NAFA Guide To Air Filtration

Fifth Edition

Chapter 8
HEPA and ULPA Filter Testing

presented by the

National Air Filtration Association

HEPA Testing Challenge

• Has to be non-destructive as each HEPA is

individually tested
– Should generate an aerosol whose size is
MPPS
– Monodispersed
– Confirm particle size
– Measure concentration upstream &
downstream of filter
High Efficiency Filters
HEPA
Minimum Particle Collection Efficiency
• 99.97% for 0.3 micron particles (Type A)
Penetration Tested
• 99.99% for 0.3 micron particles (Type C)
Penetration and Leak Tested
ULPA
Minimum Particle Collection Efficiency
• 99.999% For 0.10-0.20 Micron Particles (Type F)
Penetration and Laser Tested
See Page 8.5 for all HEPA Ratings and MOT
 Efficiency testing
Q 107 Hot DOP Penatrometer

Exhaust
Air Intake Filter
Alternate Exhaust
(When Filter Is
Not Being Tested) Air
Flow
Heaters
Test DOP
Hood Reservoir
Filter
Cooling Coils
DOP Motor/
Vapor Blower
HEPA and ULPA Filter
Testing

A modern test device

HEPA Filter Testing

• Penetration converted to overall

efficiency including gaskets, sealing and
framing
• Initial resistance
• Two-Flow Testing - leak test (scanning
for leaks)
In-place Leak Testing

• Done using “cold DOP” or other suitable

challenge – it is poly-dispersed
• Generator is placed upstream of HEPA
filter to introduce challenge particles
• Scanning with a Aerosol

photometer is done Challenge is introduced

upstream of the HEPA filter.

downstream to detect leaks A good mixture is assured

calibration of photometer is
made to read 100%.

To Photometer
Airflow
Media Damage from
Shipping/Handling

In-place scanning of HEPA

Mechanical Scan Device at
Factory
Standards for HEPA Filters

• UL 900 – Listed

• UL 586 – involves exposing HEPA filter

not only to aerosol penetration test,
but heated air, moist air, cold air,
flame, and others as required by user

• IEST – has categorized filter testing for

Type A through Type K
Standards for HEPA Filters
• EN 1822 – is the European Standard for
HEPA and ULPA filters and classifies them
from H10-14 for HEPA and U15-17 for
ULPA
• Factory Mutual – 3rd party testing and
verification company
• ASME AG-1 (Nuclear applications)
• Off-Gassing Qualifications
 Not On Test But Good To
Know Information
Handling HEPA Filters

• Limit Handling to Minimum

 Use two people to move if >30”
high or >36” wide
 Do not drop, bump, stack or sit on
filters
 Do not allow filters to lay flat
 Not On Test But Good To
Know Information
Removing HEPA Filter From Carton
 Do not lift filter out of box! Open one end,
turn box upside down, lift box off filter
 Do not try to remove the filter by lifting it
up from the box. You may puncture the
media with your fingers
 If a filter is equipped with a removal strap,
you may carefully use this to remove the
filter from the box
 When handling, grasp the filter only on
outside surface of frame
Storage of HEPA Filters
• Store filter standing upright on edge so
pleats are vertical, not lying flat.
• Make sure filters are marked ‘Fragile”
and stored in a ‘safe zone’ away from
traffic or activity.
• Filters <24” under high; stack 3 high. If
filters are > 24” high or greater; stack
only two high.
• Do not expose to dampness, excessive
heat or cold (120 degree F. max.),
rapidly changing temperature or out of
doors.
Summary - HEPA Filters
• At least 99.97% Efficient on 0.3
micrometer challenge particles
• Tested (scan and / or efficiency) using
DOP or suitable substitute
• Used to filter hazardous materials
• Always changed with knowledge and PPE
• Used in Bag In/Bag Out application
• Should always be handled with care
Sample Questions

• Minimum efficiency for filter to be a HEPA?

99.97% on 0.3 micrometer particles
• European Standard for HEPA and ULPA filters is?
EN1822
• Difference between Hot DOP and Cold DOP is?
Size of particle challenge
• Testing HEPA filters after installation is called?
In-place Leak Testing or Cold DOP Test
 Thank you.

Other Questions ?