Capable of separating more than 99 percent of contamination from turbine engine airflow, Donaldson inlet barrier filter (IBF) systems offer advanced protection for both OEM-integrated and aftermarket rotorcraft applications. Our IBF systems are proven to improve efficiency and protect engines, thereby reducing costs.
Whether you’re considering an IBF as an OEM-supplied option or for a retrofit application, IBF systems support effective cost management for operating and owning rotorcraft. IBF systems can help shield sensitive and expensive components (e.g., compressors, combustors, and turbines) as well as other rotorcraft systems powered by engine bleed air, such as pneumatic systems, APU, piping, valves, and air turbine starters. IBF systems are also seen as safety enhancements, reducing contaminants and foreign object debris (FOD) to help prevent engine damage and the risk of catastrophic failure. Why use an expensive coating to protect only the compressor when you could use an IBF to protect the entire engine?
When an OEM comes to us with an envelope or opening, we tailor our support to create as much efficiency in the IBF design process as we can. Our engineers factor in pressure loss, weight, aerodynamics, ease of maintenance, durability, and other specifications important to the OEM. We support the OEMs during the FAA/EASA aircraft certification process.
Our fully integrated IBF systems can be offered as standard equipment by the OEM or as optional equipment specified by customers. With over 30 rotorcraft platforms developed with all major rotorcraft OEMs, you can trust Donaldson to deliver the IBF performance you need.
Rotorcraft owners and fleet managers often have a choice for their engine air filtration needs between a FOD screen, EAPS, or IBF (depending on the aircraft model). Choosing to retrofit to an IBF can minimize maintenance costs for your turbine.
When developing aftermarket IBF systems, we identify opportunities based on customer need, then gain airworthiness approval from the FAA and conduct flight tests with operators to demonstrate compliance. Our goal is to help you achieve the highest level of engine protection possible.
All Donaldson IBF systems are individually tailored to a specific aircraft and designed to provide the maximum filter area available, resulting in minimal engine inlet restriction and loss to engine field margin. Our filter-pleat configurations maximize filter performance through clean pressure drop, surface area and pleat depth.
IBF systems typically include an integrated bypass component, which is designed to allow unfiltered airflow in situations where the turbine needs to recover temperature margin, or the filter reaches terminal restriction. Operating in bypass mode does not re-introduce previously captured filter contaminants into the engine inlet plenum.
Many of our IBF systems are available factory direct on the aircraft type certificate, or in many cases, installed via a supplemental type certificate (STC). STC are installed in most rotorcraft with minimal structural modifications and without significant aircraft alteration.