ASTM_F_1977_-_04_2010.pdf

Designation:F197704(Reapproved 2010)An American National StandardStandard Test Method forDetermining Initial,Fractional,Filtration Efficiency of aVacuum Cleaner System1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1977;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method may be used to determine the initial,fractional,filtration efficiency of household and commercialcanister(tank-type),stick,hand-held,upright,and utilityvacuum cleaner systems.1.1.1 Water-filtration vacuum cleaners which do not utilizea replaceable dry media filter located between the water-basedfilter and cleaning air exhaust are not included in this testmethod.It has been determined that the exhaust of thesevacuum cleaners is not compatible with the specified discreteparticle counter(DPC)procedure.1.2 The initial,fractional,filtration efficiencies of the entirevacuum cleaner system,at six discrete particle sizes(0.3,0.5,0.7,1.0,2.0,and 3 m),is derived by counting upstreamchallenge particles and the constituent of downstream particleswhile the vacuum cleaner system is being operated in astationary test condition.1.3 The vacuum cleaner system is tested at the nozzle withthe normal airflow rate produced by restricting the inlet to thenozzle adapter with the 114-in.orifice.1.4 The vacuum cleaner system is tested with a new filter(s)installed,and with no preliminary dust loading.The fractionalefficiencies determined by this test method shall be consideredinitial system filtration efficiencies.The filters are not changedbetween test runs on the same cleaner.1.5 Neutralized potassium chloride(KCl)is used as thechallenge media in this test method.1.6 One or two particle counters may be used to satisfy therequirements of this test method.If using one counter,flowcontrol is required to switch between sampling the upstreamand downstream air sampling probes.1.7 To efficiently utilize this test method,automated testequipment and computer automation is recommended.1.8 Different sampling parameters,flow rates,and so forth,for the specific applications of the equipment and test proce-dure may provide equivalent results.It is beyond the scope ofthis test method to define those various possibilities.1.9 This test method is limited to the test apparatus,or itsequivalent,as described in this document.1.10 This test method is not intended or designed to provideany measure of the health effects or medical aspects of vacuumcleaning.1.11 This test method is not intended or designed todetermine the integrity of HEPA filtration assemblies used invacuum cleaner systems employed in nuclear and defensefacilities.1.12 The inch-pound system of units is used in this testmethod,except for the common usage of the micrometer,m,for the description of particle size which is a SI unit.1.13 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1193 Specification for Reagent WaterD1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis ofAtmospheresD3154 Test Method for Average Velocity in a Duct(PitotTube Method)F50 Practice for Continuous Sizing and Counting of Air-borne Particles in Dust-Controlled Areas and CleanRooms Using Instruments Capable of Detecting SingleSub-Micrometre and Larger ParticlesF395 Terminology Relating to Vacuum CleanersF558 Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Charac-teristics of Vacuum Cleaners1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F11 on VacuumCleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.23 on Filtration.Current edition approved April 1,2010.Published May 2010.Originallyapproved in 1999.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F1977 04.DOI:10.1520/F1977-04R10.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 2.2 Other Documents:IES Recommended Practice CC021.1Testing HEPA andULPA Filter Media3IES Recommended Practice CC001.3HEPA and ULPAFilters3ISO Guide 25General Requirements for the Competenceof Calibration and Testing Laboratories4EN 1822 High Efficiency Air Filters(HEPA and ULPA)3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 challenge,naerosolized media introduced upstreamof the test unit and used to determine the filtration character-istics of the test unit.3.1.1.1