pressurisation system prevents dust and contaminants from entering the cabin, but it does not remove airborne particles already inside.

A HEPA recirculation filter, used within an air recirculation system, works alongside the pressuriser to continuously clean the internal air. It helps to:

  • Continuously scrub and filter cabin air using HEPA filtration
  • Reduce particle buildup from silica dust, PM2.5, and airborne contaminants
  • Reduce cabin decay time, allowing air quality to recover faster after contamination events
  • Maintain consistent cabin air quality in industrial environments

Both a HEPA pressuriser and a HEPA air recirculation system are required to achieve optimal operator protection and maintain effective cabin air filtration performance.

Video Support

Best Cabin Filtration System Setup

Why you need HEPA Return Air Filter 

BreatheSafe System Explanation

Related Products

High-Pressure HEPA Pressuriser

Air Quality Controllers

Powered Recirculation Filter