Labconco 3970202 User Manual - Hepa Filter Leak Test

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Chapter 6: Maintaining Your Filtered PCR Enclosure 

HEPA Filter Leak Test 

Purpose 

After installing the new HEPA filter, the HEPA filter should be 

leak checked.  This test is performed to determine the integrity of 

the HEPA filter, the filter housing, and the filter seal.  Leak testing 

must be done by a qualified technician with calibrated equipment.  

Remove the upper perforated diffuser located inside the enclosure 

by using a Phillips screwdriver to unfasten the screws.  (See Figure 

6-1).  The filter passes the leak test at .01% or better.  Reference 

Leak Testing and Photometer scanning from the Institute of 

Environmental Services (IES-RP-CC001.3) 

Apparatus 

1.  An aerosol photometer ATI model 2D, 2E, 2G or 

equivalent. Air Techniques Hamilton Associates Inc., 11403 

Cron Ridge Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117 

2.  One aerosol generator of the Laskin nozzle(s) type. An 

aerosol of mineral oil or suitable liquid shall be created by 

flowing air through it. The compressed air supplied to the 

generator should be adjusted to a pressure of 10± 1 psig. during 

operation.  Air Techniques Inc. Model TDA-4A or equal. One 

nozzle at 10 psig is (67.5 cfm x 100ug/l)/(Vol. of air), For the 

2' at 55 fpm or 230 cfm, one nozzle @10 psig is 6750/230 cfm 

= 30 ug/l.  For the 3' at 55 fpm or 340 cfm, one nozzle @ 10 

psig is 20 ug/l.  For the 4' at 55 fpm or 460 cfm, one nozzle at 

10 psig is 15 ug/l. 

3.  Mineral oil (Catalog #1491400). 

4.  Sampling Nozzle, Rectangular 1/2" x 3-1/4", Air Techniques, 

Inc. 

Procedure 

For the ATI 2G Photometer 

1.  Turn on the photometer and allow it to operate for a minimum 

of 5 minutes. Leave the valve in the “CLEAR” setting.  

2.  Press the “ENTER” keypad.  Press the “REF” keypad. 

3.  The display will display “P1” for approximately 1 second, and 

then display a numerical value. 

 HEPA