ISO/TC 142 - Cleaning equipment for air and other gases

This document specifies the test methods for determining the efficiency of filters at their most penetrating particle size (MPPS). It also gives guidelines for the testing and classification for filters with an MPPS of less than 0,1 μm (Annex B) and filters using media with (charged) synthetic fibres (Annex C). It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 29463‑1, ISO 29463‑2, ISO 29463‑3 and ISO 29463‑4.

This document specifies methods and procedures for determining the static performance of particulate air filters used in air intake filter systems for rotary machinery such as stationary gas turbines, compressors and other stationary internal combustion engines. It applies to air filters with an efficiency of 85 % or more for the MPPS (EPA and HEPA filters) which are tested according to ISO 29463 (all parts) and filters with a lower efficiency which are tested according to ISO 16890 (all parts). The procedures described in both ISO 16890 (all parts) and ISO 29463 (all parts) are applied and extended by this document to air filters which operate at flow rates within the range 0,24 m3/s (850 m3/h) up to 2,36 m3/s (8 500 m3/h). Static filter systems normally use multiple stages of coarse, fine and optional EPA or HEPA filter elements to protect the machinery. The scope of this document includes methods for performance testing of individual filter elements. It does not include methods for the direct measurement of the performance of entire systems as installed in service except in cases where they can meet the qualification criteria for the test assembly. Nevertheless, cumulative filter efficiencies of multistage systems of fine filters can be calculated by using the methods described in ISO 16890-1. This document refers to static (barrier) filter systems but can also be applied to other filter types and systems in appropriate circumstances, for example to evaluate the initial efficiency of cleanable and surface loading filters. The performance results obtained in accordance with this document cannot be quantitatively applied (by themselves) to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime.

This document specifies a method for sampling fabric filter medium from a filter system in operation, and a test method for evaluating the degradation of the sampled filter medium. It applies to both woven and nonwoven fabric filter media. This document specifies a method for removing used filter medium from a dry type filtering dust collector, a method for removing dust from the sampled filter medium as part of preparation for testing, and measurement parameters for the test specimen. The number of filter elements to be sampled, their positions in the blocks of filter elements in the dust collector, the position and the size of the test specimens to be cut out from the filter element, measurement parameters and their test methods are also specified. This document also specifies a storage and transportation method for the sampled filter medium that will protect the health of workers and people conducting the tests.

This document specifies the measurement of the output of a UV-C lamp, types of UV-C lamp, lamp ballast, and safety issues. It is applicable to the output measurement of linear UV-C disinfection lamps. This document specifies a measurement method for evaluating output power of UV-C lamps installed in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The method includes the simulation measurement of UV-C output power of UV-C lamps under various temperatures and various air velocities, and under conditions that the axial direction of the lamp is parallel or perpendicular to the air flow direction. It can reliably evaluate and compare the UV-C output power of UV-C lamps in the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) device based on the testing results. If the microbial inactivation rate of a particular UVGI device equipped with the same type of UV-C lamp is known, the microbial inactivation rate of the UVGI device at various temperatures and at various air velocities can be evaluated.

This document describes a method in laboratory to assess the performance of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices which will be mounted in-duct in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The method includes the detailed requirements for test rig, microorganisms, procedures, data calculation and result report to determine the UV dose to model microorganisms by an UVGI device at several airflow rates. By the testing results, the capacity of in-duct UVGI devices for air disinfection can be evaluated and compared reliably. If the susceptibility constant of a given microorganism is known, the inactivation rate of that micro-organism by the tested UVGI devices can be further calculated.

This document specifies the testing instruments and procedure for determining the filtration efficiencies of flat sheet filter media against airborne nanoparticles in the range of 3 nm to 30 nm. The testing methods in this document are limited to spherical or nearly-spherical particles to avoid uncertainties due to the particle shape.

This document specifies the testing instruments and procedure for determining the fractional filtration efficiencies of flat sheet filter medium against airborne nanoparticles in the range of 20 nm to 500 nm. The testing methods in this document are limited to spherical or nearly-spherical particles to avoid uncertainties due to the particle shape.

ISO 29463-1 establishes a classification of filters based on their performance, as determined in accordance with ISO 29463‑3, ISO 29463‑4 and ISO 29463‑5. It also provides an overview of the test procedures, and specifies general requirements for assessing and marking the filters, as well as for documenting the test results. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 29463‑2, ISO 29463‑3, ISO 29463‑4 and ISO 29463‑5.

ISO 29464:2017 establishes a terminology for the air filtration industry and comprises terms and definitions only. ISO 29464:2017 is applicable to particulate and gas phase air filters and air cleaners used for the general ventilation of inhabited enclosed spaces. It is also applicable to air inlet filters for static or seaborne rotary machines and UV-C germicidal devices. It is not applicable to cabin filters for road vehicles or air inlet filters for mobile internal combustion engines for which separate arrangements exist. Dust separators for the purpose of air pollution control are also excluded.

ISO 16890-3:2016 specifies the test equipment and the test methods used for measuring the gravimetric efficiency and resistance to air flow of air filter for general ventilation. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 16890‑1, ISO 16890‑2 and ISO 16890‑4. The test method described in this part of ISO 16890 is applicable for air flow rates between 0,25 m3/s (900 m3/h, 530 ft3/min) and 1,5 m3/s (5 400 m3/h, 3 178 ft3/min), referring to a test rig with a nominal face area of 610 mm × 610 mm (24 in × 24 in). ISO 16890 (all parts) refers to particulate air filter elements for general ventilation having an ePM1 efficiency less than or equal to 99 % and an ePM10 efficiency greater than 20 % when tested as per the procedures defined within ISO 16890 (all parts). Air filter elements outside of this aerosol fraction are evaluated by other applicable test methods. See ISO 29463 (all parts). Filter elements used in portable room-air cleaners are excluded from the scope of this part of ISO 16890. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 16890 (all parts) cannot by themselves be quantitatively applied to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime.

ISO 16890-1:2016 establishes an efficiency classification system of air filters for general ventilation based upon particulate matter (PM). It also provides an overview of the test procedures, and specifies general requirements for assessing and marking the filters, as well as for documenting the test results. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 16890‑2, ISO 16890‑3 and ISO 16890‑4. The test method described in this part of ISO 16890 is applicable for air flow rates between 0,25 m3/s (900 m3/h, 530 ft3/min) and 1,5 m3/s (5 400 m3/h, 3 178 ft3/min), referring to a test rig with a nominal face area of 610 mm × 610 mm (24 inch × 24 inch). ISO 16890 (all parts) refers to particulate air filter elements for general ventilation having an ePM1 efficiency less than or equal to 99 % when tested according to the procedures defined within ISO 16890‑1, ISO 16890‑2, ISO 16890‑3 and ISO 16890‑4. Air filter elements with a higher initial efficiency are evaluated by other applicable test methods (see ISO 29463-1, ISO 29463-2, ISO 29463-3, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5). Filter elements used in portable room-air cleaners are excluded from the scope of this part of ISO 16890. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 16890 (all parts) cannot by themselves be quantitatively applied to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime. Other factors influencing performance to be taken into account are described in Annex A.

ISO 16890-2:2016 specifies the aerosol production, the test equipment and the test methods used for measuring fractional efficiency and air flow resistance of air filters for general ventilation. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 16890‑1, ISO 16890‑3 and ISO 16890‑4. The test method described in this part of ISO 16890 is applicable for air flow rates between 0,25 m3/s (900 m3/h, 530 ft3/min) and 1,5 m3/s (5 400 m3/h, 3 178 ft3/min), referring to a test rig with a nominal face area of 610 mm × 610 mm (24,0 inch × 24,0 inch). ISO 16890 (all parts) refers to particulate air filter elements for general ventilation having an ePM1 efficiency less than or equal to 99 % and an ePM10 efficiency greater than 20 % when tested as per the procedures defined within ISO 16890 (all parts). NOTE The lower limit for this test procedure is set at a minimum ePM10 efficiency of 20 % since it will be very difficult for a test filter element below this level to meet the statistical validity requirements of this procedure. Air filter elements outside of this aerosol fraction are evaluated by other applicable test methods, (see ISO 29463 (all parts)). Filter elements used in portable room-air cleaners are excluded from the scope. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 16890 (all parts) cannot by themselves be quantitatively applied to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime.

ISO 16890-4:2016 establishes a conditioning method to determine the minimum fractional test efficiency. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 16890‑1, ISO 16890‑2 and ISO 16890‑3, and provides the related test requirements for the test device and conditioning cabinet as well as the conditioning procedure to follow. The conditioning method described in this part of ISO 16890 is referring to a test device with a nominal face area of 610 mm × 610 mm (24 inch × 24 inch). ISO 16890 (all parts) refers to particulate air filter elements for general ventilation having an ePM1 efficiency less than or equal to 99 % and an ePM10 efficiency greater than 20 % when tested according to the procedures defined within ISO 16890 (all parts). NOTE The lower limit for this test procedure is set at a minimum ePM10 efficiency of 20 % since it will be very difficult for a test filter element below this level to meet the statistical validity requirements of this procedure. Air filter elements outside of this aerosol fraction are evaluated by other applicable test methods. See ISO 29463 (all parts). Filter elements used in portable room-air cleaners are excluded from the scope of this part of ISO 16890. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 16890 (all parts) cannot by themselves be quantitatively applied to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime. The results from this part of ISO 16890 may also be used by other standards that define or classify the fractional efficiency in the size range of 0,3 μm to 10 μm when electrostatic removal mechanism is an important factor to consider, for example ISO 29461.

ISO 15858:2016 specifies minimum human safety requirements for the use of UVC lamp devices. It is applicable to in-duct UVC systems, upper-air in room UVC systems, portable in-room disinfection UVC devices, and any other UVC devices which may cause UVC exposure to humans. It is not applicable to UVC products used for water disinfection.

ISO 16170:2016 specifies in situ test methods for high efficiency particulate air filters used to limit releases towards the environment (e.g. from nuclear facilities or facilities with aerosol toxic or biological releases). This applies where installations of these filters are used to clean effluent air before discharge to the environment from industrial (including nuclear) installations where toxic/radioactive/biological materials are handled or processed. It excludes the application already covered by ISO 14644‑3. The scope of ISO 16170:2016 includes detail of two methods, either of which applies to the periodic testing of high efficiency filters which are used in demanding applications aiming at protecting the environment, such as the nuclear industry. In the case of nuclear applications, ISO 16170:2016 is applicable to installations covered by ISO 17873 (applications other than nuclear reactors) and ISO 26802 (nuclear reactors). The two reference methods specified in ISO 16170:2016 are not equivalent, but related to, the requirements to be addressed by the test results. The choice of which of the two methods is adopted in any specific case depends on whether the outcome requires an integrity test or a statutory efficiency accountancy test. For industries handling or processing radioactive or toxic materials giving rise to a risk of possible release, the main goal of the tests is to confirm that the filter installation is fit for purpose. In the case of integrity tests (Annex B), this is to confirm that no significant leakage of toxic aerosols through the filter installation is possible. In the case of efficiency accountancy tests (Annex C), the test is designed to make an accurate measurement of decontamination factor with respect to the MPPS size range of particles. The reference method described in Annex B (integrity test) requires a test aerosol of dispersed oil particles mainly submicrometre in size range, which is stable during the test procedure and compatible with other installation components. Particle concentrations are measured in real time by light scattering instrumentation (optical detectors). The reference method described in Annex C (efficiency accountancy test) requires a test aerosol of particles having a narrow size range centred on MPPS size range for HEPA filter media. Their concentration both upstream and downstream the filters is measured by fluorimetric analysis of aqueous solution obtained by washing the membrane sampling filters. It should be noted that the requirements for an efficiency accountancy test also cover the requirements of an integrity test, which is considered to be a minimum requirement. Test methods developed in ISO 16170:2016 do not cover the other in situ performance requirements, such as mechanical resistance, bursting resistance or humidity resistance. Specific systems operating at high temperature or with specific gaseous effluents might require specific test methods. The engineering design of HEPA and ULPA filter installations does not fall within the scope of ISO 16170:2016. NOTE In the field of filters for general ventilation applications, ISO 29462 is a detailed and comprehensive description of a method which uses scanning and particle counting methods to evaluate the performance of a filter in terms of particle grade efficiency, as well as pressure drop. Such a method and procedure would not be applicable in those nuclear installations where quantification of the decontamination factor at MPPS size is needed.

ISO 16891:2016 specifies a standard reference test method useful to assess the relative degradation characteristics of cleanable filter media for industrial applications under standardized simulated test conditions. The main purpose of testing is to obtain the information about relative change of properties of filter media due to exposure to the simulated gas conditions for a long time. The main target of this International Standard is the property change of nonwoven fabric filters because they are frequently used under similar circumstances to the test gas conditions described in this International Standard. The results obtained from this test method are not intended for predicting the absolute properties of full scale filter facilities. However, they are helpful for the design of a bag filter and selection and development of appropriate cleanable filter media, and for the identification of suitable operating parameters.

ISO 15957:2015 defines the properties of load test dusts used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air filters as well as air cleaning equipment in laboratories. Test dusts used for evaluation of efficiency performance are not included.

ISO 10121-1:2014 aims to provide an objective laboratory test method, a suggested apparatus, normative test sections and normative tests for evaluation of three different solid gas-phase air cleaning media (GPACM) or GPACM configurations for use in gas-phase air cleaning devices intended for general filtration applications. ISO 10121-1:2014 is specifically intended for challenge testing and not for general material evaluation or pore system characterization. The three different types of GPACM identified in ISO 10121-1:2014 are GPACM-LF (particles of different shape and size intended for e.g. Loose Fill applications), GPACM-FL (FLat sheet fabric intended for e.g. flat one layer, pleated or bag type devices) and GPACM-TS (three dimensional structures that are many times thicker than flat sheet and e.g. used as finished elements in a device). The tests are conducted in an air stream and the GPACM configurations are challenged with test gases under steady-state conditions. Since elevated gas challenge concentrations (relative to general ventilation applications) are used, test data should be used to compare GPACM within the same configuration and not for the purpose of predicting performance in a real situation. It is also not implied that different GPACM configurations can be directly compared. The primary intention is to be able to compare like GPACM configurations to like, not between GPACM configurations. Testing of complete devices is described in ISO 10121‑2. To ensure objectivity for test equipment suppliers, no specific design of the test apparatus is defined: an example is illustrated in an annex. Instead normative demands for media sample holder design, apparatus properties and validation tests are specified.

ISO 10121-2:2013 aims to provide an objective test method to estimate the performance of any full size gas filtration device (GPACD) for general filtration regardless of media or technique used in the device. In fact, the goal of this part of ISO 10121 is to avoid relating the test data to internal parameters altogether. The benefit with this approach is that customers of GPACDs will be able to concentrate on price/performance and suppliers will have access to a normative and objective test standard that will not require the release of proprietary information or reverse engineering of the product. To ensure objectivity for test equipment suppliers, no specific design of the test apparatus is specified. Instead requirements of apparatus properties and validation tests are specified. However, different design examples in present use are outlined. ISO 10121-2:2013 can also be used with technologies such as scrubbers, absorbers, non-sorptive devices or packed columns as long as they fit into the test apparatus, can be meaningfully judged by the test method and are intended for general ventilation applications, both residential and non residential. Nuclear and military applications are specifically excluded.

ISO 29462:2013 describes a procedure for measuring the performance of general ventilation air cleaning devices in their end use installed configuration. The performance measurements include removal efficiency by particle size and the resistance to airflow. The procedures for test include the definition and reporting of the system airflow. The procedure describes a method of counting ambient air particles of 0,3 μm to 5,0 μm upstream and downstream of the in-place air cleaner(s) in a functioning air handling system. The procedure describes the reduction of particle counter data to calculate removal efficiency by particle size. Since filter installations vary dramatically in design and shape, a protocol for evaluating the suitability of a site for filter evaluation and for system evaluation is included. When the evaluated site conditions meet the minimum criteria established for system evaluation, the performance evaluation of the system can also be performed according to this procedure. ISO 29462:2013 also describes performance specifications for the testing equipment and defines procedures for calculating and reporting the results. This International Standard is not intended for measuring performance of portable or movable room air cleaners or for evaluation of filter installations with and expected filtration efficiency at or above 99 % or at or below 30 % when measured at 0,4 μm.

ISO 29463-3:2011 specifies the test procedure for testing the efficiency of flat sheet filter media. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 29463-1, ISO 29463-2, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5.

ISO 29463-2:2011 specifies the aerosol production and measuring equipment used for testing high-efficiency filters and filter media in accordance with ISO 29463-3, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5, as well as the statistical basis for particle counting with a small number of counted events. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 29463-1, ISO 29463-3, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5.

ISO 29463-4:2011 specifies the test procedure of the "scan method", considered to be the reference method, for determining the leakage of filter elements. It is applicable to filters ranging from classes ISO 35 H to ISO 75 U. ISO 29463-4:2011 also describes the other normative methods: the oil thread leak test and the photometer leak test, applicable to classes ISO 35 H to ISO 45 H HEPA filters, and the leak test with solid PSL aerosol. ISO 29463-4:2011 is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 29463-1, ISO 29463-2, ISO 29463-3 and ISO 29463-5.

ISO 21220:2008 refers to particulate air filters for general ventilation. It describes testing methods and the test rig for measuring filter performance. The test rig is designed for an air flow rate between 0,25 m3/s (900 m3/h, 530 ft3/min) and 1,5 m3/s (5 400 m3/h, 3 178 ft3/min). ISO 21220:2008 applies to air filters having an initial efficiency of less than 99 % with respect to 0,4 µm particles. Filters in the higher end and above 99 % initial efficiency are tested and classified according to other standards. Two test methods are combined in ISO 21220:2008: a “fine method” for air filters in the higher efficiency range and a “coarse method” for lower efficiency filters. In either case, a flat sheet media sample or media pack sample from an identical filter shall be conditioned (discharged) to provide information about the intensity of the electrostatic removal mechanism. After determination of its initial efficiency, the untreated filter is loaded with synthetic dust in one step until its final test-pressure drop is reached. Information on the loaded performance of the filter is then obtained. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 21220:2008 cannot, by themselves, be quantitatively applied to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime. It is necessary to take into account other factors influencing performance.

ISO 29461 specifies methods and procedures for determining the performance of particulate air filters used in air intake filter systems for rotary machinery such as stationary gas turbines, compressors and other stationary internal combustion engines. It applies to air filters having an initial particle efficiency up to 99,9 % with respect to 0,4 µm particles. Filters with higher initial particle efficiencies are tested and classified according to other standards (e.g. EN 1822). These procedures are intended for filters which operating at flow rates within the range 0,25 m3/s (900 m3/h) up to 1,67 m3/s (6000 m3/h). ISO 29461-1:2013 refers to static (barrier) filter systems but can be applied to other filter types and systems in appropriate circumstances. Two methods of determining the efficiency are used in ISO 29461-1:2013: particulate efficiency (measured with respect to particle number and size); gravimetric efficiency (percentage weighted mass removal of loading dust. Also a flat sheet media sample or media pack sample from an identical filter is conditioned (discharged) to provide information about the intensity of the electrostatic removal mechanism. After determination of its initial particle efficiency, the untreated filter is loaded with dust in steps until its final test pressure drop is reached. Information on the loaded performance of the filter is then obtained. The performance results obtained in accordance with ISO 29461-1:2013 cannot be quantitatively applied (by themselves) to predict performance in service with regard to efficiency and lifetime. Other factors influencing performance to be taken into account are described in the annexes.

ISO 29463-5:2011 specifies the reference test procedure for determining the efficiency of filters at their most penetrating particle size (MPPS). ISO 29463-5:2011 also gives guidelines for the testing and classification for filters with an MPPS of less than 0,1 μm and filters using media with (charged) synthetic fibres. ISO 29463-5:2011 is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 29463-1, ISO 29463-2, ISO 29463-3 and ISO 29463-4.

ISO 29463-1:2011 establishes a classification of filters based on their performance, as determined in accordance with ISO 29463-3, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5. It also provides an overview of the test procedures, and specifies general requirements for assessing and marking the filters, as well as for documenting the test results. It is intended for use in conjunction with ISO 29463‑2, ISO 29463‑3, ISO 29463-4 and ISO 29463-5.

ISO 29464:2011 establishes a terminology for the air filtration industry and comprises terms and definitions together with, in some cases, symbols and units. ISO 29464:2011 is applicable to both particulate and gas phase air filters and cleaners used for the general ventilation of inhabited enclosed spaces. Air inlet filters for static or seaborne rotary machines are included. ISO 29464:2011 does not apply to cabin filters for road vehicles or air inlet filters for mobile internal combustion engines, for which separate arrangements exist. Dust separators for the purpose of air pollution control are also excluded.

ISO/TS 21220:2009 presents test methods and specifies a test rig for measuring the filter performance of particulate air filters used for general ventilation. The test rig is designed for an air flow rate of between 0,25 m3/s [900 m3/h (530 ft3/min)] and 1,5 m3/s [5 400 m3/h (3 178 ft3/min)]. ISO/TS 21220:2009 is applicable to air filters having an initial efficiency of less than 99 % with respect to 0,4 µm particles. Filters in the higher end and those with an above 99 % initial efficiency are tested and classified according to other standards. It combines two test methods: a “fine” method for air filters in the higher efficiency range and a “coarse” method for filters of lower efficiency. In either case, a flat‑sheet media sample or media pack sample from an identical filter is conditioned (discharged) to provide information about the intensity of the electrostatic removal mechanism. After determination of its initial efficiency, the untreated filter is loaded with synthetic dust in a single step until its final test pressure drop is reached. Information on the loaded performance of the filter is then obtained. The performance results thus obtained cannot alone be quantitatively applied to predict in‑service performance with regard to efficiency and lifetime, so other factors influencing performance are also presented.

Defines a classification of dust separators, gives their operating principles and defines their characteristics. Examples are given of each class of dust separator, but this list is not exhaustive. Symbols are given for each class of dust separator and these shall be used as the basis for symbols for more complex types of separator.