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 EM 1822.
This article explains EN 1822 in a clear and practical way, including its classification system, métodos de teste, e aplicações do mundo real.
1. What Is EN 1822?
EM 1822 is a European standard used to evaluate the performance of HEPA and ULPA filters.
It focuses on:
- Eficiência de filtragem
- Detecção de vazamento
- Tamanho de partícula mais penetrante (MPPS)
👉 The goal is to ensure filters meet strict requirements for high-cleanliness environments.
2. EM 1822 Sistema de Classificação
EM 1822 classifies filters based on their efficiency at MPPS:
| Aula | Eficiência |
|---|---|
| E10 | ≥ 85% |
| E11 | ≥ 95% |
| E12 | ≥ 99.5% |
| H13 | ≥ 99.95% |
| H14 | ≥ 99.995% |
| Sub15–Sub17 | ≥ 99.9995% e acima |
👉 HEPA filters typically fall into H13–H14 classes
👉 ULPA filters go beyond H14
3. Key Concept: MPPS
O Tamanho de partícula mais 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. EM 1822 Testing Process
The EN 1822 standard includes several test steps:
Etapa 1: Determination of MPPS
- Measure efficiency across particle sizes
- Identify the weakest filtration point
Etapa 2: Overall Efficiency Test
- Evaluate filter efficiency at MPPS
Etapa 3: Teste de vazamento (Teste de digitalização)
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. EM 1822 vs Other Standards
Compared to ISO 16890:
- EM 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 limpas farmacêuticas
- Fabricação de semicondutores
- Hospitais e instalações de saúde
- Aerospace and precision industries
👉 These applications require extremely clean air
8. Challenges in EN 1822 Teste
Na prática, 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. Solução de teste recomendada
For accurate EN 1822 testando, especially leak detection, professional equipment is essential.
O SC-L8023 Scanning Filter Tester from SCPUR is designed specifically for HEPA/ULPA filter testing.
Principais vantagens
- Detecção de vazamento de alta sensibilidade
- Precise scanning system
- Geração estável de aerossol
- Resultados confiáveis e repetíveis
👉 Ensures compliance with EN 1822 requisitos
10. Conclusão
EM 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.
