
The Oltaven washable metal primary filter mesh is a reusable pre-filter for air conditioning units and similar air-handling equipment, made from layered aluminium, stainless steel or…
FILTER MEDIA / ROLLS · SHEETS · DIE-CUT

The Oltaven washable metal primary filter mesh is a reusable pre-filter for air conditioning units and similar air-handling equipment, made from layered aluminium, stainless steel or galvanised wire mesh in a reinforced frame. It captures coarse dust and debris down to 5 μm at G1–G2 efficiency, protecting coils and downstream filters. It suits equipment owners, HVAC contractors and appliance OEMs who want low running costs and long service life, and it is manufactured by Oltaven in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.
The mesh you choose is only the starting point. A finished filter's behaviour comes from how that mesh is pleated or expanded, layered, framed and sealed. In this product, three to seven layers of wave-pattern or pleated expanded mesh are stacked in an offset pattern. That layering turns a single screen into a depth filter: particles are trapped at different levels rather than all at the surface, and the open area stays high enough to keep resistance low.
The frame does the structural work. Aluminium alloy, galvanised steel or stainless steel frames are 1.0–2.0 mm thick, with reinforced corners that hold the mesh flat under airflow. A flat mesh in a weak frame can bow and leak at the edges; a reinforced frame keeps the filter seated so air passes through the medium, not around it. Oltaven sells finished filters built this way, not rolls of mesh.
Efficiency, resistance and dust capacity are set by four choices made at the factory:
The result is a filter that runs at ≤50 Pa at 2 m/s face velocity, operates from -20 °C to 250 °C, and shows less than 5% airflow decay over time. Because it is physical interception with a weak electrostatic effect, it does not rely on charged media that fade with washing. Cleaning with low-pressure water and a neutral detergent every 1–3 months (monthly in dusty seasons) restores performance, so consumable cost is effectively zero.
This filter is used on household and commercial air-conditioner outdoor units, in heavy-oil-mist environments, and in humid salt-spray areas where metal components must resist corrosion. The stainless steel version is intended for coastal installations; the galvanised version suits general residential use. Standard sizes such as 500×500×10 mm are available, and custom dimensions can be produced to drawing.
The clip-on or magnetic design allows tool-free removal for cleaning and helps prevent air leakage at the frame. For HVAC contractors, the filter is a serviceable part that reduces coil cleaning calls; for appliance makers, it is a user-washable accessory that supports low-maintenance product claims.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Core filter material | Aircraft-grade aluminium foil mesh (general use) / 304 stainless steel mesh (coastal corrosion resistance) / galvanised wire mesh (economical) |
| Filter class and efficiency | G1–G2 (primary filtration), effective capture of particles ≥5 μm |
| Structure and frame | 3–7 layers of wave-pattern or pleated expanded mesh, offset-stacked; aluminium alloy / galvanised / stainless steel frame, 1.0–2.0 mm thick, reinforced corners |
| Operating performance | Working temperature: -20 °C to 250 °C | Resistance: ≤50 Pa at 2 m/s face velocity | Airflow decay: <5% |
| Installation and maintenance | Clip-on / magnetic design for easy removal and low leakage; clean every 1–3 months (monthly in dusty season) with low-pressure water and neutral detergent |
| Applications and sizes | Household/commercial AC outdoor units, heavy oil mist, humid salt-spray areas; standard sizes (e.g. 500×500×10 mm) and fully custom sizes |
Oltaven has more than 20 years of filtration product development and manufacturing experience, exporting to Europe, the United States, Japan and South Korea for over two decades. Our OEM/ODM capability is central to what we offer: we have developed more than 1,000 filtration solutions and support customisation of size, structure, filter class, frame material, logo and packaging. Production runs in a 50,000 m² plant that includes six cleanrooms totalling 20,000 m².
Our own laboratory is CNAS-accredited and can issue test reports on filtration efficiency, dust holding capacity and resistance. The factory holds IATF 16949 (achieved in 2024) and ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. Products meet REACH and RoHS requirements, and compliance documents are available on request.
To receive a quotation, please send us your device or vehicle model, the size or a drawing, the airflow or water flow involved, the operating conditions (temperature, humidity, salt spray, oil mist) and your expected quantity. Our team will respond with a proposal. Contact Oltaven to discuss your filter project.
Resistance depends on how open the internal structure is. Our filter uses 3–7 layers of expanded mesh with an offset pattern, which keeps resistance at ≤50 Pa at 2 m/s face velocity while still capturing particles ≥5 μm. A denser or more tightly framed build of the same outer size would show higher resistance.
It starts with your device or vehicle model, the required size or a drawing, airflow, operating conditions and quantity. Oltaven then proposes a mesh grade, layer count and frame material, and provides a sample for approval before production.
Yes. Standard sizes such as 500×500×10 mm are available, and fully custom dimensions can be produced. Frame options are aluminium alloy, galvanised steel or stainless steel, 1.0–2.0 mm thick with reinforced corners.
MOQ and lead time depend on the specification and order volume. Please share your size, material and quantity through our contact page so we can confirm both for your project.
Cleaning every 1–3 months is recommended, and monthly during dusty seasons. Use low-pressure water and a neutral detergent. The mesh is reusable, so replacement is only needed if the mesh or frame is damaged.
Samples can be arranged for evaluation. Our CNAS-accredited laboratory can issue reports on filtration efficiency, dust holding capacity and resistance, and REACH/RoHS compliance documents are available.
It is rated G1–G2 for primary filtration and effectively captures particles of 5 μm and larger. It works by physical interception plus a weak electrostatic effect, and airflow decay is less than 5% over time.
Yes, we welcome visits to our 50,000 m² facility in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, where you can see the production and cleanroom areas. For long-term supply, <a href="/en/contact">contact us</a> to discuss your requirements.