Filter fine dust, secure the future - That's the APF
- APF Advanced Particle Filters
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
Tailor-made filter technologies and technical know-how for biomass combustion throughout Europe
Welcome to APF! We look forward to welcoming you to our world of innovation and customized solutions for biomass particulate matter filters. A clean environment and your satisfaction are our top priority.
We are a provider of high-quality particulate matter filters and your personal advisor in a market that requires sustainable and individually tailored solutions. Our goal is to maximize the reduction of particulate matter emissions and thus create our contribution to a more livable future for everyone.
The use of biomass as a renewable energy source is steadily increasing, as it represents an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels . However, with this development comes an increasing responsibility to minimize emissions . Particulate matter filters for biomass combustion systems are essential to protect the environment and comply with legal emission limits.
APF Advanced Particle Filters GmbH is your expert for fine dust filters from Austria that specifically reduce particulate matter emissions. Our innovations ensure that biomass combustion systems can be operated more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way. Read more about our company, our goals, and our mission in this article.
Our company
"Energy to protect our air"! That's our motto, and we act accordingly. We want to help companies and communities reduce particulate matter emissions from biomass combustion systems with filters that easily comply with specified limits .
"Energy to protect our air! Because only the best filter performance can preserve clean air."
Herbert Steindl, Managing Director of APF
Our journey began in 2008 with a clear goal: to improve air quality and minimize environmental impact . We soon developed into an international company with main operations in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and Austria .
This success is thanks to the incredibly talented and dedicated team who share our vision and work every day to make it a reality.
Our APF employees
In addition to our headquarters in Salzburg, Austria, where the filters are designed and assembled, we have had another location in Sursee, Switzerland, since 2012.
Why fine dust filters are essential for biomass
Whether wood chips, wood pellets or logs – biomass is a sustainable energy source and an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels .
However, their use is not without challenges. Combustion produces, among other things, fine dust particles (PM 2.5) , which are harmful to health and can penetrate deep into the lungs via the respiratory tract.
28 truckloads less particulate matter per year! APF products collect up to 700 tons of particulate matter from exhaust gases annually.
Our APF filters counteract the health effects of particulate matter. These electrostatic precipitators are specially designed to efficiently capture and eliminate particulate matter in the exhaust gases of biomass combustion plants. This significantly reduces environmental pollution. APF filters currently clean the exhaust gases from biomass combustion plants with a total capacity of approximately 450 MW . This results in a significant emission reduction of approximately 700 tons of particulate matter annually . This equates to over 28 truckloads of pure particulate matter that would otherwise be released into the air.
Our products are available in various sizes for furnaces between 100 and 6,500 kW and can therefore be used for small to large systems.
Innovation - our key to success
Innovation is at the heart of our work and the key to our success. Through continuous investment in new technologies and developments , we ensure that our fine dust filters for biomass combustion systems are always state-of- the-art : for your highest quality standards , optimal energy efficiency , and cost-effectiveness.
We are currently at the forefront of the market with these developments :
VDI Conformity : VDI 3953 defines a standardized procedure for monitoring fine dust filters. It ensures that filters operate efficiently to comply with legal emission limits. Our APF filters are VDI-compliant , meaning their performance is tested and documented according to the recognized technical standard. When properly handled, this ensures high separation quality, provides operators with legal certainty, and enables transparent monitoring of filter efficiency.
Do you want to upgrade your combustion system to VDI compliance or need more information on VDI 3953? You can find it here .
Ceramic filters: The newest addition to the APF product range is ceramic filters. Unlike electrostatic precipitators, which electrostatically charge particles and trap them on collector plates, ceramic filters filter dust mechanically . Their strengths lie in their high separation efficiency , low maintenance , and reliable operation even under changing operating conditions.
Integrated filter systems: An illustrative example of our innovative strength is the integrated cyclone concept, which enables pre-separation of larger particles . This feature not only increases filtration efficiency but also helps significantly reduce filter wear —saving you time and money.
Intelligent control systems: In addition, intelligent control systems, such as our remote maintenance module , ensure adaptable performance suitable for a wide range of variable requirements and operating conditions. This not only leads to improved function and increased efficiency of our filters, but also extends their service life .
Our passion for innovation is also receiving international recognition . Developments such as the integrated cyclone, the integrated economizer , and the big-bag transfer station have already attracted attention at international trade fairs and received awards.
Technological advantage through European patents
Our particulate matter filters are currently in use in 11 European countries – in municipal district heating networks, industrial plants, and commercial areas. Project managers from planning, sales, and operations rely on our systems because they combine sustainable performance with technical reliability in practice.
Here is an overview of APF filter systems in Europe:
European patents
Our patented innovations—such as the integrated cyclone and economizer —not only increase separation efficiency but also improve the energy efficiency of your entire system. The result: fewer emissions, lower energy consumption, and impressive lifecycle costs.
Personal advice - your needs are the focus for APF
Whether you are a sales partner looking for individual solutions for your customers or an operator requiring reliable and low-emission filter technology – at APF, your specific requirements are our focus.
"Our experience shows that every plant is different – that's why successful collaboration begins with a detailed analysis of your technical and operational conditions. Together, we develop a solution that is both operationally reliable and economically viable – while reliably meeting all legal environmental requirements ."
From planning to maintenance – everything from a single source
Our project managers and designers work closely with you – whether supporting you with tenders, designing new systems, or retrofitting existing ones. We place great value on transparent communication and sound technical advice.
After planning, production takes place in our factory, and assembly is carried out on-site by our experienced technicians. The subsequent commissioning is accompanied by training for your operating staff – ensuring a smooth start and long-term operation .
Our service technicians demonstrate their skills time and again. No matter how narrow or convoluted the system, they always find solutions, even using the shoehorn approach if necessary: here's an example.
For operators we also offer maintenance packages with optional remote maintenance or regular on-site services – ideal for minimizing downtime and reducing operating costs.
“Energy to protect our air” – Together for a clean future
We are proud of our achievements to date and look forward to the coming years and new challenges . Standing still is not an option for us, because even the highest standards offer room for improvement. True to our motto, "Energy to protect our air," we will continue on our path, always with the goal of making our contribution to protecting the air in mind.
We warmly invite you to become part of our mission. Join us on our journey and discover the benefits of our particulate matter filters for biomass combustion. Together we can breathe cleaner air and preserve a livable world for future generations.
Contact us
Do you have any questions about our company or would you like advice on future projects? Then visit our website or contact us. You can reach us during our opening hours via email , customer hotline, or contact form .
We look forward to hearing from you!
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