Gas Filter Capacity (ISO 16900-4)

The ISO 16900-4 standard has been developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to describe the gas filter capacity properties and test methods of respiratory protective devices. The full name of this standard, last updated in 2016, is as follows: ISO 16900-4 Respiratory protective devices - Test and test equipment methods - Part 4: Determination and displacement of gas filter capacity, desorption and carbon monoxide dynamic testing.

The mentioned standard offers a test method to determine the gas capacity of the separate or integrated gas and combined filters for respiratory protection systems. The validation test at the flow rates described in this standard includes a desorption test and a carbon monoxide dynamic test to arrive at the filter's ability to capture adsorbed or absorbed gas. These tests are carried out in a laboratory environment using certain test agents under certain conditions. Therefore, it does not represent the performance of the device in real use.

The tests performed within the scope of the standard are: gas capacity test, gas filter verification test at certain flow rates, transport test A and transport test B and desorption (absorbed substance release) test.

The ISO 16900-4 standard specifies the requirements for respiratory protective devices that are intended to provide varying degrees of protection against air containing substances that may be harmful if inhaled. At the same time, this standard describes requirements to protect against oxygen-deficient air. Essentially, this standard is not intended to provide guidance for the selection, use and maintenance of respirators.

The filter capacity of such gas filter respirators, which provide protection against gas, vapor, mist and fog in the air, is important in this respect.

Gas filter capacity (ISO 16900-4) testing services are also provided by our organization within the framework of respiratory protection equipment testing services.