SIST EN ISO 16890-2:2022 PDF

Overview

SIST EN ISO 16890-2:2022 (ISO 16890-2:2022) defines the laboratory test methods for measuring fractional efficiency and air flow resistance of particulate air filter elements used in general ventilation. It specifies aerosol generation, test rig and instrumentation requirements, and qualification procedures. The standard is intended to be used together with ISO 16890‑1, ISO 16890‑3 and ISO 16890‑4 and is adopted by CEN as EN ISO 16890‑2:2022.

Key points from the scope:

• Applicable to test face area of 610 mm × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) and flow rates between 0.25 m³/s and 1.5 m³/s.
• Applicable to filters with ePM1 ≤ 99% and ePM10 > 20% (minimum ePM10 to ensure statistical validity).
• Not applicable to filter elements for portable room‑air cleaners.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Aerosol generation: Defined liquid- and solid-phase aerosols (e.g., DEHS for liquid phase; KCl for solid phase) and reference aerosols for particle size ranges (0.3–1.0 µm and 1.0–10.0 µm).
• Test rig design: Dimensional, construction and airflow requirements, mixing/orifice design, isolation and leakage control for reproducible upstream/downstream conditions.
• Particle measurement: Use and qualification of optical particle counters (OPCs) - sizing ranges, calibration, zero count, overload behaviour and sampling arrangements.
• Air flow and resistance measurement: Procedures for measuring volumetric flow, face velocity and pressure drop across the filter element.
• Qualification and validation: Test rig and equipment qualification tests (pressure system, aerosol uniformity, OPC sizing accuracy, air velocity uniformity, neutralizer performance, etc.).
• Environmental control: Temperature and relative humidity measurement and requirements during testing.
• Test limits and statistical validity: Minimum efficiencies and test conditions to ensure reliable fractional efficiency results.

Practical applications

This standard enables:

• Accurate, repeatable measurement of particle removal efficiency by size fraction (fractional efficiency) and initial/operational pressure drop.
• Verification and comparison of HVAC filter performance for building ventilation systems, energy and IAQ assessments.
• Product development and quality control for filter manufacturers.
• Independent laboratory testing for certification, procurement specifications and regulatory compliance.

Who should use this standard

• Filter manufacturers and R&D teams
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
• HVAC engineers, facility managers and procurement specialists specifying filters for commercial, institutional and industrial ventilation systems
• Standards committees and conformity assessment organizations

Related standards

• ISO 16890‑1: General principles and definitions (classification of filters)
• ISO 16890‑3 and ISO 16890‑4: Additional test procedures and guidance
• EN ISO 16890‑2:2022 (CEN adoption)