ASTM F2299/F2299M-24 PDF
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St ASTM F2299/F2299M-24
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Ст ASTM F2299/F2299M-24
Original standard ASTM F2299/F2299M-24 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM F2299/F2299M-24 — Standard Test Method for Determining the Initial Efficiency of Materials to Penetration by Particulates Using Latex Spheres. This test method specifies procedures for generating a monodisperse latex (polystyrene) sphere aerosol, directing it at a flat specimen of mask or barrier material, and measuring initial particle filtration efficiency (PFE) using particle counting equipment under controlled face-velocity conditions.
Abstract
This standard defines a laboratory test method to determine the initial particulate filtration efficiency of materials used in medical face masks and other barrier materials by challenging specimens with monodispersed latex spheres (PSL) over a specified particle size range and measuring upstream and downstream particle counts. The method addresses specimen preparation, conditioning, aerosol generation, flow control, and calculation/reporting of PFE but does not assess fit, wearer leakage, or long-term performance after use or laundering.
General information
- Status: Active (current standard, revision published 2024).
- Publication date: February 2024 (published 1 February 2024).
- Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
- ICS / categories: 11.120.20 (Protective clothing; textiles for protective garments).
- Edition / version: Edition 24 (designation F2299/F2299M − 24).
- Number of pages: 8 pages (typical published length for the document).
Scope
Specifies a laboratory test method for measuring the initial efficiency of flat mask or barrier materials to penetration by monodisperse latex spheres (commonly polystyrene latex, PSL). The procedure covers aerosol generation (particle sizes commonly in the submicron to several-micron range), test flow/face velocity control, conditioning of specimens, and calculation of percent particle removal. The method is intended for material-level PFE characterization and is not a full-device or fit evaluation; it does not measure bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) using biological aerosols nor the inward leakage of a worn mask.
Key topics and requirements
- Monodisperse latex (PSL) aerosol generation and characterization (particle size selection and control).
- Specimen conditioning and mounting (flat material specimens, dimensions and clamping to test fixture).
- Airflow control and face velocity specification to produce repeatable upstream/downstream particle counts.
- Use of particle counting instrumentation (light-scattering or condensation particle counters) and particle-neutralization recommendations.
- Calculation and reporting of initial particle filtration efficiency (PFE) as percent removal across tested particle sizes.
- Limitations and intended use: material-level test only; does not assess fit, wearable leakage, or long-term/real-world performance.
Typical use and users
Used by materials and mask manufacturers, independent test laboratories, research institutions, quality assurance teams, and regulatory bodies for material-level screening and specification of barrier fabrics and mask filter media. Typical applications include comparative PFE testing during product development, quality control checks on incoming materials, and research on filtration mechanisms. The method is commonly paired with other standards when evaluating complete mask performance.
Related standards
Commonly referenced alongside ASTM standards and test methods for medical masks and protective textiles, for example: ASTM F2101 (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency, BFE), ASTM F2100 (medical face mask performance specification), ASTM F1862 (synthetic blood penetration), and newer/adjacent specifications such as ASTM F3502 (barrier face coverings) and other PPE test methods. The ASTM F2299/F2299M-24 revision replaces earlier editions (previously F2299/F2299M:03(2017)).
Keywords
particle filtration efficiency, PFE, latex spheres, PSL, medical face mask, mask material, ASTM F2299, filtration test, aerosol challenge, initial efficiency, particle counter.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: It is ASTM F2299/F2299M-24 — a standardized laboratory test method to determine the initial particle filtration efficiency (PFE) of mask and barrier materials using monodisperse latex (PSL) spheres.
Q: What does it cover?
A: Procedures for specimen conditioning and mounting, aerosol generation of latex spheres, controlled airflow/face velocity, particle counting upstream and downstream, and calculation/reporting of initial PFE. It addresses only material-level filtration performance, not device fit or biological BFE testing.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Mask and filter media manufacturers, third‑party testing labs, researchers, and regulatory or procurement bodies that need repeatable material-level PFE data for development, QC, or specification.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: Current — the standard was revised and published in February 2024 as F2299/F2299M-24, replacing the earlier F2299/F2299M:03(2017) edition. Users should confirm they are using the 2024 edition for the latest requirements.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of ASTM Committee F23 activities related to protective clothing and medical face masks and is commonly used together with related F23 standards and test methods (for example F2101, F2100, and F1862) when assessing medical mask and barrier material performance.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), latex spheres, polystyrene latex (PSL), aerosol challenge, mask material testing, ASTM F2299, initial efficiency, particle counter.