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Data quality controls in ASHRAE's new filtration efficiency test standard (ASHRAE 52.2)
Hanley, JT., & Owen, MK. (1999). Data quality controls in ASHRAE's new filtration efficiency test standard (ASHRAE 52.2). In AG. Holcomb, & PF. Gebes (Eds.), AIR FILTRATION CONFERENCE, PROCEEDINGS (pp. 125-132). AMERICAN FILTRATION & SEPARATIONS SOCIETY.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is about to release a new test standard for ventilation filters entitled "Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size." The method is expected to be approved by ASHRAE this year (1999) and will be designated as ASHRAE Standard 52.2. The new standard evaluates filtration efficiency as a function of particle size from 0.3 to 10 mum diameter (producing filtration efficiency curves) as opposed to the single-valued dust-spot and weight-arrestance measurements of the prior method (ASHRAE 52.1).
To ensure reliable and repeatable results, the standard includes an extensive series of quality control checks. These include specifications for aerosol and airflow uniformity, specifications for particle counter design, tests to confirm particle counter accuracy, limits for aerosol concentration, checks for proper operation of the aerosol neutralizer, limits on the deviation of control tests (blank and reference filter tests) from reference values, specifications for adequate aerosol mixing, and limits on measurement uncertainty. The rationale, test methods, and acceptance criteria associated with these quality controls will be discussed.