High-efficiency air filters are critical in industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and cleanrooms. To ensure their performance, the most widely used standard in Europe is EN 1822.
This article explains EN 1822 in a clear and practical way, including its classification system, métodos de prueba, y aplicaciones del mundo real.
1. What Is EN 1822?
EN 1822 is a European standard used to evaluate the performance of HEPA and ULPA filters.
It focuses on:
- Eficiencia de filtración
- Detección de fugas
- Tamaño de partícula más penetrante (MPPS)
👉 The goal is to ensure filters meet strict requirements for high-cleanliness environments.
2. EN 1822 Sistema de clasificación
EN 1822 classifies filters based on their efficiency at MPPS:
| Clase | Eficiencia |
|---|---|
| E10 | ≥ 85% |
| E11 | ≥ 95% |
| E12 | ≥ 99.5% |
| H13 | ≥ 99.95% |
| H14 | ≥ 99.995% |
| U15-U17 | ≥ 99.9995% y arriba |
👉 HEPA filters typically fall into H13–H14 classes
👉 ULPA filters go beyond H14
3. Key Concept: MPPS
El Tamaño de partícula más penetrante (MPPS) is the particle size that is hardest to capture.
- Typically around 0.1–0.3 μm
- Efficiency is lowest at this size
👉 EN 1822 evaluates filters at MPPS to ensure worst-case performance
4. EN 1822 Testing Process
The EN 1822 standard includes several test steps:
Paso 1: Determination of MPPS
- Measure efficiency across particle sizes
- Identify the weakest filtration point
Paso 2: Overall Efficiency Test
- Evaluate filter efficiency at MPPS
Paso 3: Prueba de fugas (Prueba de escaneo)
This is the most critical step.
- The filter surface is scanned
- Local leaks are detected
- Ensures no weak points
👉 Even if overall efficiency is high, a local leak can cause failure
5. Why Leak Testing Is Critical
Unlike general ventilation filters, HEPA filters must:
✔ Provide uniform performance
✔ Have no local defects
✔ Meet strict cleanroom requirements
👉 A single leak can compromise the entire system
6. EN 1822 vs Other Standards
Compared to ISO 16890:
- EN 1822 → High-efficiency filters (HEPA/ULPA)
- ISO 16890 → General ventilation filters
👉 EN 1822 is much stricter and more detailed
7. Applications of EN 1822 Filters
EN 1822-tested filters are widely used in:
- Salas blancas farmacéuticas
- Fabricación de semiconductores
- Hospitales e instalaciones sanitarias
- Aerospace and precision industries
👉 These applications require extremely clean air
8. Challenges in EN 1822 Pruebas
En la práctica, testing HEPA filters can be challenging:
- Detecting very small leaks
- Maintaining stable aerosol concentration
- Ensuring scanning accuracy
- Avoiding false results
👉 These challenges require specialized testing equipment
9. Solución de prueba recomendada
For accurate EN 1822 pruebas, especially leak detection, professional equipment is essential.
El SC-L8023 Scanning Filter Tester from SCPUR is designed specifically for HEPA/ULPA filter testing.
Ventajas clave
- Detección de fugas de alta sensibilidad
- Precise scanning system
- Generación de aerosoles estables
- Resultados confiables y repetibles
👉 Ensures compliance with EN 1822 requisitos
10. Conclusión
EN 1822 is a critical standard for evaluating HEPA and ULPA filters, ensuring both:
✔ High overall efficiency
✔ Zero local leakage
Understanding this standard is essential for manufacturers and users in high-cleanliness industries.
