This test method describes a procedure for determining the penetration of aerosols through a one- or twostage HEPA filter installation. Testing multiple filter stages as a single unit eliminates the need for: installation of auxiliary aerosol bypass ducts, installation of aerosol injection manifolds between filter stages, and entry of test personnel into contaminated areas. It provides for filter testing without interruption of plant processes and operation of ventilation systems.

The procedure is applicable for measuring penetrations requiring sensitivities to 0.1 μm.

A challenge concentration of 2.5 × 10 ⁵ particles/cm³ (p/cm³), is required for evaluation of one-filter stage, and 2 × 10⁶ p/cm ³, or about 30 μg/L (assuming unit density), is required to properly evaluate a two-stage HEPA filter system as one unit.

This test method can determine the penetration of HEPA filters in the particle-size range from 0.1 to 0.2 μm where the greatest penetration of particles is likely to occur.

1.1 This test method covers the procedure and equipment for measuring the penetration of test particles through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter systems using a laser aerosol spectrometer (LAS). This test method provides the capability of evaluating the overall effectiveness of HEPA filter systems consisting of one or two filter stages.

1.2 The aerosols used for testing have a heterodisperse size distribution in the submicrometer diameter range from 0.1 to 1.0 µm.

1.3 The purpose for conducting in-place filter testing by this test method is in the ability to determine penetration of multi-stage installations, without individual stage tests. Particle penetration as low as 10^-8 can be measured by this test method. Also, the LAS provides a measure of penetration for discrete particle sizes.

1.4 Maximum penetration for an installed HEPA filter system is 5 X 10^-4 for one filter stage, and 2.5 X 10^-7 for two stages in series is recommended.

Note 1--Acceptance penetration criteria must be specified in the program, or owners specifications. The penetration criteria suggested in this test method is referenced in Ref (1).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.Specific precautionary statements are given in 9.6.