Reputable and professional provider of HEPA Leak Test services

HEPA Leak Test is a critical activity in environments requiring high cleanliness standards such as clean rooms, hospitals, and high-tech industries. So what exactly is HEPA Leak Test? How does the process of testing HEPA filter leaks occur? Where can you find a reputable and professional provider of HEPA Leak Test services? Let’s explore these questions together with INTECH Service through this article!

What is HEPA Leak Test?

Leak test  is the process of examining the leakage levels of a specific container to determine the loss of liquids, gases, or other substances through gaps. Through this process, the tightness of systems, equipment, containers, and pipelines can be checked to ensure product quality and operational efficiency.

HEPA Leak test is the procedure for assessing the air leakage through HEPA filters. The purpose of the HEPA Leak test is to ensure that HEPA filters effectively remove fine dust particles, bacteria, and other pollutants from the air.

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Benefits of conducting HEPA leak tests

Improving System Efficiency:

HEPA filters play a crucial role in removing fine dust, bacteria, and other pollutants from the air. When HEPA filters leak, their ability to filter out contaminants decreases significantly. Regular HEPA Leak Tests ensure that HEPA filters operate efficiently, maintaining air quality within the system and improving overall system performance.

Compliance with Regulations and Standards:

In many fields such as cleanrooms, healthcare, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductor industries, there are regulations and requirements for conducting regular HEPA Leak Tests to ensure air quality in cleanrooms and safety for systems. According to ISO 14644 standards, cleanroom areas need to be periodically checked to maintain air tightness and a clean environment. Leak Tests are a crucial part of this inspection process, helping to identify and rectify leaks in HEPA filters.

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Protecting Equipment and Systems:

Dust and bacteria can infiltrate equipment and systems through gaps in HEPA filters, leading to damage and reduced lifespan. Leak Tests help detect leaks early, preventing equipment and system damage, thereby saving costs on future repairs and replacements.

How often should HEPA Leak Tests be conducted?

The frequency of HEPA Leak Tests depends on several factors, including:

Risk Level: Environments with high risks, such as operating rooms, laboratories, or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, require more frequent HEPA Leak Tests compared to lower-risk environments.

Regulations and Requirements: Some industries have specific regulations mandating HEPA Leak Tests at specified intervals. For instance, USP 797 (2019) requires HEPA Leak Tests every 6 months for aseptic areas in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

Condition of HEPA Filters: If HEPA filters are used in harsh environments or are frequently exposed to dust, chemicals, etc., more frequent HEPA Leak Tests are necessary to ensure effective operation.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations: It’s advisable to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate frequency of HEPA Leak Tests.

Here are some general recommendations for when to conduct HEPA Leak Tests:

System Installation and Commissioning:

Before initial use of the filter: Conducting a Leak Test ensures the filter is not damaged during transportation or installation, and verifies optimal air filtration performance right from the start.

After installation: A Leak Test helps detect potential hidden leaks due to inaccurate installation processes.

System Maintenance:

After maintenance: A Leak Test confirms the effectiveness of the maintenance procedures after they have been performed.

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Filter Replacement:

After installing a new filter: A Leak Test confirms that the new filter has been correctly installed without leaks, ensuring optimal air filtration performance from the outset.

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Adjusting the system:

After adjusting the equipment’s position: A Leak Test ensures that the new position of the equipment does not affect the effectiveness of the filter operation and does not cause leaks.

Regular inspections:

General recommendation: It is advisable to perform a Leak Test at least once a year.

Specific frequency:

The actual frequency may vary depending on the risk level of the environment, regulatory requirements, and the manufacturer’s recommendations for the filter.

Necessary equipment for the HEPA Leak Test process

PAO Generator

This device generates aerosol particles that are introduced into the airflow and directed towards the HEPA filter for testing purposes. The PAO generator produces aerosol particles typically sized at 0.3 µm for use in the testing process. Common types of PAO generators include mist generators, ultrasonic aerosol generators, and pressure aerosol generators.

PAO Generator

PAO Oil

PAO oil is sprayed to disperse into the negative pressure chamber of the equipment, creating a concentration of particles above the HEPA filter.

Additional supporting equipment includes: gas collection systems, control units and software, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Note:

Perform Regular Leak Tests: The frequency of conducting Leak Tests depends on the environmental risk level and regulatory requirements. Performing regular Leak Tests is essential to ensure the effectiveness of HEPA filter operation.

Maintain Comprehensive Records: Store all records related to Leak Tests, including measurement results, inspection reports, and other documents.

Utilize Professional Services: It is advisable to use Leak Test services from reputable companies to ensure accurate and reliable results.

With many years of experience in cleanroom testing and certification, along with a highly skilled team and advanced measurement equipment, INTECH Service commits to providing reliable and professional HEPA Leak Test services with competitive pricing and quality assurance. Contact us now for prompt consultation!