skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Evaluation of the HEPA filter in-place test method in a corrosive off-gas environment

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6708697

Experiments were performed to determine if the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and oxides of nitrogen (NO/sub x/) hinder the in-place testing of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters used for cleaning the off-gas from a nuclear waste solidification facility. The laboratory system that was designed to simulate the process off-gas contained two HEPA filters in series with sample ports before each filter and after the filter bank. The system also included a reaction bomb for partial conversion of NO to NO/sub 2/. Instrumentation measured stream flow, humidity, NO/sub x/ concentration, and temperature. Comparison measurements of the DOP concentrations were made by a forward light-scattering photometer and a single particle intra-cavity laser particle spectrometer. Experimental conditions could be varied, but maximum system capabilities were 95% relative humidity, 90/sup 0/C, and 10,000 ppM of NO/sub x/. A 2/sup 3/ factorial experimental design was used for the test program. This design determined the main effects of each factor plus the interactions of the factors in combination. The results indicated that water vapor and NO/sub x/ interfere with the conventional photometer measurements. Suggested modifications that include a unique sample dryer are described to correct the interferences. The laser particle spectrometer appears to be an acceptable instrument for measurements under adverse off-gas conditions.

Research Organization:
Allied Chemical Corp., Idaho Falls, ID (USA). Idaho Chemical Programs - Operations Office
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-07-1540
OSTI ID:
6708697
Report Number(s):
CONF-780819-14; TRN: 78-017083
Resource Relation:
Conference: 15. nuclear air cleaning conference, Boston, MA, USA, Aug 1978; Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English