Face Mask Particulate Filtration Efficiency Tester

Features of  Face Mask Particulate Filtration Efficiency Tester

• Uses a cold aerosol generator to produce continuous and stable aerosol particles, convenient for filling the solution.
• Measurement of aerosol concentration using a high-precision PM2.5 sensor. Anti-leakage design of whole particles to protect the safety of laboratory personnel. 2 sets of Aerosol generator：Salty aerosol generator and oily aerosol generator.
• Equipped with aerosol particle neutralization device.
• The pneumatic clamp is equipped with a protection device, which is safe and convenient to use.
• Configure temperature and humidity sensor, real-time display of ambient temperature and humidity（Temperature and humidity requirements：25℃±5℃， 30%RH±10%RH）。 Equipped with glass rotor flowmeter, vacuum pump, laser dust particle counter.
• Control system: The computer controls the test process, automatically collects data, and configures a special computer and test software. The computer automatically tests the gas concentration and calculates the filtration efficiency. It can save, output, query and print the test data.

Importance of Face Mask Testing as per EN 149

The test standard outlines 3 classes according to the degree of filteration efificeny of masks. These are named FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3. As per the standard, a filtering half mask is one in which the facepiece consists entirely or substantially of filter material. It may have inhalation and/or exhalation valves. A particle filtering half mask covers the nose and mouth and the chin and may have inhalation and/or exhalation valve(s). The half mask consists entirely or substantially of filter material or comprises a facepiece in which the main filter(s) form an inseparable part of the device. It is intended to provide adequate sealing on the face of the wearer against the ambient atmosphere, when the skin is dry or moist and when the head is moved.  Air enters the particle filtering half mask and passes directly to the nose and mouth area of the facepiece or, via an inhalation valve(s) if fitted. The exhaled air flows through the filter material and/or an exhalation valve (if fitted) directly to the ambient atmosphere. 

Test Procedure

The particle filtering half mask shall be tested under conditions which can be expected during normal use. During this test the following activities shall be carried out in simulation of the practical use of the particle filtering half mask. The test shall be completed within a total working time of 20 min. A total of 10 test specimens shall be tested: 5 as received and 5 after temperature conditioning in accordance with 8.3.2. The total inward leakage shall be tested using sodium chloride aerosol. Prior to the test there shall be an examination to ensure that the particle filtering half mask is in good working condition and that it can be used without hazard.