Response of HEPA filters to simulated-accident conditions
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have been subjected to simulated accident conditions to determine their response to abnormal operating events. Both domestic and European standard and high-capacity filters have been evaluated to determine their response to simulated fire, explosion, and tornado conditions. The HEPA filter structural limitations for tornado and explosive loadings are discussed. In addition, filtration efficiencies during these accident conditions are reported for the first time. Our data indicate efficiencies between 80% and 90% for shock loadings below the structural limit level. We describe two types of testing for ineffective filtration - clean filters exposed to pulse-entrained aerosol and dirty filters exposed to tornado and shock pulses. Efficiency and material loss data are described. Also, the resonse of standard HEPA filters to simulated fire conditions is presented. We describe a unique method of measuring accumulated combustion products on the filter. Additionally, data relating to pressure drop vs accumulated mass during plugging are reported for simulated combustion aerosols. The effects of concentration and moisture levels on filter plugging were evaluated. We are obtaining all of the above data so that mathematical models can be developed for fire, explosion, and tornado accident analysis computer codes. These computer codes can be used to assess the response of nuclear air cleaning systems to accident conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5062853
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-82-2117; CONF-820833-6; ON: DE82018112; TRN: 82-019154
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 17. DOE nuclear air cleaning conference, Denver, CO, USA, 1 Aug 1982
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AIR CLEANING SYSTEMS
ACCIDENTS
AIR FILTERS
PERFORMANCE
DEPRESSURIZATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
EXPLOSIONS
FIRES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SHOCK WAVES
SIMULATION
THEORETICAL DATA
TORNADOES
DATA
DISASTERS
ENGINEERED SAFETY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FILTERS
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
STORMS
TESTING
WIND
420202* - Engineering- Protective Structures & Equipment