High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are widely employed by nuclear facilities to remove used to remove radiological particulate matter from their effluent gas streams. The purpose of this study is to draw a relationship between the HEPA filter lifespan and its performance indicators. The 10 year-long endeavor to collect and analyze data regarding the lifetime of HEPA filters at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) began in 2010. Forty-nine filters were surveyed and analyzed at least annually to verify compliance with permit conditions. The study suggests the frequency of filter replacement should be based on the actual statistics of the filter and its fume hood instead of on the prescribed filter “age limit” of 10 years from the date of manufacture when operating under dry conditions. Over the past six years, only two filters in the study were replaced—one due to high pressure differential and low fume hood face velocity, and the other due to low filter efficiency results.
Revised: August 26, 2020 |
Published: August 14, 2017