16x25x1 Galvanized Steel Mist Eliminator

Product Overview

The HMG101625 is a 16x25x1 washable galvanized steel mist eliminator filter engineered for permanent installation in HVAC systems, outside air ducts, side-access housings, and built-up filter banks where airborne water droplets, oil mist, or coolant mist must be separated from the airstream before reaching downstream equipment. As an impingement-type panel filter, the HMG101625 serves two essential functions: its primary role is to collect large water droplets and oil mist and divert the captured liquid to an appropriate drain; its secondary function is as a heavy-duty washable particulate air filter rated for continuous operation at temperatures up to 325°F. Independently tested and verified, this galvanized steel mist eliminator filter achieves 99%+ efficiency on water droplets measuring 3 microns and larger, providing reliable moisture protection for chilled water coils, mist-type humidifiers, outdoor air intake systems, and demanding industrial applications requiring elevated temperature ratings beyond the 275°F capability of aluminum-frame alternatives.

Constructed with a 24 gauge galvanized steel frame, 30 gauge galvanized steel face grids on both the air entry and exit sides, and a 9-ply aluminum screen wire media pack—multiple layers of corrugated and flat screen wire positioned for efficient drainage, placed between two layers of expanded metal—the HMG101625 delivers consistent moisture separation and particulate filtration performance with the structural durability and elevated temperature resistance required for demanding commercial and industrial HVAC applications. With actual dimensions of 15.375” H x 24.375” W x 7/8″ D (±1/8”), this filter installs precisely in standard 16x25x1 nominal filter housings in outside air ducts, side-access filter housings, and built-up filter banks throughout commercial and industrial HVAC systems.

Unlike electrostatic or pleated media filters designed primarily for fine particulate capture, the HM Series galvanized steel mist eliminator filter operates on the impingement principle: water droplets and oil mist in the airstream cannot follow the tortuous path through the corrugated aluminum screen wire layers at rated velocity, causing them to collide with the screen wire surfaces where surface tension holds the collected liquid. The captured liquid accumulates and drains by gravity through the 3/8” diameter drain holes along the bottom of the filter frame when installed in the correct upright orientation with the TOP label facing upward. This passive drainage mechanism requires no power, pumps, or active components—gravity moves collected moisture to the drain while the HVAC system operates normally. The 9-ply aluminum screen wire media pack provides the optimal combination of tortuous path length, surface area, and drainage channel geometry for efficient liquid separation at rated 500 fpm airflow.

The HMG101625 is manufactured by American Metal Filter Company (AMFCO) with precision construction ensuring reliable long-term performance and dimensional accuracy for proper housing fitment. The galvanized steel frame and face grids combined with aluminum screen wire media provide the elevated temperature resistance and rigorous washability required in industrial HVAC environments, process exhaust systems, and applications with wash cycles that demand more robust frame construction than the aluminum HMA model can withstand. The frame’s pop-rivet corner construction and mitered joints maintain the critical 15.375” x 24.375” face dimensions within ±1/8” tolerance throughout the filter’s operational lifetime. For HVAC engineers, building operators, and facilities managers who need reliable moisture separation at elevated temperatures or in applications requiring frequent rigorous washing, the HMG101625 delivers the performance, durability, and 325°F temperature rating of the HM Series galvanized steel model in a standard 16x25x1 nominal size.

Commercial & Industrial Applications

The HMG101625 16x25x1 galvanized steel mist eliminator filter delivers reliable performance across commercial, institutional, and industrial environments where airborne moisture, water droplets, oil mist, or coolant mist must be separated from the airstream to protect downstream HVAC equipment, prevent corrosion and biological growth, and maintain system performance. The 325°F temperature rating and galvanized steel frame construction make this filter the correct specification for applications that exceed the 275°F aluminum HMA model rating, or where industrial wash cycles demand the structural durability of galvanized steel construction over aluminum-frame alternatives.

High-Temperature Process and Exhaust Applications

Industrial process ventilation, drying oven exhaust, and heated make-up air systems frequently operate at temperatures above the 275°F limit of aluminum-frame mist eliminators. The HMG101625’s 325°F continuous operating rating and galvanized steel frame construction provide the thermal stability required for these elevated-temperature applications, where aluminum-frame alternatives would experience frame softening, fastener loosening, and progressive dimensional inaccuracy. Food processing facilities, industrial drying operations, high-temperature exhaust systems, and commercial kitchen ventilation applications that require moisture separation at elevated air temperatures rely on the HMG101625’s galvanized steel construction for reliable long-term performance at service temperatures that would degrade lighter-duty aluminum alternatives.

Outside Air Intakes and Ventilation Systems: Duct Moisture Eliminator

Commercial and institutional buildings’ outside air intake systems subject HVAC equipment to rain entrainment, wind-driven water, morning dew, and seasonal precipitation that introduce liquid water into ductwork and air handling equipment. The HMG101625 installed at outside air intake locations captures water droplets before they reach fan sections, coils, controls, and downstream filter banks, preventing moisture accumulation that causes rust, corrosion, biological growth, and equipment failure. Commercial office buildings, hospitals, schools, and institutional facilities with outside air systems in coastal, humid, or precipitation-prone climates benefit from the HMG101625’s 99%+ capture efficiency on 3-micron and larger water droplets, combined with the passive gravity drainage system that continuously removes captured moisture during normal HVAC operation without operator intervention.

Chilled Water Coil Protection

Chilled water coil sections in commercial air handling units generate condensate during normal cooling operation, and coil surfaces can become sites for airborne moisture accumulation that migrates downstream when airflow velocity exceeds the coil’s carry-over limit. Installing the HMG101625 downstream of chilled water coil sections captures carried-over moisture droplets before they reach supply ductwork, fan sections, and terminal equipment, protecting investments in downstream components and preventing moisture-related indoor air quality problems. Data centers, server rooms, precision manufacturing facilities, healthcare environments, and other applications benefit from the HMG101625’s combination of high-efficiency moisture capture and heavy-duty washable particulate filtration in a single permanent panel filter unit that installs in standard 16x25x1 nominal side-access or built-up filter bank positions.

Industrial and Coolant Mist Applications

Light and medium industrial manufacturing operations using coolant mist delivery systems, metalworking equipment, or process cooling generate oil mist and coolant aerosols that must be captured before entering building HVAC systems or exhausting to outside air. The HMG101625’s impingement-type aluminum screen wire construction captures oil mist and coolant aerosol droplets through the same mechanism it uses for water droplets, with the galvanized steel frame and face grids withstanding the frequent rigorous washing that industrial coolant mist applications demand. Industrial ventilation engineers specifying mist control for machining centers, stamping operations, process cooling, and cooling tower exhaust applications select the HMG galvanized steel model for its 325°F temperature rating, rigorous washability, and heavy-duty frame construction compatible with the demanding cleaning cycles required in industrial operating environments.

Construction Features

The HMG101625 16x25x1 galvanized steel mist eliminator filter represents precision construction engineered for decades of reliable moisture separation and particulate filtration performance across thousands of rigorous wash cycles and years of demanding commercial and industrial HVAC service. Every component is specified to deliver consistent impingement-type mist capture, structural durability, elevated temperature resistance, and rigorous washability—from the precision-mitered galvanized steel frame with drain holes to the 9-ply aluminum screen wire media pack and dual 30 gauge galvanized steel face grids.

Galvanized Steel Frame with Gravity Drainage

The 24 gauge galvanized steel perimeter frame provides exceptional structural rigidity and thermal stability for a 16x25x1 panel filter while maintaining dimensional accuracy through repeated rigorous washing cycles and continuous operation at temperatures up to 325°F. Unlike aluminum-frame alternatives rated to only 275°F, the galvanized steel frame maintains its dimensional stability and fastener integrity at the elevated temperatures encountered in industrial process ventilation, heated make-up air systems, and high-temperature exhaust applications. Precision-mitered corner joints secured with pop rivets create true 90-degree angles that maintain the critical 15.375” x 24.375” face dimensions within ±1/8” tolerance across years of rigorous service, ensuring proper housing fitment that prevents bypass around the filter perimeter in side-access housings and built-up filter banks. The 3/8” diameter drain holes positioned along the bottom of the frame provide the exit path for captured moisture: when installed with the TOP label facing upward, captured water droplets and oil mist flow downward through the aluminum screen wire media, collect at the galvanized steel frame bottom, and exit through the drain holes to an appropriate drain location, maintaining continuous moisture removal during normal HVAC operation without operator intervention.

9-Ply Aluminum Screen Wire Media Pack

The 9-ply aluminum screen wire media pack is the performance core of the HMG101625, providing the tortuous impingement path geometry required for efficient water droplet and oil mist capture at rated 500 fpm airflow. Multiple layers of corrugated and flat aluminum screen wire alternated in a precise pattern create an extended series of direction changes that airborne water droplets cannot navigate at rated velocity—they collide with wire surfaces where surface tension holds the captured liquid until it accumulates enough to drain by gravity to the frame bottom and out through the drain holes. The corrugated wire layers create the direction-change geometry while the flat layers provide drainage channels that guide captured liquid efficiently to the frame drain holes without re-entrainment into the airstream. This construction achieves the verified 94.9% efficiency at 2.5–3 microns and 99.1% efficiency at 3–4 microns documented in the independent test report, with 99.9% capture at 4–5 microns and above. The aluminum screen wire media resists corrosion from water, common coolants, and moderate concentrations of cleaning agents, maintaining drainage channel geometry through frequent rigorous washing operations over decades of service. The entire media pack is placed between two layers of expanded metal that protect it from physical damage during installation, removal, and washing while maintaining uniform face velocity distribution across the entire filter area.

30 Gauge Galvanized Steel Face Grids

30 gauge galvanized steel face grids on both the air entry and exit sides of the HMG101625 provide uniform airflow distribution across the entire filter face area while protecting the aluminum screen wire media pack from physical damage during installation, removal, and the rigorous washing operations for which the HMG galvanized steel model is rated. The galvanized steel grid construction withstands the high-pressure washing, aggressive cleaning, and physical handling demands of industrial maintenance programs that would deform or damage lighter aluminum face grid alternatives. The entry-side grid prevents contact damage to the screen wire layers during installation in tight side-access housing configurations, while the exit-side grid supports the media pack against airflow pressure at the elevated 500 fpm rated velocity. Galvanized steel construction resists corrosion in moisture-laden operating environments through the zinc coating that protects against rust and oxidation throughout decades of continuous moisture exposure.

Maintenance & Cleaning

The HMG101625 16x25x1 galvanized steel mist eliminator filter requires periodic washing to maintain optimal galvanized moisture separation performance and restore the 9-ply aluminum screen wire media pack’s capture efficiency. The AMFCO tech sheet specifies “frequent and rigorous” washability for the HMG galvanized steel model—a significant advantage over the “frequent and moderate” rating of the aluminum HMA model, and the key reason industrial facilities and applications with heavy particulate loading specify the HMG for environments requiring aggressive cleaning. Regular rigorous washing removes accumulated particulate from the screen wire layers, restores the tortuous path geometry for efficient impingement capture, and clears any drainage channels that may have become partially obstructed by industrial debris or coolant residue.

Washing Procedure

Remove the HMG101625 filter from your HVAC system by sliding it out of the filter housing or releasing any side-access housing retention hardware. Note the TOP label orientation so the filter can be reinstalled correctly for moisture drainage. Take the filter to a utility sink, hose bib, or outdoor washing area with access to warm running water. Hold the filter with the dirty face down and rinse from the clean side through to the dirty side, allowing water to carry accumulated dust and debris out through the loaded face. Continue rinsing until water runs completely clear. For filters used in oil mist or coolant mist applications, a mild detergent solution can be used followed by a thorough fresh-water rinse. The HMG’s galvanized steel frame and face grids allow for higher-pressure washing compared to aluminum-frame alternatives—the rigorous wash rating means the filter can withstand the aggressive cleaning required to clear industrial-grade particulate and coolant residue buildup without risk of frame damage or media displacement. Allow the washed filter to air dry or shake off excess water before reinstalling. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is used, apply it after washing and drying before reinstallation per Filter Coat product instructions.

Washing Frequency Guidelines

The HMG is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing, making it ideal for maintenance programs requiring regular aggressive cleaning without concern for frame or grid damage. Washing frequency depends on your specific application, particulate loading, and moisture exposure rates. Outside air intake applications in dusty or high-particulate environments may require washing every 1–3 months. Chilled water coil protection and humidifier applications in commercial buildings typically require washing every 3–6 months under normal conditions. Industrial and coolant mist applications with heavy loading rates may require monthly or more frequent washing depending on observed accumulation patterns and system differential pressure trends. Visual inspection is the most reliable washing indicator—when the screen wire layers appear visibly loaded with dust or the drain holes show signs of partial blockage, washing is warranted regardless of elapsed time. Systems with building automation differential pressure monitoring can use filter pressure drop rise above initial clean-filter readings as an objective washing trigger.

Optional Filter Coat Treatment

The HMG galvanized steel mist eliminator filter may optionally be treated with Filter Coat, a water-soluble adhesive and detergent, before installation. Filter Coat can improve particulate capture in the secondary filtration function by making screen wire surfaces tacky for fine dust adhesion. To apply, spray the filter face lightly with Filter Coat before installation per product instructions. Filter Coat is water-soluble and washes off during routine filter cleaning, so reapplication after each wash cycle is required if adhesive-enhanced particulate capture is desired for your application. Contact Metal Air Filters to inquire about Filter Coat availability for use with your HMG101625 installation.

Installation

Installing the HMG101625 16x25x1 galvanized steel mist eliminator filter follows procedures compatible with standard HVAC filter housings accepting 16x25x1 nominal size filters, but requires one critical orientation step not required with standard particulate filters: the filter must be installed with the TOP label facing upward in all moisture separation applications to ensure captured liquid drains correctly through the bottom frame drain holes.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing the HMG101625, verify that your filter housing accepts 16x25x1 nominal size filters with actual interior dimensions accommodating the 15.375” H x 24.375” W x 7/8″ D filter, with ±1/8” tolerance on height and width. Confirm your HVAC system operating temperature does not exceed 325°F at the filter location. Identify the TOP label on the filter frame and confirm the housing orientation allows the TOP label to face upward during installation—this is mandatory for correct moisture drainage. Locate the drain holes along the bottom of the filter frame and confirm they align with or can drain to an appropriate liquid collection point. If your application uses side-access filter housings and you ordered the gasket option, verify the polyurethane gaskets are properly positioned on the vertical frame sides before installation. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is desired, have it available to apply to the filter face before installation. Clean the filter housing interior of accumulated dust and debris from previous filter service.

Installation Steps

Shut down your HVAC system completely before accessing the filter compartment. Remove any existing filter from the housing, noting the position of any drain connections or collection points at the housing bottom. Clean the filter housing interior using a vacuum or damp cloth. Orient the HMG101625 with the TOP label facing upward—this is critical for moisture drainage. Insert the filter into the housing maintaining the upright TOP-label-up orientation throughout the installation process. Press the filter firmly into place ensuring all four edges of the galvanized steel frame seat properly against the housing walls. In side-access housings, ensure the polyurethane gaskets (if ordered) compress properly against the housing interior walls to create a moisture-tight seal that prevents liquid bypass around the filter frame. Secure the filter using the housing’s retention mechanism per your specific system design. Verify that the drain holes at the bottom of the installed filter are unobstructed and positioned to drain captured moisture to an appropriate collection point—a housing drain pan, floor drain, or connected drain line. Close and secure the filter access door or panel. Restore power and restart the HVAC system. Record the installation date and orientation in your maintenance log. During the first operating period after installation, check the drain area for moisture drainage to confirm the filter is correctly positioned and draining as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the HMG101625 mist eliminator filter work?

The HMG101625 operates on the impingement principle: water droplets and oil mist cannot follow the tortuous path through the 9-ply corrugated aluminum screen wire layers at rated 500 fpm velocity and collide with wire surfaces. Surface tension holds the captured liquid on the wire until it accumulates and drains by gravity through the 3/8” drain holes along the bottom of the galvanized steel frame to an appropriate drain point. This passive impingement mechanism achieves 99%+ efficiency on 3-micron and larger water droplets without electricity, moving parts, or active components.

How do I clean and wash the HMG101625?

Remove the filter and rinse with a moderate-to-heavy stream of warm water from the clean side through to the dirty side until water runs completely clear. The HMG is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing—higher-pressure washing is acceptable on the galvanized steel frame and face grids compared to aluminum-frame alternatives. Shake off excess water and air dry or reinstall. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is used, reapply after each wash cycle. For industrial applications with heavy oil or coolant residue, mild detergent followed by a thorough rinse is recommended.

Why must the HMG101625 be installed with the TOP label facing upward?

The 3/8” drain holes are positioned along the bottom of the filter frame specifically to allow captured moisture to drain by gravity when the filter is installed upright with the TOP label facing up. If installed sideways or upside down, captured liquid cannot reach the drain holes and will accumulate in the filter, reducing moisture separation efficiency, potentially causing liquid re-entrainment into the airstream, and creating conditions for biological growth in the housing. Always install with the TOP label facing upward in all moisture separation applications.

What is the maximum operating temperature of the HMG101625?

The HMG101625 HMG galvanized steel model is rated for continuous operation at 325°F—50 degrees higher than the aluminum HMA model (275°F). This covers demanding commercial and industrial HVAC applications including process ventilation, heated make-up air, and industrial exhaust systems. For applications requiring even higher temperatures, AMFCO offers the HMS stainless steel model rated to 900°F in the same HM Series configurations.

What are the actual dimensions of the HMG101625?

The HMG101625 has actual dimensions of 15.375” H x 24.375” W x 7/8″ D (±1/8” on H and W, ±1/16” on depth). The nominal size is 16x25x1. HM Series filters use a 5/8” undercut on height and width—not the 1/2” undercut used by some other filter series. This means actual height = nominal H minus 5/8” and actual width = nominal W minus 5/8”.

What is the difference between the HMG galvanized steel and HMA aluminum models?

Both models use identical aluminum screen wire media and the same HM Series impingement design. The key differences are frame and face grid material: HMG uses 24 gauge galvanized steel frame and 30 gauge galvanized steel face grids, while HMA uses a .030” thick aluminum frame and 24 gauge aluminum face grids. The galvanized steel construction gives the HMG a 325°F max temperature (vs HMA’s 275°F) and “frequent and rigorous” washability (vs HMA’s “frequent and moderate”). The HMG weighs slightly more than the equivalent HMA due to the denser steel construction. Choose HMG for elevated temperatures or applications requiring aggressive wash cycles; choose HMA for standard commercial applications within its 275°F rating.

Can I use Filter Coat adhesive on this galvanized steel mist eliminator filter?

Yes—unlike EC Series electrostatic filters (where adhesive coatings are not recommended), the HM Series galvanized steel mist eliminator may optionally be sprayed with Filter Coat, a water-soluble adhesive and detergent, before installation. Filter Coat can improve fine particulate capture in the secondary filtration function. It washes off during routine cleaning, so reapplication after each wash is required if adhesive treatment is desired.

Are gaskets available for this filter for side-access housing applications?

Yes—the HM Series may be supplied with polyurethane gaskets on the vertical sides of the frame for use inside side-access housings where a moisture-tight seal between the filter frame and housing walls is required. Specify “with gaskets” and indicate which dimensions (short or long side) require gaskets when placing your order. Contact Metal Air Filters to add the gasket option to your HMG101625 order.

How often should I wash the HMG101625?

The HMG is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing. Frequency depends on your application: outside air intakes in dusty environments typically require washing every 1–3 months; commercial building moisture separation applications typically every 3–6 months; industrial coolant mist applications may require monthly washing. Visual inspection of the screen wire face and monitoring for reduced drainage through the drain holes are the most reliable indicators for washing timing.

Does this filter work with all commercial HVAC systems?

The HMG101625 fits standard 16x25x1 nominal filter positions in outside air ducts, side-access housings, and built-up filter banks. It is designed for rated 500 fpm face velocity (recommended range 450–550 fpm), which is higher than standard residential HVAC airflow—this filter is designed for commercial and industrial applications with higher air velocities where impingement-type moisture separation is effective. Verify your system operates within the 450–550 fpm range at the filter face for optimal galvanized moisture separation performance.

Why Choose the HMG101625 16x25x1 Industrial Galvanized Steel Moisture Mist Eliminator Filter?

The HMG101625 HMG Series galvanized steel mist eliminator filter solves the critical problem of moisture entrainment in commercial and industrial HVAC systems—particularly those operating at temperatures or washability demands that exceed the aluminum HMA model’s capabilities. With independently verified 99%+ water droplet capture efficiency on 3-micron and larger droplets, the HMG101625 provides reliable permanent protection for chilled water coils, fan sections, ductwork, and building equipment against moisture damage at operating temperatures up to 325°F—50 degrees higher than the HMA aluminum model. The passive gravity drainage system through the 3/8” bottom drain holes removes captured moisture continuously during normal HVAC operation, requiring only periodic rigorous washing to maintain peak performance.

Built with 24 gauge galvanized steel framing, 9-ply corrugated and flat aluminum screen wire media, and 30 gauge galvanized steel face grids on both sides, the HMG101625 combines structural durability with the elevated temperature resistance and rigorous washability essential for long-term service in industrial HVAC environments. The 16x25x1 dimensions install in standard outside air duct, side-access housing, and built-up filter bank positions throughout commercial and industrial HVAC infrastructure. The straightforward warm-water washing procedure—including rigorous washing that would damage lighter aluminum-frame alternatives—restores full moisture separation and particulate filtration performance without specialized tools. Optional polyurethane gaskets for side-access housings and optional Filter Coat adhesive treatment provide installation flexibility for demanding applications. Made in USA by American Metal Filter Company to exacting dimensional and construction standards.

Choosing the HMG101625 permanent washable galvanized steel mist eliminator eliminates recurring disposable filter replacement costs while providing higher temperature capability and greater wash durability than the aluminum HMA model. The combination of 99%+ water droplet efficiency, heavy-duty secondary particulate filtration, 325°F temperature capability, and “frequent and rigorous” washability makes this filter the engineering-sound choice for any commercial or industrial HVAC application where moisture entrainment must be controlled at elevated temperatures or where industrial maintenance demands require a more durable frame construction than aluminum can provide in a standard 16x25x1 nominal panel filter footprint.