WO2005080943A1 - Equipement de controle portatif pour filtres a air - Google Patents

Equipement de controle portatif pour filtres a air Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005080943A1
WO2005080943A1 PCT/GB2005/000628 GB2005000628W WO2005080943A1 WO 2005080943 A1 WO2005080943 A1 WO 2005080943A1 GB 2005000628 W GB2005000628 W GB 2005000628W WO 2005080943 A1 WO2005080943 A1 WO 2005080943A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
equipment
substance
challenge substance
challenge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/000628
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Colin Church
Original Assignee
Helmet Integrated Systems Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Helmet Integrated Systems Limited filed Critical Helmet Integrated Systems Limited
Publication of WO2005080943A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005080943A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/08—Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface area of porous materials
    • G01N15/082—Investigating permeability by forcing a fluid through a sample
    • G01N15/0826—Investigating permeability by forcing a fluid through a sample and measuring fluid flow rate, i.e. permeation rate or pressure change
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2273/00—Operation of filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D2273/18—Testing of filters, filter elements, sealings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2273/00—Operation of filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
    • B01D2273/30—Means for generating a circulation of a fluid in a filtration system, e.g. using a pump or a fan

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods for the testing of air filters and to portable equipment for testing air filters, in particular (but not exclusively) for testing filters for personal breathing masks or respirators.
  • portable test equipment for air filters comprising: means for receiving a filter to be tested; means for receiving a source of a challenge substance; means for passing a gas flow containing the challenge substance through the filter; and means for detecting the challenge substance in the flow downstream of the filter.
  • the source is a frangible container.
  • portable test equipment for air filters comprising: means for receiving a filter to be tested; means for receiving a frangible container containing a challenge substance; means for passing a fluid flow containing the challenge substance through the filter; and means for detecting the challenge substance in the flow downstream of the filter.
  • the equipment of the present invention can be more readily transported for testing of filters in places remote from the manufacturing facility or service centre.
  • the frangible container comprises a substrate and the challenge substance is contained in one or more microcapsules mounted on the substrate.
  • the frangible container and substrate may be in the form of a "scratch and sniff', or "scratch and smell” type card.
  • the "scratch and sniff' card is produced by known printing methods, encapsulating the challenge substance in frangible microcapsules carried by a surface of a card-type substrate.
  • the equipment comprises means for detecting when the container is seated in a predetermined position on the receiving means; a controller for actuating the fluid flow passing means when the container is seated in the predetermined position; and/or means for monitoring flow rate of the fluid.
  • the equipment comprises a housing for housing the source receiving means and the fluid flow passing means.
  • the source receiving means comprises a receptacle in a wall of the housing.
  • the housing comprises an inlet and an outlet configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough such that the fluid mixes with the challenge substance prior to exiting the outlet.
  • the inlet comprises a porous wall of the housing, and the source receiving means comprises at least one porous wall.
  • the equipment comprises a detector housing for housing the detecting means and the filter receiving means.
  • the detector housing comprises an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the filter receiving means forms the inlet.
  • the filter receiving means comprises a releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the filter to be tested thereto.
  • the invention provides a method of testing an air filter comprising disposing it in portable test equipment and passing through it a gas flow containing a challenge substance and sensing for the presence of the substance downstream of the filter, the challenge substance being presented to the filter from a frangible container inserted in or otherwise connected to the test equipment.
  • the container may be opened upon or immediately before inserting it in the test equipment.
  • the challenge substance is entrained in the gas flow from the container.
  • the challenge substance may be stored in the container in non-gaseous form.
  • the challenge substance as stored is adapted to react with the atmosphere upon contact therewith to form a gaseous form of the challenge substance.
  • a card configured and presented for use with portable test equipment for air filters, the card comprising: a substrate; and one or more frangible microcapsules carried by the substrate, the one or more microcapsules containing a challenge substance, wherein the card is adapted to be presented into the portable test equipment to release the challenge substance therein.
  • Figure 1 is a sectioned side elevation of portable test equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a filter to be tested illustrated by a broken line;
  • Figure 2 is a sectioned side elevation of some components of portable test equipment according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a sectioned side elevation of some components of portable test equipment according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • portable test equipment 10 is configured for testing air filters for use with protective masks or personal respirators.
  • protective masks typically are designed to fit securely over a user's mouth or face to filter the ambient air breathed by the user.
  • the respirators may either be in the form of a hood which covers the wearer's head and is sealed around the neck, or it may be part of an overall protective suit.
  • the preferred embodiment has been configured for testing "scrubber"-type filters, such as activated carbon filters, to test either for leak paths or for whether the carbon is no longer effective at removing undesired pollutants from the air.
  • "scrubber"-type filters such as activated carbon filters
  • alternative embodiments of the invention may be configured to test other filter types, such as porous physical-barrier-type filters, or combination filters.
  • the equipment 10 includes a main housing 12 which comprises an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 for flow of air through the housing 12. Movement of air through the housing 12 is achieved by means for passing a fluid in the form of a fan 18 which draws air through the housing 12 in the direction of arrows 20.
  • the housing 12 further comprises source receiving means in the form of a slot 22.
  • the source received by the slot in the preferred embodiment is a frangible container in the form of a so-called "scratch and sniff' card 24 printed with microcapsules containing a challenge substance, preferably isopropyl alcohol.
  • the microcapsules on the surface of the card have are frangible such that isopropyl alcohol vapour is released when the coating is scratched by a user.
  • one or more spikes 23 may be provided within the slot 22 so as reliably and consistently to scratch the card 24 when it is inserted in the slot.
  • the challenge substance may be contained in other shaped frangible containers and the challenge substance source receiving means shaped accordingly.
  • the container may be an ampule which is opened prior to being inserted into a source receiving means of complementary shape, or is pierced by being impaled on or scratched by a suitable spike.
  • a measured quantity of the challenge substance may be introduced into the source receiving means, by a suitable dropper or syringe.
  • the challenge substance itself can be any appropriate substance which could test a filter's integrity without damaging the filter itself. Typically, it will be a liquid which vaporises at room temperature, or (if a heating element is provided) at an elevated temperature. Examples of other challenge substances include any other suitable alcohol or acetone.
  • the main housing 12 also comprises container detecting means in the form of an optical sensor 26 for detecting when the card 24 is seated in a predetermined operating position in the slot 22.
  • the sensor 26 is electrically connected by leads 27 to a controller 28 which actuates the fan 18 when the card 24 is detected by the sensor 26.
  • An airflow sensor 30 is disposed to bridge an orifice plate 31 and connected to the controller 28. The airflow sensor 30 determines the pressure difference across the orifice plate 31 using known methods.
  • Walls 32 defining the slot 22 are porous such that when air is drawn through the housing 12 by the fan 18, vaporised isopropyl alcohol from the card 24 passes through the walls 32 into the interior of the housing 12 and mixes with the air flowing therethrough in the direction of arrows 20.
  • Air filter receiving means in the form of a detector housing 34 comprises a releasable attachment means in the form a flexible rubber seal 36 configured for either threaded or snap-locking engagement with an air filter 38.
  • the detector housing 34 also comprises a sensor 40, such as a pellistor sensor, for sensing the presence of isopropyl alcohol in the interior of the detector housing 34.
  • a detector housing outlet 42 is provided on the detector housing 14 to allow air drawn into the housing 34 to exit therefrom.
  • a stand 44 mounted on the main housing 12 positions the detector housing 34 and filter 38 over the outlet 16 of the main housing 12.
  • a user attaches the air filter 38 to be tested to the flexible rubber seal 36 and positions the detector housing 34 such that the air filter 38 is positioned over the outlet 16 of the main housing.
  • the user then takes a disposable card 24, scratches the surface of the card (if no spikes 23 are provided) to release the isopropyl alcohol vapour, and inserts the card 24 into slot 22.
  • the sensor 40 is activated and the controller 28 notified.
  • the controller 28 then actuates the fan 18. Air is drawn through the housing 12 by the fan, mixing with the isopropyl alcohol from the card 24 on the way therethrough such that the isopropyl alcohol exits the housing via outlet 16 and passes through filter 38. If the filter has any deficiencies in filtering isopropyl alcohol from the air, isopropyl alcohol in the filtrate is detectable by sensor 40.
  • the controller 28 actuates the sensor 40 which feeds back detection data to the controller 28.
  • the controller monitors the sensor 40 data over a predetermined time period and determines whether the amount of detected isopropyl alcohol, if any, is above or below a predetermined threshold.
  • the predetermined time period is long enough to give a meaningful result, yet short enough to ensure the filter's effective life is not significantly reduced. If the detected amount is the same as or above a predetermined threshold, an LED (not shown) emits a red colour, whereas if the amount of isopropyl alcohol is below the threshold, an LED emits a green colour.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention, where like reference numerals denote like parts as described above in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of the main housing 12 of the portable test equipment.
  • the detector housing and filter as described above may be positioned above the outlet 16 by a retort stand or held thereabove by the user.
  • a switch 26' is employed.
  • the controller 28 is located outside of main housing 12 in electrical communication with the switch 26', fan 18 and airflow sensor 30.
  • the controller 28 is positioned on an exterior wall 48 of the main housing 12 and includes an LED display (not shown) to illustrate to a user the output readings of the sensor 40.
  • airflow sensor 40 is positioned upstream of the fan 18.
  • a heating element is provided in or adjacent the slot to heat the card when inserted therein.
  • challenge substances which vaporise at a temperature higher than room temperature may be used. Bromobutane is one example of such a challenge substance.
  • the airflow sensor is not required but rather the controller detects the rotational speed of the fan 18 to estimate the flow rate of air through the main housing 12. In this alternative embodiment, the controller actuates the sensor 40 once the fan reaches a desired constant rotational speed.
  • the configuration of the invention allows for a more compact and user friendly design for equipment for testing air filters.
  • This design also allows for portability of the test equipment such that it may be transported to various locations where testing of air filters is required.
  • a challenge source carrying card such as the scratch card described, allows for a uncomplicated reproducible test which need not be performed a skilled technician.
  • More sophisticated alternative embodiments may include an LCD display which shows a graph or a numerical reading relating to the amount of detected isopropyl alcohol.
  • the equipment 10 may be connected to a computer and the output from the sensor 40 communicated directly thereto.
  • the equipment includes an LED status display to display the test status to the user. For example, the status display would display when the card is seated, when the fan has reached operating speed and when the sensor 40 has read vapour levels for the predetermined amount of time.
  • embodiments of the invention may be simplified to further increase its simple operation.
  • the sensor 26 or switch 26' need not be included, such that the user would actuate the fan by a manual switch either prior to or after inserting the card 24 into the slot 22.
  • the equipment inverted and reconfigured such that the detector housing 34 is below the main housing 12, and the fan 18 blows air downwards through the filter 38.
  • the described embodiment uses fan-driven ambient air to entrain and convey the challenge substrate to the filter
  • a dedicated source of pressurised air or some other gas such as nitrogen or an inert aerosol propellant to force such gas across the frangible container and through the filter.
  • the equipment includes filter receiving means and source receiving means for receiving a source, such as a frangible container containing a challenge substance, preferably isopropyl alcohol.
  • a source such as a frangible container containing a challenge substance, preferably isopropyl alcohol.
  • Means for passing a gas flow containing the substance is provided for passing the gas through the filter.
  • challenge substance detection means is provided in the flow down stream of the filter.
  • the challenge substance is preferably contained in one or more microcapsules mounted on a substrate of the container.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un équipement de contrôle portatif servant à contrôler des filtres à air. Cet équipement comprend un moyen de réception de filtre, ainsi qu'un moyen de réception de source qui est destiné à recevoir une source, par exemple un récipient cassable contenant une substance de vérification, de préférence de l'alcool d'isopropyl. L'équipement selon l'invention comporte en outre un moyen servant à faire passer un écoulement gazeux contenant ladite substance à travers le filtre, ainsi qu'un moyen de détection de substance de vérification qui est disposé dans l'écoulement en aval du filtre. De préférence, la substance de vérification est contenue dans une ou plusieurs microcapsules montées sur un substrat du récipient.
PCT/GB2005/000628 2004-02-20 2005-02-21 Equipement de controle portatif pour filtres a air WO2005080943A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0403842A GB2411137A (en) 2004-02-20 2004-02-20 Portable test equipment for air filters
GB0403842.8 2004-02-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005080943A1 true WO2005080943A1 (fr) 2005-09-01

Family

ID=32040108

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/000628 WO2005080943A1 (fr) 2004-02-20 2005-02-21 Equipement de controle portatif pour filtres a air

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2411137A (fr)
WO (1) WO2005080943A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112161906A (zh) * 2020-09-08 2021-01-01 海宁博瑞医疗科技有限公司 便携式口罩快速检测方法及系统

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130255359A1 (en) * 2012-03-29 2013-10-03 General Electric Company Containerized mobile gas turbine filter test facility
CN103792171B (zh) * 2013-12-06 2016-04-20 山东大学 一种实际大气环境中评价pm2.5口罩过滤效率的装置
DE102019101993A1 (de) 2018-01-31 2019-08-01 Topas Gmbh Technologie-Orientierte Partikel-, Analysen- Und Sensortechnik Einrichtung zur Überprüfung von Filtertestanlagen
GB2602110B (en) * 2020-12-18 2023-05-17 Dyson Technology Ltd Filter test device for a portable air purifier

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB472089A (en) * 1935-11-06 1937-09-16 Ig Farbenindustrie Ag Improvements in or relating to smoke bombs or projectiles
EP0046740A2 (fr) * 1980-08-21 1982-03-03 Camfil Ab Procédé et dispositif pour tester des filtres
US4514461A (en) * 1981-08-10 1985-04-30 Woo Yen Kong Fragrance impregnated fabric
WO1992014607A1 (fr) * 1991-02-19 1992-09-03 Carnahan David W Echantillon de parfum a double action
GB2362841A (en) * 2000-06-03 2001-12-05 Secr Defence Method and apparatus for testing filters
US20030034033A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2003-02-20 Medihale Ltd. System and method for aerosol delivery of a drug

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2072872A (en) * 1933-10-31 1937-03-09 Finkelstein Leo Apparatus for testing filters
FR1474831A (fr) * 1966-01-11 1967-03-31 Commissariat Energie Atomique Appareil de contrôle de cartouches filtrantes
JP3658126B2 (ja) * 1997-01-24 2005-06-08 日本ケンブリッジフィルター株式会社 エアフィルタテスト方法及びそれに使用するテスト装置
KR100213437B1 (ko) * 1997-04-17 1999-08-02 윤종용 방진원단의 여과효율 측정장치 및 그 측정방법

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB472089A (en) * 1935-11-06 1937-09-16 Ig Farbenindustrie Ag Improvements in or relating to smoke bombs or projectiles
EP0046740A2 (fr) * 1980-08-21 1982-03-03 Camfil Ab Procédé et dispositif pour tester des filtres
US4514461A (en) * 1981-08-10 1985-04-30 Woo Yen Kong Fragrance impregnated fabric
WO1992014607A1 (fr) * 1991-02-19 1992-09-03 Carnahan David W Echantillon de parfum a double action
GB2362841A (en) * 2000-06-03 2001-12-05 Secr Defence Method and apparatus for testing filters
US20030034033A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2003-02-20 Medihale Ltd. System and method for aerosol delivery of a drug

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112161906A (zh) * 2020-09-08 2021-01-01 海宁博瑞医疗科技有限公司 便携式口罩快速检测方法及系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2411137A (en) 2005-08-24
GB0403842D0 (en) 2004-03-24

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