Helicopter Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) Systems

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.

Why Choose an IBF for Engine Air Inlet Filtration?

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?

IBF Advantages:

• Enhanced protection — enhanced protection over EAPS and significantly better protection than traditional FOD screens

• Maximized airflow — the pleated barrier filter element provides improved air flow versus inertial separation vortex/swirl tubes typical of IPS/EAPS

• Uniformity in airflow to the compressor — which then leads to more efficient compressor operation

• Minimized inlet distortion — more uniform airflow to the compressor

• Advanced separation efficiency over inertial separators — IBF typically offer greater than 99 percent capture efficiency on ISO coarse and fine dust

• Effective regardless of engine power setting — EAPS are only effective when they have adequate engine-bleed air; they don’t typically run at optimal efficiency at low power and only achieve efficiency above the flight idle power setting

• Achieve optimal efficiency quickly — can be considered 99 percent efficient nearly 100 percent of the time; EAPS often require scavenge blowers to achieve their maximum efficiency

• Reduced fine sand ingestion — minimizes engine erosion damage from offsite landings/unprepared sites

IBF Actively Help You Prevent:

• Critical damage — FOD includes large debris that can cause severe engine damage at a specific point in time. Additionally, nuts, bolts, rivets and rocks can create an immediate degradation of engine performance.

• Erosion — Dust, sand, volcanic ash and soot can be encountered, depending on the environment.

• Corrosion — Salt can cause corrosion throughout the turbine, resulting in damage and premature maintenance requirements. Salt generally isn’t airborne without liquid — the liquid evaporates in filters, while the salt crystals remain within the media.

• Ice and snow — IBF generally protect engines from ice- and snow-generated FOD. IBF have demonstrated efficiency in eliminating ice and snow FOD ingestion from engine inlets.

Streamlined OE Integrations

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.

Support Effective Cost Management with Aftermarket IBF Applications

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.

Customized IBF Systems Maximize Performance

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.

Bypass Mode

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.

IBF Certification

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.