Developing a testing method and criteria for assessing the filtration efficiency of respiratory protective equipment against nanoparticles

Project manager: Piotr Pietrowski Ph.D. (Eng.)

Project summary:

The aim of the task was to build a stand and to develop and validate two test methods: - a method for determining penetration of nanoparticles for filtration elements of respiratory protective equipment, - a method of determining internal leak of the face elements of respiratory protective equipment. A test stand was build to create technical possibilities of testing penetration of nanoparticles through filtration materials and internal leak through the face elements of respiratory protective equipment. The first method that was developed was used to determine penetration for selected flat filtration materials and filters used in protecting the respiratory system. The test method made it possible to analyse the degree of penetration depending on the size of the particles an aerosol consists of, which is called fraction efficiency. Basic validation was conducted for the developed method. The other developed method was used to determine the leak of selected filtration halfmasks and halfmasks and masks completed with filtration elements. On the basis of an analysis of the obtained results, criteria for assessing penetration of filters and fitration halfmasks and internal leak for filters and fitration halfmasks were developed.

Unit: Department of Personal Protective Equipment

Duration: 31.12.2008 – 30.12.2010