What is the European Standard EN 1822?

The EN 1822 standard is an important European filter inspection standard introduced in 1998 and designed to test and classify absolute filters. This standard uses modern measurement technology (flow, velocity, and particle count) and approved methods to determine filter efficiency. It is applied to evaluate the effectiveness of EPA, HEPA, and ULPA air filtration levels.
This standard covers high and very high-performance air filters (EPA, HEPA, and ULPA) used in ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as technological processes such as cleanroom technology and the pharmaceutical industry. It establishes a process to determine efficiency by counting particles using experimental liquid aerosols or solid aerosols, allowing filters to be classified systematically based on their performance.

Classification of Air Filters According to the EN 1822 Standard

According to this standard, filters are classified into one of the following groups:
  • Group E: EPA filtration (Efficient Particulate Air Filter) includes types E10, E11, and E12, which represent the efficiency levels that EPA filters must achieve.
  • Group H: HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters) represent the efficiency levels that corresponding HEPA filters must achieve.
  • Group U: ULPA filtration (Ultra-Low Penetration Air Filter) represents the efficiency levels that corresponding ULPA filters must achieve.
Filter level Total value (%)/MPPS Local value (%)/MPPS
Filtering efficiency Penetrating particles Filtering efficiency Penetrating particles
E10 ≥85 ≤15 -
E11 ≥95 ≤5 -
E12 ≥99,5 ≤0,5 -
E13 ≥99,95 ≤0,05 ≥99,75 ≤0,25
E14 ≥99,995 ≤0,005 ≥99,975 ≤0,025
U15 ≥99,9995 ≤0,0005 ≥99,9975 ≤0,0025
U16 ≥99,99995 ≤0,00005 ≥99,99975 ≤0,00025
U17 ≥99,999995 ≤0,000005 ≥99,999975 ≤0,0001
The previous EN 1822 standard regulated HEPA filters from H10 to H14 and ULPA filters from U15 to U17. Therefore, in the Vietnamese air filter market, EPA filters E10, E11, and E12 are often referred to as HEPA H10, H11, and H12.

The principle of filter inspection according to EN1822 standard

principle of filter inspection

Test purpose

  • Leakage check

Leakage check

  • Overall performance
  • Pressure loss
  • Computer-made
  • 6 particle counters (quickly and accurately detect leaks)
  • Leak detection, pressure difference measurement, full performance

Report each filter of the scanner

  • Filter model
  • Filter serial number
  • Actual pressure loss
  • Actual MPPS performance
  • Check for local leaks/intrusions
  • Check the air flow

Report each filter of the scanner

3 Steps to Determine the Air Filtration Level According to the EN 1822 Standard

To evaluate whether the average filtration performance of a filter plate meets the standard, the following steps are taken:
  • Step 1: A base gauge is used to determine the number and size of particles retained on the filter. After processing this data, the minimum particle size in the measuring medium is identified. This size is called the MPPS (Most Penetrating Particle Size).
  • Step 2: Checking the leakage level of the filter element is an important test. This involves spraying an aerosol (a suspension of solid or liquid particles in air) along the surface of the filter plate using a probe. Data is collected to determine the integral value (overall efficiency) and the leakage rate across the filter surface.
  • Step 3: The filtration performance of the filter plate is tested by measuring the pressure drop at the rated airflow rate. Using a set of measuring instruments and aerosol nozzles, the filtration efficiency for MPPS particles is then determined.

How to Read the Filter Efficiency Parameters for EPA, HEPA, and ULPA Filters

After testing any filter, the filtration efficiency, the ratio of penetrating to retained particles, and their average size are determined. The filter classification is then assessed to ensure it meets the relevant standards.
For example, according to the table, a HEPA H14 filter must have a minimum filtration efficiency of 99.995% for particles of 0.3 microns or larger. This means a HEPA H14 filter can remove at least 99.995% of particles at this size and all larger particles.

The Difference Between EN 779 and EN 1822 Standards

EN 779 Standard

EN 779 Standard
The EN 779 standard is used to classify coarse and fine filtration levels. These levels are evaluated based on average dust arrestance (Am) and average filtration efficiency (Em). Currently, coarse filter products with initial dust arrestance of less than 20% are classified in the G1 to G4 range. Fine filter products with initial dust arrestance above 20% are classified from M5 to F9.
Group Filter classification End pressure Average dust resistance level Am (%) Average dust resistance level Am (%) Minimum performance Em (%)
Pre Filter G1 250 50≤Am≤65 -
G2 65≤Am≤80 -
G3 90≤Am -
G4 - -
Fine Filter M5 450 - 40≤Am≤60 -
M6 - 60≤Am≤80 -

EN 1822 Standard

This standard is used to classify EPA, HEPA, and ULPA filters. Unlike coarse and fine filters, EPA, HEPA, and ULPA filters are evaluated based on their performance and particle penetration levels. According to the EN 1822 standard, EPA filters include levels E10 to E12, HEPA filters include H13 and H14, and ULPA filters include levels U15 to U17.
Filter level Total value (%)/MPPS Local value (%)/MPPS
Filtering efficiency Penetrating particles Filtering efficiency Penetrating particles
E10 ≥85 ≤15 -
E11 ≥95 ≤5 -
E12 ≥99,5 ≤0,5 -
E13 ≥99,95 ≤0,05 ≥99,75 ≤0,25
E14 ≥99,995 ≤0,005 ≥99,975 ≤0,025
U15 ≥99,9995 ≤0,0005 ≥99,9975 ≤0,0025
U16 ≥99,99995 ≤0,00005 ≥99,99975 ≤0,00025
U17 ≥99,999995 ≤0,000005 ≥99,999975 ≤0,0001
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