Technical Guides

AAF DriPak 2000 and VariCel Equivalents: Pocket and Box Filter Replacements

2026-10-30

How AAF's DriPak 2000 pocket filter and VariCel box filter compare with our synthetic pocket filter and W-Cell filter: MERV grades, sizes, depths and what to confirm before you switch.

Key points

DriPak 2000 is a synthetic pocket filter (MERV 12, 14, 15); the closest Yiding product is our synthetic pocket filter.
VariCel is a rigid box filter with glass-fibre media and aluminium separators (MERV 11–15); the closest Yiding product is our W-Cell filter.
Both come in US nominal sizes such as 24 × 24 and 12 × 24 in, the same sizes as our catalogue.
Check the header type, the operating temperature and the MERV grade before you switch.

Two AAF filters, two Yiding equivalents

AAF's DriPak 2000 and VariCel are two of the most common intermediate filters in North American air handling units. DriPak 2000 is a pocket (bag) filter made of layered, meltblown synthetic media. VariCel is a rigid box filter: pleated glass-fibre media held apart by corrugated aluminium separators in a galvanised steel cell. Each has a close counterpart in our range, built in the same nominal sizes.

Product and grade comparison

AAF products (AAF published literature) and the closest Yiding products
AAF product	Construction	AAF MERV grades	Closest Yiding product	Yiding catalogue grades
DriPak 2000	Pocket filter, layered meltblown synthetic media	MERV 15, 14, 12	Synthetic Pocket Filter	MERV 14, 13, 11 (90–95%, 80–85%, 60–65% dust-spot)
VariCel	Box filter, glass-fibre media, aluminium separators	MERV 15, 14, 13, 11	W-Cell Air Filter	MERV 14, 13, 11 (90–95%, 80–85%, 60–65% dust-spot)

MERV 15 is not a standard grade in our catalogue; for MERV 12 the nearest catalogue grade is MERV 13, one step higher. When you order against an AAF product, tell us the MERV grade on the label and we confirm the matching grade in the test report sent with the quote.

DriPak 2000 sizes and our pocket filters

AAF lists DriPak 2000 from 12 × 24 in with 3 pockets up to 24 × 24 in with 10 pockets, rated at 500 ft/min face velocity. Our synthetic pocket filter catalogue covers the two most common face sizes in the same depths; other sizes are built to order.

DriPak 2000 sizes (AAF literature) and our synthetic pocket filter catalogue
Nominal face size (in)	DriPak 2000 depths (in)	Our catalogue: actual size, depths, pockets
24 × 24	12, 15, 21, 26, 30, 36	595 × 595 mm; 381, 533, 762, 914 mm deep; 6 or 12 pockets
12 × 24	12, 15, 21, 26, 30, 36	289 × 595 mm; 381, 533, 762, 914 mm deep; 3 or 6 pockets
24 × 20 / 20 × 24	12, 15, 21, 26, 30, 36	Built to order
20 × 20	12, 15, 21, 26, 30, 36	Built to order

VariCel depths and our W-Cell filter

VariCel comes in 6 in and 12 in depths. AAF rates the 12 in filter at 500 ft/min and the 6 in filter at 250 ft/min face velocity. For a 24 × 24 in filter that is 2,000 and 1,000 cfm. Our W-Cell filter has the same two depths and the same rated airflow.

VariCel ratings (AAF literature) and our W-Cell catalogue, 24 × 24 in size
Depth	VariCel rated face velocity	Airflow, 24 × 24 in	Our W-Cell catalogue
12 in	500 ft/min	2,000 cfm (about 3,400 m³/h)	595 × 595 × 292 mm, rated 3,400 m³/h
6 in	250 ft/min	1,000 cfm (about 1,700 m³/h)	595 × 595 × 150 mm, rated 1,700 m³/h

What to confirm before you switch

Header: VariCel comes with a single header (type SH) or a double header (type DH). Tell us which one your frames use, and whether you need a gasket.
Grade: give the MERV grade on the old filter. Our standard grades are MERV 11, 13 and 14.
Temperature: VariCel SH and DH filters are rated to 350 °F (177 °C) and DriPak 2000 to 200 °F (93 °C). Our catalogue lists 60 °C continuous for the standard versions; high-temperature W-Cell versions can be discussed.
Final resistance: AAF recommends changing VariCel filters at 1.5 in w.g. (about 375 Pa). Follow the final resistance your system was designed for.
Antimicrobial media: AAF offers antimicrobial versions. Our catalogue does not list one, so ask before ordering if your specification requires it.

How to order

Send the AAF product name, size and MERV grade from the label, or a photo of the label.
Give the quantity for each size and the design airflow, if you know it.
For VariCel, tell us the header type and gasket position.
We reply with a drawing, a price and our test report for the grade, so you can compare before switching.

AAF, DriPak and VariCel are trademarks of AAF International. Yiding is not affiliated with AAF. AAF data on this page comes from AAF's published product literature (DriPak 2000, AFP-1-114R; VariCel, AFP-1-158BB) and is used only to identify the size and grade to be matched.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Yiding pocket filter replace a DriPak 2000 directly?

It is built in the same nominal face size and depth, so it fits the same frames. Confirm the MERV grade, the pocket count and the header when you order.

Is the W-Cell the same as a VariCel?

No, it is a different manufacturer's filter. Both are rigid box filters with glass-fibre media and aluminium separators in the same 6 in and 12 in depths, so the W-Cell is the closest match in our range.

Do you make MERV 15?

MERV 15 is not a standard grade in our catalogue. Ask us with your size and airflow, and we will tell you what we can supply and test.

What if my unit runs hot?

Our standard versions are rated to 60 °C continuous. Tell us the operating temperature and we will propose a suitable frame and sealant.

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