Interim Status of HEPA Filter 10-Year Lifetime Evaluation
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used to remove a variety of particles from industrial gas streams. HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter, while particles smaller or larger than 0.3 microns are removed with an even higher efficiency. The purpose of this study is to draw a relationship between the HEPA filter lifespan and various competing factors that include the differential pressure drop in nuclear grade HEPA filters, the fume hood face velocity, the radiological dose, and the filter efficiency characteristics. The Department of Energy (DOE) uses a conservative interpretation of data to set the age limit of HEPA filters at 10 years (DOE-HDBK-1169-2003). The lifetime was determined by an analysis of multiple HEPA filter research studies, performed by Bergman at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Analysis of data from Robinson et al. suggests that unfolded media tensile strength fail at 13 years, while folded media do not have the required 2.5 pound/inch tensile strength even when new and is extremely low at 7 years. Therefore, the data displayed failed tensile strength and low burst strengths at an average of 10 years. Although filter life was difficult to estimate using the data, based on the relationship between HEPA filter and their age, the recommended lifetime was set at 10 years under dry conditions (Bergman 1999). Effluent Management (EM) is coordinating a 10-year effort to collect and analyze the lifetime of HEPA filters against the other competing requirements. The study began in 2010 and consists of 49 HEPA filters that are analyzed annually to verify compliance with permit conditions. The data are collected from the Physical Science Facility (PSF) 3410, 3420, and 3430 buildings located at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The study suggests the frequency of filter replacement should also be based on the differential pressure, filter efficiency, and/or face velocity of the fume hood, rather than a prescribed filter “lifetime”, which is currently every 10 years from the date of manufacture for filters operating under dry conditions. Over the past six years, only two filters in the study were replaced: one due to high DP and low fume hood face velocity, and the other due to low filter efficiency results.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1650648
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-25703
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Radiological HEPA Filter 10-year Lifetime Evaluation in Research Facilities
Final Status of HEPA Filter 10-Year Lifetime Evaluation