What is the Interfilter College?

Knowledge sharing about air filters

Air filters.. There are so many of them! What are they actually for? And how do I select the right filter? At Interfilter, we not only provide internal knowledge sessions for our employees, but we also like to share our knowledge and experience with customers. We do this through 'the InterfilterCollege'. Our colleague Jaco Meijer will tell you more about it in this interview.

What is the InterfilterCollege? 

The InterfilterCollege is a knowledge session on location, also known as a toolbox, where we discuss a number of questions with our customers:

• What is particulate matter?
• What are the dangers of particulate matter? 
• Why use an air filter?
• What is the ISO16890 standard?
• How do I select the right air filter?
• When should an air filter be replaced?
• How do I install and replace an air filter?
• Can I save energy with the right air filters?

After this knowledge session, a knowledge test follows, after which participants can obtain a personalized certificate. The result of this is complete and up-to-date knowledge about air filtration. 

What is the goal of the InterfilterCollege?

The goal of the InterfilterCollege is to provide as much knowledge as possible to everyone dealing with air filters within their organization, so that they can use this towards their own customers. Awareness of the dangers of particulate matter is also important, especially for technicians who work with it daily. For example, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of always using personal protective equipment, a face mask should never be missing.

Why do you enjoy giving this toolbox?

We are a no-nonsense and innovative company and we like to share knowledge with our customers. It is nice to see that the interest is aroused when the filter college starts and questions are raised by the participants.

Why is it so important for technicians to follow this toolbox? What mistakes do you encounter in practice?

It is a kind of refresher course for installers where they are reminded of 'what should I pay attention to when I replace filters'.

For example, what I can give as an example is; at a location there is a bag filter with a bag length of 360mm and this has been used for years. Behind this filter, there is enough space for a 600mm bag length. This is something that technicians should notice. My advice in this case would be to apply the 600mm filter because this will result in lower resistance across a filter, which is beneficial for energy consumption. The dust-holding capacity is also higher in this way, which affects the waste pile. The filter lasts longer, resulting in fewer filter changes.

How often do you give this toolbox to customers?

I am very regularly given the opportunity to give a toolbox. At the moment, there are an average of two per month, but in my opinion, there could be many more. As I mentioned earlier, we are quite innovative and we frequently introduce new products to the market that I like to explain to our customers.

How long does the InterfilterCollege last?

The college lasts about an hour in total and sometimes it runs a little longer as there is room for questions.

What questions are often asked by participants?

A frequently asked question, for example, is how one can select a filter for a particular building. In this case, there are Eurovent guidelines for that and they receive a tool that allows them to easily select the right filter. I explain all this during the college.

What are the results of the knowledge sessions?

Generally, the results are always more than sufficient, with participants being up to date on all important topics and developments regarding air filtration. Very occasionally, because the toolboxes are often given early, there may be someone who was not quite awake and does not pass the certificate.

How are the tests and certificates received by participants?

The InterfilterCollege is usually concluded with a small test, which I always mention beforehand. I notice that most participants then listen more attentively, as every participant who passes receives a nice certificate in their name. I often hear that they find the test a good way to conclude and test their acquired knowledge. A certificate in their name is also highly appreciated by everyone.

What reactions do technicians have after an InterfilterCollege?

You often hear that face masks are not used in practice. After the college, I notice that technicians think differently thanks to my explanation of the dangers of particulate matter. Technicians also find it educational and helpful to know better what to look out for during a filter change.

Are you also interested in an InterfilterCollege? Please feel free to contact your representative or me via info@interfilter.nl