In-place testing summary (1989)
Periodic evaluation of an air-cleaning system is necessary in order to establish a record of its current operating condition. These evaluations along with Health Physics air sampling determine whether air-cleaning integrity is being maintained. The in-place test is conducted in most instances without disrupting plant operations, and only if the systems failed the test would it become necessary to shut down. Testing is conducted on single and multi-stage filter systems and other filtration devices using optical particle counters. The testing procedure requires that the filter system be challenged with a test aerosol having a heterodisperse size distribution in the submicrometer diameter range, 0.1 to 1.0 micrometer. This type of testing is not to be confused with tests performed by the Quality Assurance Testing Stations, whose purpose is directed at filter efficiency. In-place testing of adsorber systems is required for several reasons: (1) chemical poisoning of the adsorbers by organic vapors; (2) settling of the charcoal in the bed due to vibration; and (3) installation defects. There are two methods of in-place testing of adsorber systems. The first method uses a fluorocarbon (Freon 11 gas), the second method uses a radioactive gas (Iodine or Methyl Iodide). At Los Alamos, we use the Freon 11 method. This report presents the results of the 1989 tests, including the methods and procedures used in the testing and calibration of the particle counters and aerosol diluter systems.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 10180959
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR--90-3796; ON: DE93040388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
In-place HEPA filter penetration test
In-place HEPA filter penetration test
Related Subjects
054000
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
560180
61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
ADSORPTION
AEROSOLS
AIR CLEANING SYSTEMS
AIR FILTERS
CALIBRATION
FAILURES
FREONS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
LANL
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIATION PROTECTION PROCEDURES
RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
SAFETY
SAMPLING
SEALS
TESTING