AAF International Debuts BioShield VXL High Flow: MERV 16 Filtration for Poultry and Swine Houses

AAF International introduced the BioShield VXL High Flow, a 12-inch V-bank air filter built to provide MERV 16 filtration efficiency while maintaining higher airflow for poultry and swine operations. The filter targets facilities that must balance high-efficiency filtration with ventilation needs in both new animal housing and retrofit projects.

Why this matters for livestock operations

Airborne pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in swine and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in poultry have increased demand for effective filtration in animal housing. High-efficiency filters can reduce airborne transmission risk but often increase resistance and reduce airflow. AAF designed the BioShield VXL High Flow to lower that trade-off.

• Filtration rating: Meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2 MERV 16/16A.
• Form factor: 12-inch V-bank filter containing 200 square feet of media.
• Airflow rating: 984 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 0.15 inches water gauge.
• Comparative airflow: 15 percent higher airflow than standard MERV 16 V-bank filters due to lower pressure drop.

For new construction, the filter's lower system resistance helps engineers meet ventilation requirements without increasing fan power or expanding filtration footprint. That can reduce the number of filters needed and the overall filtration area.

For existing facilities, the high-flow design is intended to allow operators to upgrade to MERV 16 efficiency without replacing ventilation equipment or losing airflow. Reduced system resistance enables existing fans and ducts to move more air through animal housing.

AAF reports the BioShield VXL High Flow is lighter than traditional 12-inch-deep, box-style ASHRAE and HEPA-grade filters that use metal cell sides. The filter is fully incinerable. Those characteristics can lower handling effort, transportation costs, and installation labor compared with heavier, metal-sided box filters.

Use cases and buying considerations

• New barns: Use the lower-resistance filter to meet ventilation targets while potentially reducing fan power and the filtration footprint.
• Retrofits: Upgrade filtration efficiency in legacy ventilation systems without major mechanical changes.
• Biosecurity planning: Select when airborne pathogen control is a priority alongside adequate ventilation.

Food Safety Magazine's announcement summarizes AAF International's product launch and the stated motivations behind it, focusing on balancing efficiency and airflow for animal agriculture biosecurity.

Practical next steps for facility teams

• Confirm compatibility of the 984 CFM rating and pressure-drop characteristics with your existing fans and ductwork.
• Evaluate whether the reduced system resistance can lower the number of filters or fan horsepower in new designs.
• Consider handling and disposal processes in facility logistics given the filter is lighter and fully incinerable.

AAF International provides product details and ordering information on its website.