This new European standard is based on particle counting methods that actually cover most needs for different applications. EN 1822:2009 differs from its previous edition (EN 1822:1998) by including the following:
An alternative method for leakage testing of Group H filters with shapes other than panels
An alternative test method for using a solid, instead of a liquid, test aerosol
A method for testing and classifying of filters made out of membrane-type media
A method for testing and classifying filters made out of synthetic fibre media
The main difference is related to the classification for the filter classes H10 - H12, which has now been changed to E10 - E12.
The following table shows the various classifications of high-efficiency filters per EN 1822:
| | Integral Value | Local Value |
| Filter Class | Collection Efficiency % | Penetration % | Collection Efficiency % | Penetration % |
| E10 | 85 | 15 | - | - |
| E11 | 95 | 5 | - | - |
| E12 | 99,5 | 0,5 | - | - |
| H13 | 99,95 | 0,05 | 99,75 | 0,25 |
| H14 | 99,995 | 0,005 | 99,975 | 0,025 |
| U15 | 99,9995 | 0,0005 | 99,9975 | 0,0025 |
| U16 | 99,99995 | 0,00005 | 99,99975 | 0,00025 |
| U17 | 99,999995 | 0,000005 | 99,9999 | 0,0001 |
The filter class description are:
- EPA 10 - EPA 12: Efficiency Particulate Air Filters
- HEPA 13 - HEPA 14: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters
- ULPA 15 - ULPA 17: Ultra Low Penetration Air Filters
Testing
Testing per EN 1822 is normally done with an aerosol probe which can be moved over the entire surface of the filter. This moving of the aerosol probe, or scanning, results in the measurement of many local collection efficiencies. These local efficiencies can be used to calculate the overall efficiency of the filter or the leak rate of a specific area of the filter. The overall efficiency calculation is often termed the integral value, while the leak rate is often termed the local value.
Tests are performed on new filters at specified nominal volumetric air flow. Filters of U15 or above must be scanned with a particle counter probe designed for this purpose. An oil thread test can be utilized on filters of H13 and H14 classification.
Filter testing includes the following measurement:
- Pressure drop at nominal air flow
- Overall collection efficiency at most penetrating particle size (MPPS)
- Local collection efficiencies at MPPS
- No leaks above H13 as specified in the table above
Camfil manufactures Megalam (HEPA/ULPA) filters to the most stringent industry and/or customer standards. We also test raw material components for outgassing e.g. organophosphates from PU sealants. Solid latex spheres or silica are normally chosen as test aerosols for the microelectronic industry due to their low outgassing properties. Camfil has a policy of continuous improvement as a means of ensuring our leadership position in the high-efficiency filtration marketplace. We maintain extensive joint R&D programmes with our key suppliers to develop and test next-generation filtration media. Such efforts allow us to provide the highest performing filtration products to meet the demands of emerging technologies.
Camfil was the first to provide U17 grade ULPA filters utilizing low boron media. We also manufacture e-PTFE filters in grades U15 and higher.