|
|
AUTOMATED FILTER TESTERS
TSI manufactures a full line of automated air filter and respirator testers. They are THE standard for filter test applications and are known for simple, reliable operation.
Our line currently includes three testers, each designed with a different level of performance in mind. Models 8127 and 8130 allow you to load and test filters every 10 seconds. The full-featured Model 3160 measures fractional efficiencies to 99.999999 percent and determines most-penetrating particle size.
For specific information on these filter test instruments, see the individual product descriptions.
Features and Benefits
- Fully automated operation with self-check diagnostic tests
- Consistent particle size for reproducible results
- Several models available to meet specific filter test requirements
Applications
 |
TSI Flow Splitter directs an aerosol sample to as many as four destinations at once. |
SERVICE INFORMATION
APPLICATION NOTESBIBLIOGRAPHYSERVICE PROCEDURESSOFTWARESTANDARD REPLACEMENT PARTSFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSshow/hide all answers
- Can interested customers receive a demo of the Model 8127/30?
TSI always tries to have a sales unit available for demonstrating in-house in Shoreview. We invite all interested parties to TSI for a day to view and operate the tester, and bring along sample filters for testing, if desired. We also encourage potential customers to send us samples of the media they are interested in testing. We will send the data we take to the customer as an example of typical data and provide them with an example of what a Model 8127/30 can do in their application.
- Does TSI design custom filter holders?
TSI does customer filter holder designs when needed. Our standard filter holder is designed for flat sheet media. This standard holder is also used to make gravimetric samples with our special gravimetric sample holder, and to use with a pressure plate. Generally, custom filter holder designs are less expensive for round canisters and more expensive for rectangular cartridges, depending on the design and machining requirements. Consult TSI with filter types to be tested for exact pricing on this. To get exact pricing, we need to either have a filter on hand or have the customer send us a sample filter.
- Does TSI offer a service contract for routine maintenance as well as emergency maintenance service?
Yes! TSI offers a service contract, which includes a yearly visit by TSI service personnel as well as emergency repair services. TSI knows how important our testers are to the business of our customers. Although our tester has been engineered with quality and ease of maintenance in mind, we recommend a yearly checkout of our Model 8127/30 tester. In addition, our service contract gives customers peace of mind should unexpected problems occur. A sample of pricing for a service contract is included later in this chapter. TSI does not pay commission on service. Contact TSI for further details.
- Does TSI offer set up and training at my facility?
Yes. Although our Model 8127/30 tester is designed for ease of set up and operation, we feel that training is essential to get our customers up and going quickly. We included one day of training on all units shipped to customers in North America. We offer additional days of training for $1,350 for each additional day at the same time as the initial training. Most customers only require 1 day unless extensive training or many people are involved. For international customers, we charge $6,000 for 2 days of on site training. If the customer would prefer, we will do this training at TSI for $1,350 for each day of training. TSI does not pay commission on service. If you have questions, contact TSI regarding training.
Note: Prices are for the period starting April 1, 1997. These prices will change in the future. Consult your current price list.
- How does the Model 8127/30 compare to testers that use monodisperse 0.3-micrometer DOP?
The Model 8127/30 is capable of doing loading tests. This is accomplished simply by putting the filter tester in the LOADING TEST mode. In this test mode, the filter holder remains closed for an indefinite time and filter penetration is measured repeatedly during loading. The test is stopped when the operator pushes the OPEN button to end the test. This is the type of testing required to get certification with the 42 CFR part 84 regulation.
- How does the Model 8127/30 determine a filter's quality?
The Model 8127/30 uses two solid-state photometers to measure aerosol concentrations before (upstream) and after (downstream) of the filter under test. These concentrations are measured by the photometer voltages, which are proportional to the concentration. These measurements are then reported as the percent penetration of aerosol through the filter. The penetration is calculated as:
The percent penetration is then P multiplied by 100.
- How flexible is the Model 8127/8130?
The Model 8127/30 offers extreme flexibility to the user. It has menus that allow test times and purge times to be set to values appropriate to the media being tested. It also allows a number of parameter files to be set up to make changing to frequently-used settings quick and easy. The Model 8130 is able to generate and detect both solid (NaCl) and liquid (Emery 3004, DOP or paraffin oil) aerosols. This provides additional flexibility over competitive units.
- How is data output by the Model 8127/8130 tester?
The Model 8127/8130 outputs data in three ways: through the front panel touch screen display, the separate thermal printer, and the RS-232 interface. Both the printer and the RS-232 interface allow data collection for record keeping and analysis.
- How large is the Model 8127/8130 tester?
The Model 8127/8130 testers are small in comparison to competitive filter testers. The Model 8127/30 are floor-mount testers with the filter-testing surface on the top of the box. The overall dimensions (LWH) are 27 inches × 28 inches × 58 inches (69 cm × 71 cm × 147 cm). The tester weighs 210 pounds (95 kg).
- How long does a test take?
The Model 8127/30 can make tests in less than 10 seconds. Loading tests with NaCl for the NIOSH 42 CFR part 84 standard can take 2.5 hours.
- How would a test be made using the Model 8127/8130?
The Model 8127/8130 is extremely easy to use. To make a test, the operator simply puts a filter in the filter holder and pushes dual control buttons to close the filter holder. The entire test runs automatically. The percent penetration, flowrate, and pressure drop are measured, displayed, and printed at the end of the test. Test times can be shorter than 10 seconds.
- My regulations call out 0.3-micrometer DOP. Does the 8127/8130 do this test?
The Model 8127/8130 has been shown to have the same test results obtained using hot DOP machines, which use so-called 0.3-micrometer particles. This means the correlation is one-to-one. See our application bulletin ITI-012 for more details. Contact TSI for further information.
- The competition (ATI's TDA-100) tester requires a lot of maintenance which means the production testing is stopped. What type of maintenance is required by TSI's Model 8127/8130?
The Model 8127/8130 requires minimal maintenance and downtime. This is especially true for our photometers. Our solid-state, laser-diode based photometer uses clean sheath air around the aerosol sample to protect the photometer optics. This means that our photometers do not need to be cleaned like our competitor's large volume photometers, which may require factory maintenance every few months. Based on our experience with our photometers, the period between cleanings for the photometers in the 8127/8130 will be years. For non-photometer components, using salt will mean a higher level of maintenance than for oil. Note: Testing high-efficiency filters with salt (N100 category respirators) may require more frequent cleaning due to noise generated by salt particles that accumulate in the photometer.
- The competition (ATI's TDA-100) tester requires considerable operator intervention to make sure that the correct aerosol size is being generated. How much operator intervention is required for TSI’s Model 8127/30 tester to ensure proper size distribution?
TSI's oil aerosol generation systems are mechanical rather than thermal. This means that there is no temperature dependence such as in the ATI unit. The ATI unit actually vaporizes oil at temperatures above 100°C. Our tester’s generation is not temperature-dependent. Our generation systems are mechanical, meaning they do not need any “tweaking” by the operator. This results in tests being independent of the operator. The 8118 salt generator contains a controller that regulates the motor speed. This controls the size of the aerosol generated by the generator. The concentration of the salt solution also affects the particle size. To prevent the concentration of the salt solution from increasing, it is also necessary to add distilled water to the generator periodically to replace water lost to evaporation.
The 8118A salt generator only requires new solution every 20 to 24 hours. No other adjustments are necessary.
- The competition’s hot DOP machine (ATI’s TDA-100 or “Q-127” machine) requires a lot of operator attention to make a test. How do TSI’s testers compare?
The Model 8127/30 requires no photometer zeroing or gain switching by the operator. All photometer checks and gain switches are done automatically by the microprocessor. Older testers require intensive operator “tweaking” for proper test results—but not the Model 8127/8130.
- What accessories should a customer purchase along with the Model 8127/8130 tester?
We strongly recommend that a maintenance kit for the Model 8127 or Model 8130 tester be purchased at the same time as the Model 8127/8130. This is to ensure that sufficient spare parts are available. This kit includes items such as filters, valves, O-rings, desiccant, and miscellaneous other maintenance items.
- What data is output through the RS-232 interface?
The RS-232 interface outputs the filter's percent penetration, flow rate, and pressure drop in the standard filter test modes of operation. The loading test mode of operation also outputs the upstream photometer reading.
- What is DOP?
The actual name for DOP is dioctyl phthalate.
- What is Emery 3004?
Emery 3004 is a product of the Henkel Chemical Company. It was developed as a synthetic hydrocarbon used as a synthetic lubricant. This oil was tested by the US Army in 1989 and recommended as a replacement for DOP in filter testing. DOP is widely used and very familiar to those doing filter testing; but is a suspected carcinogen. For this reason, TSI is taking the lead in specifying Emery oil as the preferred oil for use with the 8127/30.
- What is standard delivery time for a Model 8127/30 tester?
The Model 8127/30 testers are in high demand and currently have a long lead time. This may change, so consult your monthly lead time report. Also, please consult TSI directly to determine the delivery at time of order.
- What needs to be done to send a sample to TSI for testing?
Contact your sales manager or application engineer before sending a filter to TSI and send the sample to their attention. Please include your complete contract information. For all media sent to TSI for testing, provide as much information about the testing as possible. Things that are useful to know are what type of tester the test is to be done on, the aerosol type (which generator), flow rate, and other details. Some tests are done with special filter holder area, specific particle sizes (8160 tests), loading tests (8127/30 only), and tests done using the external adapter. For tests that need the external adapter, we will need the housing that the filter is used in to do the testing.
Note: Not all requests for special tests can be accommodated. We will not do extensive testing for customers at no charge. For customers that want testing but don't want to purchase a tester we have prices for standard tests. We discourage this type of testing because it takes away from our ability to make equipment. Our business is to sell testers, not to sell testing.
- What type of aerosol does the 8127 and the 8130 use?
The Model 8127 was designed to use Emery 3004 oil or other oils such as DOP and paraffin oil. The Model 8130 comes complete with two aerosol generation systems. One is designed for use with sodium chloride (NaCl). The other is the same as that used on the Model 8127. You will be able to switch from one to the other in less than 5 minutes.
- What types of filters can be tested using the Model 8127/30?
The Model 8127/30 has been designed specifically for testing flat-sheet media and can test respirator particulate filter cartridges with the appropriate adapter. It can also test single-use (disposable) respirators with an appropriate adapter. There are also many non-respirator markets for the Model 8127/30. Manufacturers of small filter cartridges can also be tested.
- When would I use NaCl versus DOP versus Paraffin oil?
Generally speaking, the U.S. manufacturers use DOP for most respirator cartridge testing. NaCl is also used for testing items such as single-use respirators. Paraffin oil can be used as a substitute for DOP testing. Many European standards call for testing with either paraffin oil or NaCl. NaCl is available on the Model 8130.
- Why doesn’t the Model 8127/30 use monodisperse 0.3-micrometer DOP?
The monodisperse 0.3-micrometer thermally generated DOP is written in many older standards. TSI is actively pursuing changing these standards, as this test methodology is extremely old and antiquated. In addition, it has been presented at various technical conferences that the hot DOP machines do not really generate 0.3-micrometer monodisperse aerosols, either!
|
|