Fine dust filters are central components for clean working air on construction sites and in factory halls, especially where concrete, stone, or steel is processed and broken down. When using concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitting devices, combination shears, or Multi Cutters, different amounts of dust are generated depending on the method—from coarse particles to respirable fine fractions. Targeted filtration technology reduces exposure to respirable crystalline silica, PM10 and PM2.5, protects employees and sensitive environments, and supports predictable, disruption-free work in concrete demolition and deconstruction, in building gutting, in rock excavation and tunnel construction, in natural stone extraction, and in special operations.
Definition: What is meant by fine dust filter
A fine dust filter is a technical component that separates airborne particles in the range of approximately 0.1 to 10 micrometers from an airstream. These include, among others, mineral dusts (e.g., silica-containing concrete and rock dust), metal dusts, and other suspended particles. Fine dust filters are used in air purifiers, negative pressure units, extraction systems, and industrial vacuum cleaners as well as exhaust particulate filters on combustion engines. In deconstruction settings, multi-stage systems consisting of pre-filters and HEPA filters (e.g., HEPA) are often used to reliably capture high dust loads from concrete and masonry processing.
How it works and filter types
Separation takes place through an interplay of physical mechanisms: inertial impaction and interception for larger particles, diffusion (Brownian motion) for ultrafine particles, and the sieving effect in fiber media. Modern fine dust filters are predominantly mechanical depth filters, sometimes with electrostatic support. In dust-intensive applications of concrete demolition, multi-stage systems are preferred: robust pre-filters capture coarse loads, followed by highly effective HEPA filters handling the fine fraction.
Multi-stage concepts from pre-separation to HEPA filtration
In practice, pre-filters with high dust holding capacity ahead of a HEPA filter (e.g., classes H13/H14) are proven. Additionally, activated carbon mats can reduce odors or gas fractions if required. A tight, leak-proof enclosure of the filter medium and reliable sealing in the device mount are crucial to avoid bypasses.
Standards and classifications
For HEPA filters, classes according to EN 1822 are established (e.g., H13/H14), while ISO 16890 (e.g., ePM1, ePM2.5) applies to general supply air filters. Dust extractors and industrial vacuum cleaners are often selected according to dust classes L/M/H (including EN 60335-2-69). The specific selection depends on dust type, exposure risk, and process control and should follow recognized best practices.
Importance on the construction site: concrete demolition, building gutting, and rock excavation
Processing concrete, natural stone, or masonry generates finely dispersed particles, sometimes with silica content. In concrete demolition and special demolition as well as during building gutting and cutting, fine dust filters for extraction systems, air purifiers, and negative pressure containment are essential. In enclosed spaces, during tunnel works, or in sensitive existing buildings, they support protective measures and reduce secondary contamination.
Relation to concrete demolition shears
Crushing concrete with concrete demolition shears generates fracture dust at the crack line and during material handling. Effective measures include source-capture hoods and flexible capture elements at the points of operation, combined with HEPA-backed dust extractors. Indoors, room air is additionally routed through negative pressure units with HEPA filters to ensure directed airflow and clean air discharge.
Relation to stone and concrete splitting devices
Hydraulic splitting typically produces less freely released fine dust compared to percussive methods. If dust is generated during pre-drilling of wedge holes or during secondary breaking, extraction with suitable filters is advisable. In natural stone extraction and in rock demolition and tunnel construction, mobile air purifiers with fine dust filters help keep environmental burdens low in work zones.
Fine dust filters on hydraulic power packs
Where combustion engines are used to drive hydraulic power units, exhaust particulate filters (diesel particulate filters) can reduce soot and fine dust emissions. Crucial factors are proper sizing for the engine, monitored exhaust backpressure, and controlled regeneration. Indoors, in shafts, or in tunnels, the combination of low-emission drives, exhaust particulate filters, and effective room air filtration is particularly relevant. Electrically powered units avoid exhaust fine dust but still require dust management for material-related particles from the demolition processes.
Exhaust particulate filters and room air filters – two application fields
Exhaust particulate filters capture particles in the engine’s exhaust stream, while HEPA-backed systems clean ambient air of mineral dusts. In complex projects, both approaches are combined to address sources and surroundings simultaneously.
Selection criteria for fine dust filters in deconstruction
Selection is based on dust type, process, air volume flow, and construction environment. Key factors:
- Particle collective: PM10/PM2.5, respirable crystalline silica, metal and mixed dusts
- Filter class and collection efficiency (e.g., H13/H14 for fine particles in sensitive areas)
- Airflow capacity and permissible pressure drop of the overall system
- Dust holding capacity and service life under high dust load
- Tightness of the device mount, sealing edges, and service-friendly, low-dust replacement concepts
- Moisture and temperature resistance (water mist, wet cutting, winter construction sites)
- Compatibility with source-capture elements on concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitting devices
- Availability of differential pressure or saturation indicators for condition monitoring
Best practice: planning, application, and maintenance
An effective concept combines source capture, airflow management, filtration technology, and safe work procedures. The process begins with an assessment of material, method, and room geometry and relies on measurable, documentable measures.
Source capture
Direct extraction hoods, flexible suction nozzles, or protected work windows reduce emissions directly at the point of generation. For concrete demolition shears, pickup points close to the fracture line are effective; for cutting and separation operations, tool guards with suction nozzles help. Water mist can bind particles but must not soak the filters—pre-separators or suitable pre-filters protect the HEPA filter.
Negative pressure and room air cleaning
Negative pressure units with H-class filter extract contaminated air in a targeted manner and create directed airflows. Mobile air purifiers complement source control and stabilize the overall level. Sizing is based on room size, process intensity, and control measurements. Air outlets are positioned to prevent any return flow into work or protected areas.
Maintenance, replacement intervals, and disposal
Filters are replaced based on differential pressure, visual inspection, and process load. Low-dust replacement methods (e.g., sealable frames, bag-in/bag-out) minimize secondary emissions. Used filters must be packed, labeled, and properly disposed of according to their contamination. Personal protective equipment (e.g., appropriate respiratory protection) is mandatory during service.
Occupational safety and health
Respirable dusts can burden the respiratory tract; silica-containing fine dusts are considered particularly critical. Protection concepts combine technical, organizational, and personal measures. Legal requirements differ by country and project; they should generally be observed and implemented in operating instructions.
- Minimize emissions at the source (extraction, water mist, suitable methods)
- Direct airflow (negative pressure containment, filtered air discharge)
- Use effective fine dust filters (matched to the process and room size)
- Monitor and document (e.g., differential pressure, visible dust, spot measurements)
- Provide and use protective clothing and respiratory protection
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
- Unsuitable filter class for respirable crystalline silica: ensure high collection efficiency in sensitive applications
- Leaks at sealing edges or poorly mounted filter frames: leads to bypass flows
- Air volume flow too low: insufficient to capture emissions
- Neglected pre-filters: drastically reduce the service life of the HEPA filter
- Wet or sludge-clogged filters due to uncontrolled water mist: use pre-separators and splash-protected pre-filters
- Dry cleaning by blowing out with compressed air: resuspends fine dust—avoid
- Use of unsuitable household devices: observe required dust classes and tightness
Sustainability and resource conservation
Optimized pre-filtration extends service life and reduces waste volumes. Properly sized systems operate energy-efficiently because pressure drop remains limited. Targeted airflow management avoids overflows and thus unnecessary air changes. Careful disposal of used filters contributes to environmental protection.
Practical relevance to products and areas of application
In concrete demolition and special demolition, fine dust filters support extraction systems on concrete demolition shears and concrete cutting technology. During building gutting and cutting, the combination of source capture and negative pressure containment in rooms is proven. In rock excavation and tunnel construction, mobile air purifiers with H-class filters help stabilize background concentrations. In natural stone extraction, splitting with stone and concrete splitting devices can be low-dust; during drilling, cutting, and loading, filtration systems ensure clean processes. In special operations—for example, in sensitive existing buildings or in areas with ongoing operations—tight enclosures and highly effective HEPA filters are essential. Even when using combination shears, steel shears, Multi Cutters, or tank cutters, fine dust can be generated depending on the material processing, which should be captured and reliably retained by appropriate filtration technology.