Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Canister Particulate Efficiency Benchmark Testing
Abstract
This investigation performed particulate efficiency testing of commercial chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) canister filters to provide benchmark data to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The data was provided to assist NIOSH in establishing appropriate test parameters and performance criteria for certifying the particulate efficiency of these filters. Two separate evaluations were performed under constant and cyclic flow conditions: an initial penetration test and an aerosol loading test. The initial penetration test assessed the particulate filtration efficiency of a poly-alpha olefin aerosol at two cyclic flow conditions (85 and 135 Llmin) and one of three constant flow conditions (85, 270, or 360 Llmin). The aerosol loading test assessed the effect of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) oil aerosol loading on particulate filtration efficiency at high cyclic (135 Llmin) and constant (270 Llmin) flow conditions. In both evaluations, the test airflow rates were reduced in direct proportion to the number of filters used in the PAPR model. The effect of increased airflow and DOP aerosol loading on particulate filtration efficiency was negligible, as all PAPR filters tested exceeded the 99.97% high efficiency particulate air efficiency criterion level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA464118
Entities
People
- Jonathan P. Eshbaugh
- Paul D. Gardner
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center