Air cleaner filters are common devices used to clean and purify the air. They are commonly used to where there is need to recycle air. Their most popular use includes the removal of solid particles from the air so as to purify and clean the air. Air filters can clean the air of harmful microbes and bacteria as well as pollen mould and dust leaving the air cleaner and fresher.

Gas turbine engines especially need air cleaner filters as cleaner air makes them significantly more efficient.

Different systems and methods are used to remove harmful particles from the air. One of the popular methods employed is the use of fiber elements imbedded in the air filter. As air passes through dust and particles stick to the fiber and only clean air passes through.

There exist yet other intricate techniques such as the use of static electric charge. This method uses static electrical current to attract particles and dust from the air thus filtering the air. In the past there was also the use of oil bath filters but modernization and improved technology have made this redundant.

There have been many significant improvements in air cleaner filter technology due to advancement in fluid sciences. These filters are most important in gas turbines and in air conditions that help to preserve the human health. Paper foam and cotton filters are also most commonly used in the air cleaner filters. These air filters should be cleaned or changed at regular periods of time to ensure the optimum performance of the engine.

There is much research done on the flammability of the air filters. These air filters are classified into class one and class two types based on their flammability. The class 1 filters do not become fuel when they are exposed to flame. This means they produce only negligible amount of smoke when they are burnt. The class 2 filters however become ready fuel when exposed to the flame. These produce moderate amounts of smoke while burning.

Air filter come in shapes and sizes matching the air flow area. As they work to clean the air they easily get clogged with dirt from the air. They thus need regular cleaning and changing. This clogging reduces the efficiency of the air filters, causes impure air to pas through and reduces air flow.

For an engine this could mean serious drop in the performance of the engine. The size of the air filter also depends on the passage of air. There are different applications of the air filters but the most common application would be in internal combustion engines, gas turbines and air conditioners for both cars and rooms.

Paper is a cost effective air filter material and thus commonly used for air cleaner filters in cars. They are also very efficient and very easy to replace. Another air filter material used as automobile air filters are oil wetted foam elements. Foam was a popular common air filter material used in many applications before the advancement in air cleaning technology.