Fine dust filters according to VDI guidelines -
reliable solutions according to VDI 3953
VDI 3953 is a central VDI guideline for reducing emissions from biomass combustion systems. Operators of wood boilers, heating plants or industrial plants between 1 MW and 5 MW are therefore faced with the task of reducing their emissions to a technically feasible minimum and proving the continuous effective operation of their flue gas cleaning equipment. APF fine dust filters fulfil the requirements of VDI 3953: technically certified fine dust filters and a specially developed software solution for seamless documentation: the APF DataAnalyseTool
VDI 3953 is a recognised technical guideline that regulates the indirect verification of the continuously effective operation of particulate matter separation systems for solid fuels. It is aimed at operators of biomass furnaces with a rated thermal input of between 1 MW and 5 MW and specifies the requirements that must be met in Germany as part of the 44th BImSchV (Federal Immission Control Ordinance).
As an emissions guideline, VDI 3953 specifies how operators must document that their flue gas cleaning equipment works effectively on a permanent basis - also with regard to particulate matter limits. In particular, this includes specifications on separation efficiency, operational readiness and alarm messages. Technically, this proof is provided by a certified logging system that records status signals, filter availability and event periods.
What is VDI 3953?
Short and compact: VDI 3953 for particulate matter
Documentation obligation
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Operators of combustion plants with solid fuel between 1MW and 5MW must document the total dust discharge.
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Either by means of a continuous qualitative measurement or proof of the continuous effective operation of the dust collector.
Recording of total dust emissions has been mandatory in Germany since 2025
Comparison of possible procedures
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qualitatively continuous analysis
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Increased investment costs and increased effort
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Proof of continuous effective operation:
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There are hardly any procedures on the market that are state of the art
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Simple and low-cost with the appropriate tool
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VDI 3953 compliant procedure
vs.
qualitative continuous measurement
VDI 3953 compliant
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Daily logs and general data acquisition for VDI-compliant use
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Compliance with the VDI guideline
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Continuous information on filter availability and filter performance for official presentation
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Including remote maintenance module
APF-
DataAnalyseTool
APF-DataAnalyseTool
Availability at the touch of a button
Recording of all operating data over an entire calendar year – from status signals to filter availability. The seamless 365-day evaluation complies with the requirements of VDI Guideline 3953 and creates transparency for operators, inspectors, and authorities.
Evidence of continuous effective operation
Efficient operation is recorded daily via the daily log. Accessible at any time, it includes time totals of the required operating states, including filter availability and documentation of the length, start time, and duration of any alarms.
You can find more information here .
Real-time analysis via VNC remote access
Thanks to secure VNC access, you can keep an eye on your filter system even remotely. Operating data is analyzed and displayed in real time – ideal for monitoring emission limits and complying with VDI guidelines. This allows you to react quickly and regardless of location to changes in plant operation.
Further advantages at a glance
STANDARD-COMPLIANT DOCUMENTATION
Fully VDI 3953 compliant - including documentation and daily reports
EASY SETUP
INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING SYSTEM
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
Fulfillment of all operational monitoring requirements
Flexibly expandable for every APFenergyFilter system
Immediate alarm in case of filter failure or ineffective operation
TRANSPARENT CONTROL
Traceable at any time and readable by authorities
Daily report: the heart of VDI 3953
01. 365-day evaluation and daily reports always available
All operating data is recorded over an entire calendar year – from status signals to filter availability. The seamless 365-day evaluation via the automatic daily log documents the consistent, effective operation of the exhaust gas treatment system – naturally in compliance with VDI standards.
02. Complete documentation for maximum traceability
All operational events – from normal operation to malfunctions – are documented on the operator's own storage medium with an exact time stamp, description, and duration. The log enables 365-day real-time evaluation, making it a key tool for operators to transparently demonstrate compliance with emission limits according to VDI 3953 to authorities, testing institutions, and internal departments. The data can be exported at any time and archived in an audit-compliant manner.
03. Pioneer for the VDI 3953 State of the Art
The daily log enables the standardized and detailed recording of all relevant operating data for combustion plants in the power range between 1 and 5 MW – exactly as required by VDI 3953. The APF Data Analysis Tool provides plant operators with a solution that implements this continuous verification reliably, automatically, and practically – a unique form on the market.
Tagesprotokoll
continuously available every day
Availability of the filter system
Time sums of required operating states
Status of the furnace and system
Alarm events with start time, duration and cause
FAQ
VDI guidelines in general
What does VDI stand for and what are VDI guidelines?
VDI stands for the Association of German Engineers. It is one of the most important technical and scientific organizations in German-speaking countries and publishes recognized guidelines for technology, operational safety, and environmental standards. Many of these guidelines are considered "recognized rules of technology" in practice.
VDI guidelines are standardized, professionally reviewed technical guidelines that define requirements for the planning, operation, safety, and environmental compatibility of technical systems. They often serve as an important supplement to legal requirements and serve as a technical basis for decision-making in regulatory procedures.
VDI 3953: Guideline for particulate matter reduction
What does VDI 3953 contain?
VDI 3953 describes the requirements for the indirect verification of the continuous effective operation of flue gas purification systems in biomass combustion plants with a power range of 1 to less than 5 MW. It specifies how filter availability, operational readiness, and alarm messages must be documented.
For whom is VDI 3953 relevant?
For plant operators whose combustion plants fall under the 44th BImSchV and have a thermal output between 1 MW and less than 5 MW.
What is the key advantage of VDI 3953?
According to the 44th BImSchV, every plant operator in Germany is obliged to either:
a) to carry out a qualitative continuous measurement
or
b) Evidence of the continuous effective operation of the dust collector
VDI Guideline 3953 defines the methods to be applied for precisely this second case. The APF Data Analysis Tool was developed precisely according to these specifications and is one of the market-leading systems for VDI-compliant emissions documentation.
Is compliance with VDI 3953 required by law?
No. Although the VDI 3953 guideline is not a legally binding standard in Germany, it does represent a recognized technical guideline. Alternatively, a qualitative continuous emission measurement system can be installed—a process that, however, involves significant investment and operating costs.
For this reason, more and more operators are opting for the VDI 3953 compliant analysis tool, which provides methods for proving the continuous effective operation of dust collectors.
With the APF Data Analysis Tool, this proof can be provided easily, efficiently and in compliance with guidelines – based on the mandatory state of the art.
What is a daily report according to VDI 3953?
The daily log documents filter availability, status signals, and operational disruptions for each individual day. It must be accessible at any time and allow for continuous analysis of the past 365 days. The APF Data Analysis Tool creates this log automatically.
VDI 3953: Guideline for particulate matter reduction
Which filter solutions meet VDI 3953?
The APFenergyFilter™ in conjunction with the APF Data Analysis Tool meet all requirements of VDI 3953. The combination of high fine dust separation and continuous operating data acquisition is important.
Can an existing system be retrofitted to VDI compliance?
Yes. APF offers the option of retrofitting, including a certified monitoring solution according to VDI 3953.
What happens if the filter is operated ineffectively?
If ineffective operation is detected—for example, due to downtime or malfunctions—an immediate alarm is sent to the device and, optionally, via email. This enables rapid intervention and helps prevent limit violations.
Who has access to the recorded data of the VDI compliant module?
All data can be saved, exported, and shared with third parties (e.g., authorities, testing institutions) if necessary. Depending on the configuration, access is possible locally, via USB, or via encrypted remote access via VNC.
How is the APF analysis tool's data stored?
Data storage can be done either offline or online:
Offline version: Storage takes place locally – either via a USB storage medium connected to the filter control or on a customer-side network drive.
Online version: We offer an optional online solution for a fee. The data is stored on an APF server and can be accessed centrally.
Both variants are reliable and enable VDI 3953-compliant documentation.
How long must VDI compliant protocols be kept?
VDI 3953 requires complete traceability over 365 days; in practice, we recommend retention for at least 2 years – especially in the case of official requirements or in the event of a malfunction.