Filter Testing for Air Filter and Media Efficiency Measurement

Trusted by Filter Manufacturers Around the Globe

TSI offers automated filter testers (AFTs) and components that comply with various testing standards and regulations globally. TSI AFTs are designed for measuring filtration efficiencies of media and a variety of air filters, including high-efficiency filters, respiratory filters, cartridges, and protective garments. They utilize submicron poly- and monodisperse oil and/or sodium chloride aerosol for testing.

TSI AFTs are known for their durability, reliability, and minimal maintenance. Models 8127 and 8130 integrate into high-volume production lines or serve as stand-alone testers for loading or quality control, measuring efficiencies up to 99.999%. For higher efficiency filters, Models 3160 and 3140 determine efficiencies up to 99.999999%. Model 3160 uses an Electrostatic Classifier with dual Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) to measure the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) from 15 to 800 nm using monodisperse particles. Model 3140 uses a polydisperse oil aerosol generator and CPCs, making it suitable for quality control testing of high-efficiency filters.

TSI also provides a Component Filter Test System (CFTS) Model 3150, a software and hardware module offering a complete solution for custom filter testing. The CFTS is pre-configured to work with TSI's detectors and sizers, providing a platform for numerous filter testing applications. It can be configured to read signals from various flowmeters, pressure transducers, and sensors (temperature, pressure, and relative humidity) to automate data collection. It can also provide signals to control blower flow, sampling valves, and aerosol generators. The CFTS offers an easy-to-use system with flexibility for designing new test ducts or updating existing systems.

All TSI filter testers are supported by TSI's commitment to superior customer support and service.

Features and Benefits

• Solutions for all filter testing needs
• Simple, fast, and automated operation
• Measurement of efficiencies up to 99.999999% (eight 9's)
• Determination of most penetrating particle size (MPPS)
• Stable aerosol generators for repeatable and reproducible measurements
• Designed for manufacturing environments and quality control testing

Automated Tester Accessories

TSI offers optional accessories to enhance the capability and applicability of automated filter testers. Specific models may have additional accessories available (refer to model-specific information sheets).

Custom Filter Holders

TSI's experienced design team and machine shop can address special requirements for custom filter holders. TSI has designed and built over 100 custom filter holders for filters of various shapes and sizes. Contact a TSI representative for details on customized solutions.

External Adapter

The Model 8107 External Adapter allows testing of tubular, rectangular, or other irregular shaped filter cartridges with their own housing.

Example Results:

[Image description: Two graphs showing MPPS results from Model 3160, one labeled 'Fractional Results' and the other 'General Results'.]

Automated Tester Specifications

^a EN versions (for equivalent results to EN 143 standard) available (8127-1-EN, 8130-1-EN)

^b EN version CMD and GSD are different. See 8127/8130 spec sheet for more info

^c Efficiencies higher than 99.9999% require longer than typical testing times

^d Aerosol abbreviations: DOP (dioctyl phthalate), PAO (polyalpha olefin), DEHS (di-ethylhexyl sebacate)

Bringing It All Together

Component Filter Test System

TSI offers a Component Filter Test System (CFTS Model 3150) for applications not feasible with TSI's automated testers. For diverse flow rates and particle sizes required by many filter testing standards and research needs, an automated tester may not be practical. Building a filter test system from components is often the most effective approach. TSI's CFTS is an easy-to-use system platform that integrates the necessary parts for such systems, connecting to components for air filter testing applications.

CFTS: How It Works

[Image description: A diagram showing the flow of components in a filter test system, including Aerosol Generator, Particle Conditioners, Instruments/Generators/Controls, and Filter Test Rig.]

Flexibility

Filters are used in various applications and tested against numerous standards. The CFTS system is designed for flexibility, allowing adjustments to meet diverse requirements. Its graphical user interface controls the filter test, defining test layouts and procedures, and serving as the interface for running tests. The CFTS includes drivers to communicate with particle instruments and interfaces for reading sensors and controlling flow. During testing, it collects, saves, and exports data for test reports.

Complete Solution

TSI, as an instrument manufacturer, provides many components for these systems. Other components, like sheet metal work and welding for duct segments, or blowers and pressure transducers, may be sourced locally or from specialized suppliers. While manual control of components is possible, integrating them into an automated platform via the CFTS system simplifies operation. The CFTS provides the connections and software to facilitate system configuration, eliminating the need for custom software for every component change.

Standards and Regulation

Air and gas filter testing methods are largely determined by standards and regulations. Numerous standards exist, each tailored to specific filter applications. Test standards define user filter testing needs. The table below provides examples of standards and the required component combinations for testing.

* Size range or resolution not fully satisfied with this detector

Why CFTS?

TSI's CFTS offers a solution for the entire air filter test market, configurable without software customization. It supports small filter media test stands or large, high flow rate filter test benches. Whether building a custom test rig, updating an existing system, or developing a new system with a system integrator, TSI's CFTS provides the platform.

Designing a Component System

All filter test systems require a particle generation source; multiple generators may be needed. Since generated particles can be highly charged, neutralization is often required.

Pressure transducers measure pressure drop across the filter under test and across flow measurement devices like orifices, laminar flow elements, or flow nozzles.

For high flow systems, large blowers are controlled using variable frequency drives, which can be manually controlled or operated via a control voltage.

Particles used for filter testing must be detected. Detectors include Photometers (total light scatter), optical particle counters (particle size based on light scatter), and condensation particle counters (CPCs) that detect and count particles down to 10 nm. A size selection device, such as an Electrostatic Classifier, is often used with CPCs.

TSI Components

TSI Instruments, including Photometers, OPS, APC, CPC, and Electrostatic Classifiers, are used in various applications within the filter test market. TSI's aerosol generators and aerosol measurement accessories are also suitable for filter testing. The CFTS, combined with these instruments, offers comprehensive solutions.

CFTS Connections

The CFTS measures flow using various techniques and controls blowers to achieve required flow rates. It includes ports for reading temperature, pressure, and relative humidity, enabling flow corrections and logging sensor data for test reports.

[Image description: A diagram illustrating the CFTS system configuration, showing the connection of various components like aerosol generators, particle conditioners, instruments, and controls to a filter test rig.]

Components Available from TSI

TSI offers a range of particle generators, conditioners, detectors, and sizers. The following lists some currently available models supported by the CFTS system. TSI will add new products as needs are identified.

Particle Generators:

• 3076: Constant Output Generator
• 8108: Large Particle Aerosol Generator
• 9306: Six-jet atomizer
• 9307: Oil Droplet Generator (Laskin Nozzle)
• 8118A: Salt Generator (used in 8130 AFT)
• 1081414R: Oil Generator (used in 8127/8130 AFT)
• 8118A-EN: Salt Generator (Used in 8130-EN AFT)
• 1081414R-EN: Oil Generator (used in 8127/8130 -EN)

Particle Conditioners:

• 3077(A): Aerosol Neutralizer (Radioactive)
• 3054(A): Aerosol Neutralizer (Radioactive)
• 3087: Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer (Non-Radioactive)
• 308003: Electrostatic Classifier (w/o neutralizer or DMA)
• 3081: Long DMA (use with Electrostatic Classifier)
• 3332: Diluter (-10 and -100 versions)
• 33302A: Diluter (-10 and -100 versions)

Particle Detectors and Sizers:

• 3330: Optical Particle Sizer
• 3772: Condensation Particle Counter
• 8587A: Laser Photometer
• 7110-5: AeroTrak™ Airborne Particle Counter

[Image description: A table showing specifications for TSI instruments including Size Range, Concentration, Flow Rate, and Count/Size for models like 3330 OPS, 3772 CPC, 8587A, and 7110 Particle Counter.]

[Image description: Photographs of TSI instruments: Model 3772, Model 8587A, Model 8180A, Model 7110-5, and Model 3330.]

Filter Testing Overview

CFTS Software - System Configuration

The CFTS software allows system configuration for selecting dual counters or a single counter with a valve for upstream or downstream selection. Different detectors can be used, and when a CPC is selected, an Electrostatic Classifier can be utilized. Various aerosol generators and neutralizers, along with diluters, can be selected for measuring upstream of the test filter.

Specifications

Model: 3150

Communication:

• Interfaces: 2 USB ports, 4 ports RS 232

Analog Input: Up to 8 channels

Analog Output: 2 channels (0 to 10 V, 4 to 20 mA only with external adapter)

Digital Input: TTL-Level, up to 8 channels

Digital Outputs: Up to 12 channels, 12 or 24 VDC selectable

Measured Parameters (if sensors are connected):

• Filter Penetration and Efficiency
• Filter Resistance (differential pressure across filter)
• Filter flow rate
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Relative Humidity

Software: Supplied with Component Filter Test System Software

[Image description: Four screenshots of the CFTS software interface, showing different system configurations: 'One OPS With Up/Down Switch', 'Two OPS Instruments', 'Classified aerosol with CPCs and Non-Radioactive Neutralizer', and 'Classified aerosol with CPCs and Radioactive Neutralizer'.]