Cleanroom DOP Testing Services

What Is DOP Testing?

DOP testing is the process where the integrity of your High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is tested by introducing Dispersed Oil Particulate (DOP). The filters are used in industrial equipment items such as fume hoods, negative air units and powerful vacuums. They protect the environment and humans from harmful substances in the air such as asbestos, bacteria and hormones by filtering out 99.97% of particulates, up to 0.3 microns in size.

The HEPA filter works within your specialist ventilation system to remove dust and fine powder from the environment and provide clean air that is particulate-free. A DOP filter determines if the filters are performing up to the standards set by regulatory bodies to ensure smooth operations.

Oil is dispersed as an aerosol into the filter mediums’ upstream flow. In the downstream flow, the number of particles is measured with a calibrated photometer. Due to the fact that cleanrooms often protect mission critical environments, DOP testing is essential. The entire filter face is tested to detect leak or damage.

DOP Filter Testing Equipment

Aerosol Photometer

Saakvee Technologies uses an innovative, advanced and digital aerosol photometer to to perform DOP tests. We have portable DOP testing machines guaranteed to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime.

The photometer measures the amount of aerosol downstream and upstream of the filter. The result shows the performance of the HEPA filter. It also reveals damages or leaks in the seals, frame and mediums.

Aerosol Generator

The generator is used to produce aerosol which is introduced to the airstream and passed to the HEPA filter for testing. An ancillary equipment is used to inject, mix and test the aerosol such as injection ports, positive injection pumps, sample ports, sparge pipes and scanning probes.

Our aerosol generators are lightweight, portable and rugged. They are ideal for testing different filter systems by generating sub-micron, poly-dispersed aerosol. Applications include negative-pressure filtration units, workstations, ceiling modules, biological safety cabinets and more.

When To Do A DOP Test

Equipment with HEPA filter should be tested when it will be used for a new project or moved. Filter seals could become loose due to ill use, causing leaks and making the equipment unsafe for workers.

For the same project, it should be tested every four weeks and onsite for best results. This ensures the HEPA filter units have not been damaged by daily onsite activities or during transportation.

Why Have A DOP Test?

Without a DOP test, there is a high risk of contamination to your cleanroom. It could impact your product quality and processes which in turn affect your cleanroom certification. A DOP test saves money, time, reduces cost product recalls and prevents damage to your brand.

Saakvee Technologies has CTCB certified engineers who have had at least 5 years of experience before sitting the certification exam.

How Is DOP Testing Carried Out?

• DOP filter testing follows a compliant and predetermined process. The first step is the visual inspection of the equipment with the HEPA filters to check for holes, cracks, leaks and other issues.
• We also inspect the air supply system to identify the safest means of injection. Power to the AHU is isolated if the secondary and pre-filters will be removed. A blower pump is set up near the injection point if the DOP will be injected in a positive pressure section or downstream of the fan unit.
• A DOP testing equipment is prepared after the equipment is switched on. We use either a pneumatic or thermal aerosol generator. The aerosol photometer is set up according to the manufacturer’s instruction and attached to fitted upstream and sample points of each HEPA filter.
• A lead engineer and support engineer work with the lead engineer operating the photometer to ensure regular communication and the support engineer controlling the smoke generator with a mobile phone or site radio.
• A dense cloud of aerosol particles is released into the upstream airflow. A photometer is used to scan the seal and media face of the filters to check for leakage. Depending on the applicable standard, the maximum permissible leak is 0.01% or 0.03%.
• The test is quick and confirms that all parts of the HEPA filter including the joints and actual filter media, seals, joints and housing are working properly. Problematic parts are replaced once identified.