Pure Air Solutions Services is an Eagleson Institute industry certified firm that performs testing of HEPA filter systems.

What Is A DOP Test?

DOP testing is a rapid response test that tests the integrity of the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter using Dioctyl Phthalate (formerly DOP liquid, now PAO Poly Alfa Olefin) in it's operational condition. Using an aerosol generator, the DOP/PAO liquid is dispersed as aerosolized particles that will be greater than .03 microns into the upstream flow of the HEPA filter media while the number of particles in the downstream flow is measured using a calibrated photometer.  The test will certify the HEPA filter is functioning at an efficiency rating of 99.97% and that there is no leakages or damage from the overall piece of HEPA equipment.

When To Do A DOP Test?

Clean and controlled environments are used by a wide range of industries. From their more obvious uses in medical facilities to their necessity in emergency restoration and construction settings, cleanrooms provide an essential role in modern production, research and safety.

Industries that use clean rooms include biotechnology, pharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, military and construction. Cleanrooms are particularly important when there is environmental or biological contaminants and hazards present.

HEPA filtered equipment should be tested for each project on-site where the exhaust from the units is may come in contact with the general public. HEPA filtered equipment should be tested whenever maintenance work is performed, such as changing or repair of HEPA filters, working on motors or any other maintenance that will affect the seal or integrity of the unit.

Negative air units equipped with HEPA filters, as well as HEPA vacuums should be tested every 30 days, or at least annually if not in use as outlined in the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual, 2019.

Equipment that should be regularly DOP/PAO tested are;

• HEPA Filtered Negative Air Machines are
  used to exhaust filtered air out of an enclosed hazardous material abatement work area, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a negative pressure with respect to the surrounding area.

• HEPA Filtered Vacuums.
  A vacuum device fitted with a 99.97%(0.3micrometer)high efficiency

  particulate arresting filter removal system.

• Any other HEPA Filtered equipment used on‐site to control hazardous particulate during abatement, remediation and construction projects – such as air scrubbers etc.