Design and operation of optimized high efficiency filter element test systems

This paper discusses significant improvements in the design and operation of high efficiency filter test systems. The major areas discussed are the optimization of system hardware and the application of statistical analysis to expedite the test procedure. This has resulted in systems which can verify HEPA performance in 15 seconds, ULPA performance in 60 seconds, with low mass loading of non-DOP aerosols. Performance data are presented for two systems spanning a flow rate range of 1 to 65 m/sub 3//min (30 to 2000 cfm) and capable of determining fractional penetrations down to 10/sup -7/ (efficiencies up to 99.99999%) for particles from 0.1 to 1.0 micrometers