DETERMINATION OF FIBER CHARGE-DENSITY OF ELECTRET FILTERS

Particle collection in electret filters is enhanced by electrostatic forces resulting from the embedded charge on the fibers of the filters. Currently, there is no simple method available for determining the charge density on the electret fibers. Since charge on the fibers can degrade with loading or during storage, a simple evaluation technique is desirable. Aerosol consisting of organic oil mist generally used for testing HEPA filters should not be used for evaluating electret filters since organic aerosol droplets rapidly degrade the electrostatic charge effect. In this study experimental measurements of penetration were made on electret filters challenged with monodisperse, polystyrene latex spheres, PLS, of known size and charge. The experimental data on penetration were used to separate the contributions of the individual collection parameters and to determine the effective density of charge on the fibers. Collection efficiency due to mechanical filtration mechanisms was measured using filters with which the electret charge had been effectively neutralized by loading the filters with an oil aerosol. Collection due to dielectrophoretic force was obtained using aerosol with zero charge. The effective charge density on the fibers was determined by comparing measurements of penetration for particles having known size and charge with the prediction of available theoretical equations. Details of this method of determining the density of charge on the fibers are described here. Experimental determinations of charge density showed reasonable agreement with the charge densities given by the manufacturers of the tested filters.