ISO 29463-1:2017

Overview

ISO 29463-1:2017 defines the classification, performance, testing and marking principles for high efficiency filters and filter media used to remove particles from air. Part 1 establishes how filters are grouped and rated (based on particle-counting at the most penetrating particle size, MPPS), describes general test procedures, and sets requirements for documenting and marking tested filters. It is intended to be used together with ISO 29463-2, -3, -4 and -5.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Filter classification: Filters are classified into groups E (EPA), H (HEPA) and U (ULPA) with classes defined by overall and local efficiencies/penetrations. Classes cover efficiencies from about 95% up to 99.999995%.
• Performance measurement: Efficiency is determined by a particle-counting method at the MPPS (for micro-glass media typically ~0.12 μm to 0.25 μm). The standard emphasizes both local efficiency (point measurement) and overall efficiency (averaged over the filter face).
• Test methods overview: Describes general test rig and aerosol requirements and references specific procedures for:
  • Flat sheet filter media (ISO 29463-3)
  • Leakage/scan method for filter elements (ISO 29463-4)
  • Filter element efficiency testing (ISO 29463-5)
• Aerosols and instruments: Allows liquid or solid test aerosols and particle counters (e.g., OPC, CPC) as described in ISO 29463-2.
• Physical requirements: Specifies nominal air volume flow, pressure difference, material considerations and definitions such as effective filter medium area and nominal face velocity.
• Marking and documentation: Requires clear test reports and markings that identify class, test methods, and whether seal testing was performed.

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 29463-1 is used by:

• Filter manufacturers for product classification and certification.
• Independent test laboratories to perform standardized efficiency and leak testing.
• HVAC engineers, cleanroom designers, pharmaceutical and semiconductor facilities, hospitals and biosafety facilities to select and verify HEPA/ULPA filters for contamination control.
• Procurement and quality teams ensuring filters meet agreed performance and marking requirements.

Practical uses include selection of filters for cleanrooms, containment applications, medical isolation rooms, and any environment requiring validated particulate filtration performance.

Related Standards

• ISO 29463-2: Aerosol production, measuring equipment and particle-counting statistics
• ISO 29463-3: Testing flat sheet filter media
• ISO 29463-4: Test method for determining leakage of filter elements - Scan method
• ISO 29463-5: Test method for filter elements
• ISO 29464:2017: Terminology for cleaning equipment for air and other gases

Keywords: ISO 29463-1, HEPA, ULPA, filter classification, filter testing, MPPS, particle counting, leak testing, filter marking, high efficiency filters.