DOE-STD-3020-97

January 1997

Supersedes DOE NE F3-45

January 1987

DOE STANDARD

SPECIFICATION FOR HEPA FILTERS USED

BY DOE CONTRACTORS

U.S. Department of Energy FSC 6910

Washington, D.C. 20585

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This document has been reproduced directly from the best available copy.

Available to DOE and DOE contractors from the Office of Scientific and Technical

Information, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (423) 576-8401.

Available to the public from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology

Administration, National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161;

(703) 487-4650.

DE97000782

DOE-STD-3020-97

iii

FOREWORD

This Department of Energy standard supersedes DOE NE F3-45 and is approved for use by

all DOE components and their contractors.

This standard was developed primarily for application in U.S. Department of Energy

programs. It provides guidance to DOE contractor sites for procurement and testing of High

Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters used in DOE nuclear facilities. This standard was

designed to achieve a technical coordination among individuals of recognized authority from

affected DOE programs, including manufacturers, purchasers, users, and technical experts.

This procedure utilized a writing group to prepare the standard and a technical review

committee to provide formal review and comment.

Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data that

may improve this document should be sent to the Office of Nuclear Safety Policy and

Standards (EH-31), U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585, by letter or by

using the self-addressed Document Improvement Proposal form (DOE F 1300.3) appearing

at the end of this document.

DOE technical standards, such as this standard, do not establish requirements. However,

all or part of the provisions in a DOE standard can become requirements under the following

circumstances:

(1) they are explicitly stated to be requirements in a DOE requirements document; or

(2) the organization makes a commitment to meet a standard in a contract or in an

implementation plan or program plan required by a DOE requirements document.

Throughout this standard, the word “shall” is used to denote actions that must be performed

if the objectives of this standard are to be met. If the provisions in this standard are made

requirements through one of the two ways discussed above, then the “shall” statements

would become requirements. It is not appropriate to consider that “should” statements

would automatically be converted to “shall” statements as this action would violate the

consensus process used to approve this standard.

DOE-STD-3020-97

iv

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DOE-STD-3020-97

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARAGRAPH PAGE

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

1. 0 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. 0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.1 Department of Energy (DOE) Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.2 Department of Defense Military Standards (MIL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.3 National Consensus Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3.0 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5.0 HEPA FILTER PROCUREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.2 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.3 Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.4 Filter Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

6.1 Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program, Procedures,

and Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

6.2 DOE Production Testing and Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

7.0 PACKAGING, SHIPPING, AND STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1 Packing and Shipping for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.2 Shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.3 Reshipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.4 Rejected Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

DOE-STD-3020-97

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DOE-STD-3020-97

1

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 Scope

This standard establishes specification and testing requirements for High

Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters procured to provide personnel and

environmental protection when installed in DOE nuclear facilities. The

standard specifies minimum requirements to be included in contractor

specifications.

1.2 Applicability

This Standard applies to procurement of HEPA filters to be installed in DOE

nuclear facilities.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following documents are either a part of this standard to the extent specified

herein, or specify materials of HEPA filter construction. Unless otherwise stated, the

current issue date and revision number of a referenced document shall apply,

including addenda and/or amendments. In the event of a conflict between

provisions of this standard and provisions of the referenced documents, the text of

this standard shall take precedence. Appeals in this matter may be addressed to

the DOE "Preparing Activity" (DP-45), which is designated as the DOE entity

responsible for issue and interpretation of this standard.

2.1 Department of Energy (DOE) Standards

DOE F 3-42 - Operating Policy of DOE Filter Test Program

DOE F 3-43 - Quality Assurance Testing of HEPA Filters

DOE F 3-44 - DOE Filter Test Facility Quality Program Plan

Note: The above standards are currently under revision. At their issuance,

their designator will be modified to conform with the latest DOE guidelines.

Subsequently, their designator in this standard will be updated through a

page change modification.

DOE-STD-3020-97

2

2.2 Department of Defense Military Standards (MIL)

MIL-STD-105E - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by

Attributes

MIL-STD-282- Filter Units, Protective Clothing, Gas Mask Components and

Related Products: Performance Test Method

MIL-F-51079 - Filter Medium, Fire Resistant, High Efficiency

MIL-S-8660C - Silicone Compound, NATO Code Number S-726

2.3 National Consensus Standards

2.3.1 American Society For Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM A 176 - A Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium

Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip

ASTM A 240 - A Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium and Chromium-

Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip

ASTM A 366/A 366M - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon,

Cold-Rolled, Commercial Quality

ASTM A 570/570M - Specification for Steel, Sheet, and Strip, for Carbon, Hot

Rolled, Structural Quality

ASTM A 611 - Specification for Steel, Cold-Rolled Sheet, Carbon, Hot

Rolled, Structural Quality

ASTM A 740 - Specification for Hardware Cloth (Woven or Welded

Galvanized Steel Wire Fabric)

ASTM B 209 - Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheet and

Plate

ASTM D 217 - Test Method for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease

ASTM D 1056 - Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials - Sponge or

Expanded Rubber

ASTM D 3359- Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test

ASTM E-84 - Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials

DOE-STD-3020-97

3

2.3.2 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME AG-1, Code, Section FC, HEPA Filters

ASME NQA -1 - Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear

Facilities

2.3.3 U.S. Product Standards

APA H850 U.S. Product Standard (PS) for Construction and Industrial

Plywood

2.3.4 Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper (TAPPI)

T411-OM - Thickness (Caliper) of Paper and Paperboard and Combined

Board

T413-OM - Ash in Paper and Paperboard

T494-OM- Tensile Breaking Properties of Paper and Paperboard (Using

Constant Rate of Elongation Apparatus)

UM-440 - pH of Paper (cold extract)

2.3.5 Federal Standards

FED-STD-141C- Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Method of

Inspection, Sampling and Testing

2.3.6 Institute of Environmental Sciences, Mt. Prospect, Illinois

IES-RP-CC-001.3 - Recommended Practice for HEPA Filters

2.3.7 Underwriter Laboratories

UL-586 - Standard for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter Units

DOE-STD-3020-97

4

3.0 DEFINITIONS

Acceptance Test

Inspection and testing of a HEPA filter to verify certain characteristics or

properties which determine acceptance or rejection of that filter.

Airflow Resistance

An index of the energy required to maintain airflow through a filter. Airflow

resistance is measured in terms of the air pressure difference (pressure

drop) across a filter at a specified flowrate (e.g. see section 5.2.2, Table-1).

Note: The initial airflow resistance of a new filter serves as an index of the

filter s potential loading capacity.

Approved Test Aerosol

Particle-generating materials approved by DOE for performance testing.

Test aerosols approved by the DOE for tests conducted in the Filter Test

Facility are di-octyl phthalate (DOP), also known as DEHP and di-octyl

sebacate (DOS), also known as DEHS.

Filter Test Facility (FTF)

A facility established by the DOE specifically to conduct performance quality

assurance inspections and tests of HEPA filters.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter

A throwaway, extended-media, dry type filter with a rigid casing enclosing the

full depth of the pleats. The filter shall exhibit a minimum efficiency of

99.97% when tested at an aerosol of 0.3 micrometers diameter. The

maximum airflow resistance shall be as specified in Section 5.2, Table 1 of

this standard.

DOE-STD-3020-97

5

Nominal Air Flow Rating

The flow rate at which HEPA filters are identified by the manufacturer and

confirmed at the FTF. Nominal air flow ratings for various size filters are

listed in section 5.2.2, Table 1 of this standard.

Nuclear Facility

A DOE-owned and operated reactor or non-reactor facility in which

radioactive materials are produced or handled to the degree that

environmental protection is required.

Penetration

The downstream test aerosol concentration, expressed as a percentage of

the upstream test aerosol concentration.

Preparing Activity

The DOE organization responsible for issue and interpretation of this

standard.

Qualification Test

A test, often destructive, of a prototype or randomly selected production filter

to establish its capability to meet certain functional and specification requirements.

The results of the test are considered to typify individual items or

model numbers which are of the same design and are manufactured by the

same process.

DOE-STD-3020-97

6

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All HEPA filters to be used for personal or environmental protection purposes in

DOE nuclear facilities shall be purchased and tested according to the general

requirements of this section (Section 4), and the specific requirements of Sections 5

and 6 of this standard.

4. 1 Prior to use in DOE facilities, filters shall be delivered to a DOE Filter Test

Facility (FTF) for acceptance testing.

4. 2 Each filter shall be tested by both the manufacturer and the FTF operator for

penetration at 100% of the nominal airflow rating. Size 3 filters (125 cfm)

and greater shall also be tested for penetration at 20% of the manufacturers

nominal airflow rating (See Section 5.2.2, Table 1 of this standard).

4. 3 All unencapsulated (open faced) HEPA filters shall be tested for airflow

resistance at nominal airflow rating. Maximum acceptable resistance for

selected filter sizes appear in Section 5.2.2, Table 1 of this standard.

4. 4 HEPA filters which appear on the most recent Military Qualified Products List

(QPL), issued 4-10-1995, associated with former Military Specifications MILF-

51068, or a corresponding DOE QPL, are considered to meet all the

Quality Assurance requirements of Section 6.1 of this standard until their

five-year terms expire. The filter medium shall comply with MIL-F-51079.

4.5 HEPA filter media listed on the QPL associated with Military Specification

MIL-F-51079 are considered to meet the Quality Assurance requirements of

Section 6.1 for filter media only. All other qualification tests specified in

Section 6 of this standard shall be performed.

DOE-STD-3020-97

7

5.0 HEPA FILTER PROCUREMENT

5.1 General

HEPA filters to be installed in facilities operated under contract to DOE shall

be purchased in compliance with the specifications of this standard. The

purchaser shall provide the FTF manager a copy of the purchase order,

including any non-standard requirements for the filter product, as a means to

assure that the purchase order includes proper specifications, and that the

vendor meets the stipulations of the purchase order. Disagreements on the

specification content, or changes thereto, shall be resolved in writing by the

purchaser and the FTF manager.

5.2 Performance Requirements

Mandatory performance requirements for HEPA filters are set out below.

These performance requirements must be demonstrated by test or

inspection by manufacturer and FTF.

5.2.1 Penetration. Aerosol penetration for any HEPA filter shall not exceed

0.03% (0.0003) at 0.3 micrometer diameter particles.

5.2.2 Resistance. Air flow resistance across the HEPA filter shall conform

to the limits listed in Table 1 below. Tests for resistance to airflow

shall be conducted at flow rates expressed in actual cubic feet per

minute (ACFM).

5.2.3 Media Velocity (Effective Media Area). The total effective media area

provided within the filter pack shall be such that face velocity shall not

exceed 5.0 ft/min (1.52 m/min) at the rated air flow.

DOE-STD-3020-97

8

TABLE 1. Dimensions, Nominal Airflow Ratings, and Maximum

Resistance for typical HEPA Filtersa

Size in inches in millimeters Rating Resistance

Dimension Dimension Nominal Airflow Maximum

cfm m /hr in.wg Pa 3

1 8x8x3-1/16 203x203x78 25 42 1.3 325

2 8x8x5-7/8 203x203x149 50 85 1.3 325

3 12x12x5-7/8 305x305x149 125 212 1.3 325

4 24x24x5-7/8 610x610x149 500 850 1.0 250

5 24x24x11-1/2 610x610x292 1000 1700 1.0 250

6 24x24x11-1/2 610x610x292 1250 2125 1.0 250

7 24x24x11-1/2 610x610x292 1500 2550 1.3 325 b,c

8 610x610x292 2000 3400 1.3 325 d

9

24x24x11-1/2

12x12x11-1/2 305x305x292 250 425 1.0 250

Unencapsulated. a

Constructed with separators. b

Constructed without separators. c

Mini-pleat design. d

Note: HEPA filters not listed above (round, rectangular, radial, etc.) which conform to the

requirements listed in this standard (5.2 performance requirements, 5.3 materials

requirements, and 5.4 filter construction) are acceptable for use at DOE nuclear facilities.

DOE-STD-3020-97

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5.3 Materials Requirements

5.3.1 Filter Media.

5.3.1.1 Fibrous Filter Media. Non-metallic fibrous filter media shall

be procured in compliance with the provisions of MIL-F-

51079. This shall be cited in the purchaser's specification.

5.3.1.2 Non-fibrous Filter Media. Non-fibrous or metallic filter media

are acceptable provided the media meets the applicable

specification and performance requirements of Section 6 of

this standard and ASME AG-1 Code, Section FC,

Mandatory Appendix FC-I. Asbestos is not acceptable as a

filter medium component.

5.3.2 HEPA Filter Case Materials.

5.3.2.1 Structural Material. Metal filter case material shall be

equivalent to USS 14 gage steel as a minimum, with a

minimum thickness of 0.0720 inches (1.8 mm). Wood or

wood substitutes are acceptable, provided it can be

demonstrated that the filter frame material selected is

physically equivalent to plywood specifications which appear

in APA H850. Particle board is not acceptable.

5.3.2.2 Fire Retardance. Filter case material shall have a flame

spread classification of 25 or less when tested in

compliance with ASTM E-84.

5.3.2.3 Hazardous/TSCA/Mixed Waste. Construction materials for

HEPA filters shall be selected to avoid generation of EPA

regulated wastes as specified in 40 CFR 261. For this

reason,

DOE-STD-3020-97

10

cadmium is no longer acceptable for treatment of filter

cases, nor is asbestos acceptable as a HEPA filter

component.

5.3.3 Separator Material.

5.3.3.1 Asbestos. Asbestos is not authorized as a separator

material. (See Section 5.3.2.3, above.)

5.3.3.2 Aluminum. Authorized aluminum separator materials are

specified in ASTM B209 as Alloy 1145-H18, Alloy 3003-H19,

or Alloy 5052-H38. These separators must have a minimum

thickness of 0.00015 in. (0.038 mm). To protect the filter

medium, the separator shall be provided with a “turned edge”

prior to corrugation.

5.3.3.3 Acid Resistant Separators. Authorized coatings for acid

resistant separators are Teflon, epoxy resin or thermoset

vinyl. The coating shall be colored (to identify defects), shall

tightly adhere to preclude cracking or delaminating when the

material is corrugated, and shall be 0.0001 to 0.0002 in. (2.5

to 5 micrometers) thick (dry film). After corrugation and

subsequent flattening, the coating shall exhibit an adhesive

peel resistance of 3A or better when tested in accordance

with Method A of ASTM D 3359.

5.3.4 Adhesives. Adhesives and sealants, used to seal the filter pack within

the filter case and to adhere gaskets to the filter case, shall be nonflammable

or self-extinguishing, so that when the dried or cured

sealant is subjected to the Spot Flame test of UL-586, it either will not

burn, or will not continue to support combustion after the source of

combustion has been removed.

DOE-STD-3020-97

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5.3.5 Gaskets and Seals. Two methods are currently employed for sealing

the filter to its mounting frame, flat gaskets, and "fluid" seals. The

two methods shall not be used on the same mounting frame.

5.3.5.1 Flat Gasket. Gasket materials shall be oil and

ozone-resistant, made of synthetic rubber, closed cell

sponge Grade 2C3 or 2C4 in accordance with ASTM D

1056, and shall be 1/4 in. (6 mm) thick by 3/4 in. (19 mm)

wide with split or cut surfaces (i.e., no mold skin).

5.3.5.2 Fluid Seal. Fluid seals require a specially designed

mounting frame that is not compatible with flat-gasketed

sealed filters. The sealant shall be nonflammable as

defined in ASTM D092; e.g., no flash at 450 F (232 C) or 0 0

below; with a fire retardant rating of V-0, per UL-94;

hardness, as determined by Brookfield LTV Penetrometer #

3, of 0.14-0.24 in. (3.5-6.0 mm); and allowing no biological

growth. Fluid seals must be a non-evaporating, highly

viscous, self-healing non-Newtonian substance. The fluid

seal substance shall be corrosion resistant, shall not relax,

crack, separate, or stick or adhere to the knife-edge, and

shall be insoluble in water. The substance shall be

thermally stable with a serviceable range of from 40 F 0

(4 C) to 450 (232 C). If the fluid seal substance is a 0 0 0

grease, the substance shall have a National Lubricating

Grease Institute (NLGI) consistency number 2 or 3 as

determined by ASTM D 217. Evaporation shall be less than

2% when tested in accordance with MIL-S-8660C for 24

hours at 390 F (198 C). 0 0

5.3.6 Face Guards. Face guards, if required by the filter purchase order,

shall be corrosion resistant and nonflammable.

DOE-STD-3020-97

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5.4 Filter Construction

5.4.1 Dimensions. The configuration and dimensions of open face

rectangular HEPA filters have been standardized and listed in Section

5.2.2, Table 1 of this standard. All other filter configurations are

considered "special" filters whose dimensions and tolerances must

be specified in the procurement documents. Dimensional tolerances

of "special" HEPA filters should conform to those specified in Section

5.4.3, Table 2 of this standard.

5.4.2 Filter Pack Construction. Filter packs shall be constructed of a

continuous sheet of filter medium which shall be pleated evenly to

form a pack or panel of equal depth throughout. The filter pack shall

be tight when tested according to the method described in Paragraph

8.1 of Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) Document Number

IES-RP-CC-001.3. Repair of pin holes and other defects is not

acceptable.

5.4.2.1 Pleat and Separator Filters. Separators shall extend at

least 1/8 in. (3 mm) beyond the pleats of filter medium. The

plane formed by the edges of the separators shall be at

least 1/4 in. (6 mm) from the plane of the filter frame (less

gasket). The pleats shall be straight and shall not deviate

more than 1/2 in. (12 mm) from a line drawn from one end

of the pleat to the other end of the pleat and shall be

perpendicular to the filter case.

5.4.2.2 Mini-pleat filters. Filter medium panels shall be sealed in a

reservoir which is at least 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) deep. The

panels shall not vary more than 1/2 in. (12 mm) from a line

drawn from the top to the bottom of the panel and

perpendicular to the case. Filter medium support (ribbons,

strings, etc.) shall not vary more than 1/2 in (12 mm) from a

straight line drawn from top to bottom of the line formed by

the supports and shall be perpendicular to

DOE-STD-3020-97

13

the case. The filter medium support shall be nonflammable.

The panels on the left and right sides of the filter shall be

sealed to the case with adhesive.

5.4.2.3 Separatorless Filters. Dividers shall be provided as

appropriate for additional support. The vertical plane

formed by the ends of the convolutions shall not deviate

more 3/4 in. (19 mm) from the top to bottom of the pleat and

shall be recessed at least 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) from the plane

formed by the four sides of the filter frame. Where

convolutions do not have crest-to-crest contact, spacing

shall not be less than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Nesting of

convolutions is not permitted. Abrupt kinks or deviations in

the folds of the medium are not permitted. The trimmed

edges of the filter element shall be firmly potted (fixed) into

the sealant. The two flap edges shall have sufficient

sealant to secure them to the frame sides.

5.4.3 Filter Case. The case shall be fabricated in compliance with the

provisions of Section 5.3.2 of this standard. The completed case,

less gaskets, shall conform to the dimensions listed in Section 5.2.2,

Table 1 of this standard, unless alternative dimensions are specified

in procurement documents. Section 5.4.3, Table 2 of this standard

lists the acceptable tolerances.

DOE-STD-3020-97

14

TABLE 2. Tolerances for Filter Cases

a. Face Dimensions:

i. less than 18 in. +0, - 1/16 in. (1.6 mm)

(45.7 cm)

ii. greater than 18 in. +0, - 1/8 in. (3 mm)

(45.7 cm)

b. Depth: +1/16 in. (1.6 mm), -0

c. Width of gasket surface: 3/4 in. (19 mm) ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm)

d. Squareness: face diagonals to be equal with the following total tolerances.

i. less than 18 in. 1/16 in. total (1.6 mm)

(45.7 cm)

ii. greater than 18 in. 1/8 in. total (3 mm)

(45.7 cm)

e. Gasket seating surfaces: Square with sides of frame (within 3 ).flat and parallel. o

1/16 in. (1.6 mm) total allowance when measured with one face

of the filter resting on a flat surface.

5.4.3.1 Wooden Cases. Case panels shall be joined with rabetted

joints which are assembled by gluing with an adhesive

meeting the requirements of Section 5.3.4 of this standard

and double nailing or double screwing with coated box nails,

corrosion resistant plated screw-nails, or flathead wood

screws. The end points of the fasteners shall not penetrate

the inside or outside surfaces of the case. Frame faces,

edges, and inner surfaces shall be thoroughly coated with

sealant to minimize permeability. Frame face sealant shall

not reduce the ability of the gasket to adhere to the frame.

There shall be no splinters or rough edges that might

penetrate or cut workers' gloves or injure the fingers of

personnel handling the filters.

DOE-STD-3020-97

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5.4.3.2 Metal Cases. Metal cases shall have a double-turned,

3/4 in. (19 mm) wide flange on each face or a

fluid-seal socket or sleeve as specified in the

procurement documents. Panels shall be assembled

into the frame by riveting or bolting the corners, or by

potting a subassembly consisting of the filter pack and

side panels into the top and bottom panels (but not the

corners), using an adhesive meeting the requirements

of Section 5.3.4 of this standard. For mechanically

joined panels the space between abutting panels shall

be sealed with an adhesive meeting the requirements

of Section 5.3.4 of this standard.

5.4.5 Gaskets. Gaskets shall be glued firmly and continuously to the case.

Loose, peeling, or distorted gaskets shall be cause for rejection of the

filter. The gasket shall not extend more than 1/16Êin. (1.6 mm) over

either side of the seating surface at any point. Gaskets may be of

one-piece or made up of strips joined at the corners by keyhole,

keystone, or other interlocking type joints. Edges of the joint area

shall be thoroughly coated with adhesive (sealant meeting

requirement of Section 5.3.4 of this standard) before assembly.

5.4.6 Faceguards. Faceguard edges shall be firmly embedded in adhesive

and shall be installed so that projecting wires or edges do not form a

puncture hazard to personnel handling the filter and do not project

onto or beyond the gasket mounting surface. Wire edges formed

when slitting or shearing expanded-metal faceguards shall be

smoothed on both surfaces of the material before installation.

DOE-STD-3020-97

16

6.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

6.1 Manufacturer's Quality Assurance Program, Procedures, and

Documentation

Filters shall be manufactured and shipped under a quality assurance

program meeting the essential requirements of ASME NQA-1.

Procurement and fabrication activities shall allow positive identification of the

grades of source materials used in construction, and permit positive

identification of the roll (or production run for separatorless filters) of filter

medium used in the completed filter. All tests and inspections shall be

conducted in accordance with documented manufacturer's procedures, and

the results shall be traceable to specific lots of completed filters. The results

of penetration and resistance tests specified in Section 6.2 of this standard

shall be documented and identified by serial number for each individual filter

unit. Nonconformances with the above items and documentation of

problems and their resolution shall be addressed in the manufacturer's QA

Plan.

6.1.1 Qualification. Filter manufacturers shall be required to show

evidence that HEPA filters meet the test requirements of Sections

6.1.3 to 6.1.5 of this standard.

Qualifications testing must be performed and certified by an

independent test laboratory.

Requalification is required every five years.

If a filter fails any or all of the qualifications tests, the test organization

shall first notify the manufacturer, and provide the manufacturer the

opportunity to review test methods and results prior, to removing the

filter model from the QPL. (or similar qualifications list) and issuing

notice thereof.

DOE-STD-3020-97

17

In order to reduce costs associated with qualification testing,

successful tests of filters with known material components for filter

frames, filter medium, cases and adhesives, produced by a single

manufacturer, can be used to qualify filters of similar construction, but

smaller sizes by the same manufacturer. Tests of:

Filter Size 5 shall qualify similar filters of sizes 1 through 5.

Filter size 6 shall qualify similar filters of sizes 1 through 6.

Filter Size 7 shall qualify similar filters of sizes 1 through 7.

Filter Size 8 shall qualify similar filters of sizes 1 through 8.

DOE reserves the right to randomly select HEPA filters from existing

storage at DOE sites and perform the tests defined in Sections 6.1.3

through 6.1.5 of this standard. If failures are noted, procurement

organizations shall be notified that the failed filter model has been

removed from the current DOE QPL. The manufacturer, the DOE

FTF, and DOE contractor procurement specialists shall be informed

that the failed filter model is no longer acceptable for use at DOE

facilities, pending requalification.

6.1.2 Qualifications Testing. Qualifications tests of filter components shall

be conducted in accordance with requirements of Sections 6.1.3

through 6.1.5 of this standard and applicable specification and

performance requirements of ASME AG-1. If a manufacturer's filter

model, consisting of a specific set of components including frame,

adhesive, and filter medium, is listed in a current QPL, this shall

constitute satisfactory evidence of having met the qualification

requirements of this standard. Filters selected for qualification testing

may be prototypes of the proposed design or production filters of the

specific design randomly selected from the manufacturer's stock.

The number of filter units required for qualification testing shall be as

specified in ASME AG-1. Modification of these requirements shall be

only as specified below.

DOE-STD-3020-97

18

6.1.3 Overpressure Resistance. The new, unused filter, when

preconditioned according to ASME AG-1 Code, Section FC, Section

5140, “Resistance to Pressure,” shall withstand a pressure differential

of 10 ± 0.2 in. wg (2500 ± 50 Pa) for 60 minutes without visible

evidence of damage. Within 15 minutes of the pressure differential

test, and while still wet, the filter shall meet the penetration

requirement of Section 6.2.2 at 20% of nominal airflow rating (size 4

and larger filters).

6.1.4 Resistance to Fire and Heated Air. The new, unused filter shall

withstand exposure to air heated to 700¡F ± 50¡F (370¡Ê±Ê28¡C) for 5

minutes. After exposure to heat, the penetration, when tested at

nominal airflow rating, shall not exceed 3.0%. There shall be no

evidence of sustained burning when subjected to a spot flame at any

point on the filter except the gasket. Labeling or certification (by

Underwriters Laboratories) in accordance with UL-586 shall provide

evidence of satisfactory compliance with applicable requirements for

resistance to fire and heated air.

6.1.5 Resistance to Rough Handling. The filter shall withstand shaking for

15 minutes at 3/4-in. (19 mm) amplitude and 200 cycles per minute

(3.33 Hz) without evidence of filter damage. The test shall be

conducted with the filters boxed, and the pleats and separators

vertical. After the test, the filter shall meet the penetration

requirement of Section 6.2.2 of this standard at 100% (all filters) and

20% (125 cfm [212 m /hr] and larger) at the nominal airflow rating. 3

6.2 DOE Production Testing and Marking

6.2.1 Acceptance Inspection and Testing. Prior to installation at a DOE

site, each HEPA filter shall be tested at a DOE FTF. Acceptance is

contingent upon satisfactory completion of inspections and tests

specified in DOE Standards. Filters will be inspected for physical

damage to the packaging and filter, and for compliance with

specification requirements which can be checked visually. Each filter

DOE-STD-3020-97

19

shall be tested for penetration and resistance. The penetration at

each specified airflow and the resistance at nominal airflow rating

shall be marked clearly and indelibly on the case of the filter unit

tested. At the discretion of the FTF, the customer may be advised to

request the manufacturer to supply evidence of compliance with

qualifications tests and materials requirements of the specification.

Failure to meet inspection, test, or verification requirements shall be

cause for rejection of the filter(s). After the testing and inspection is

completed, each filter will bear a FTF test label indicating acceptance

or rejection.

6.2.2 Penetration. Each filter unit shall be tested for penetration by a

DOE-approved aerosol and test method at a DOE FTF as follows:

Size 1 and 2 (up to 125 cfm [212 m /hr]) filter units: 100% of 3

rated airflow.

Size 3 (125 cfm [212 m /hr]) and larger filter units: 100% and 3

20% of rated airflow.

• Filters with penetration rates in excess of 0.03% (0.0003)

measured at a particle diameter of 0.3 micrometer shall be

rejected. When tested with a laser spectrometer test method, the

maximum penetration and the aerosol particle size of maximum

penetration shall be reported in addition to the penetration at 0.3

micrometers diameter. However, penetration at 0.3 micrometers

diameter shall be the only criterion used to judge whether a filter

is rejected for excess penetration.

6.2.3 Resistance. The air flow resistance across the HEPA filters shall

conform to the limits listed in Section 5.2, Table 1. Tests for

resistance to airflow shall be conducted at flow rates expressed in

actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM).

DOE-STD-3020-97

20

6.2.4 Accepted and Rejected Filters. Accepted filters shall be marked as

specified in DOE standards.

7.0 PACKAGING, SHIPPING, AND STORAGE

7.1 Packaging and Shipping for Testing

7.1.1 Packaging. HEPA filters shall be packed in individual, durable

containers which meet applicable shipping regulations.

7.1.2 Preparation for Delivery. The contractor's shipping instructions shall

specify that HEPA filter cartons be crated or placed on a pallet to

minimize unit handling, particularly at public carrier interchange

points. Filters should not be stacked more than three (3) high. For

large shipments, it is recommended that the entire shipment be

shipped in a sealed, dedicated trailer or rail car. At all times the

filters must be handled with care and properly orientated.

7.1.3 Packaging , Shipping and Storage. Packaging, shipping and storage

shall be in accordance with NQA-2, level B.

7.2 Shipping

HEPA filters to be tested shall be shipped to the address below, as agreed to

by the procurement specialist and the vendor.

1) Lockheed Martin Energy Systems

K-25 Site, Building K-1024

Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830

Attention: Filter Test Facility

DOE-STD-3020-97

21

7.3 Reshipment

Following satisfactory completion of inspections and tests specified in

section 6.2 of this standard, the FTF will repack the tested filters in a manner

comparable to the received packaging, and forward them to the address

specified by the customer.

7.4 Rejected Filters

Rejected filters will be disposed of by the FTF in accordance with written

instructions on file from the purchaser and/or the manufacturer.

DOE-STD-3020-97

22

Intentionally Blank

DOE-STD-3020-97

CONCLUDING MATERIAL

Review Activity: Preparing Activity:

DOE-DP-45

DOE Field Offices

DP Albuguerque Operations Office

EE Chicago Operations Office

EH Idaho Operations Office Project Number:

EM Nevada Operations Office FSC-4460-0005

ER Oakland Operations Office

FM Oak Ridge Operations Office

GC Rocky Flats Office

HR Richland Operations Office

IG Savannah River Operations Office

NE

RW

National Laboratories

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Sandia National Laboratory

Power Authorities

WAPA