Comparison of HEPA filter test methods in corrosive environments

The in-plant testing of process off-gas high efficiency particular air (HEPA) filters is an important quality control activity of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) policy at nuclear facilities. Imprecise and irreproducible data were recorded during DOP testing at the Atmospheric Protection System (APS) of the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP). The tests at the APS are performed in an environment that has high humidity, high temperatures and has NO/sub x/ present. An evaluation of three HEPA filter test methods in corrosive environments was conducted: the dioctyl phthalate (DOP) method (US Standard Method ANSI N-101.1-1979) the sodium chloride method (British Standard 3928:1969), and the soda-fluorescein or uranine method (French Standard AFNOR STD NFX 44-011). The effects of high humidity, temperature, and oxides of nitrogen (NO/sub x/) on each method was examined. The effects of each variable and any interaction between variables on the test methods were examined. Recommendations for changes in the standard methods to reduce erratic on-line results are presented