A Particle Generator generally uses PSL spheres to provide a high particle challenge to ULPA filters and HEPA filters. Polystyrene Latex spheres are used as the upstream particle challenge to measure filter efficiency of ULPA and HEPA filters and search for pin hole leaks across the filter surface. HEPA filters provide 4/9 and 5/9 filter efficiency, while ULPA filters offer 6/9 and 7/9 filter efficiency. A Particle Generator provides the upstream particle challenge with a desired upstream challenge of 8x10 E10 between 0.10μm and 0.20μm particles per minute. Polystyrene Latex spheres at 0.3μm are used to challenge HEPA filters and detect pin hole leaks, while Polystyrene Latex spheres at 0.15μm or 0.12μm are used to challenge ULPA filters and detect pin hole leaks.

The upstream particle count of the filter challenge is extremely important, since a 6/9 ULPA filter has the capability to trap 99.9999% of all particles flowing through the filter, which is 1 particle out of 1 million particles trapped by the 6/9 ULPA filter. Thus a very high, upstream particle count of at least 8x10 E10 at 0.10μm particles per minute is needed to sustain the upstream particle challenge for a 2x4 foot HEPA filter. A Particle Generator is needed to provide this high particle count challenge. The Polystyrene Latex spheres are mixed with the appropriate air flow volumes of 700 CFM, 1000 CFM or 2000 CFM, to provide a uniform airflow to the upstream filter.

Particle Generator Desired Goals

• Particle Generation to challenge ULPA and HEPA filters is accomplished between 01. micron and 0.5 micron particle size
• Output is generally required 1x10 E10 Polystyrene Latex particles per cubic foot of airflow volume
• Minimize doublet and triplet formation
• Minimize double and triple charged particles
• Water is desired but oil can also be used as the carrier fluid
• Instant On and Off Power Control is desired for filter challenge control
• Laser particle Counter on the downstream and upstream side of the filters
• Constant particle output of the particle generator over long periods of operation