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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory 

P.O. Box 18070 

Pittsburgh, PA 15236 

Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008

DETERMINATION OF AMMONIA SERVICE LIFE TEST, 

POWERED AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS WITH CARTRIDGES 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP) 

1. PURPOSE

This test establishes the procedure for ensuring that the level of protection provided by powered 

air-purifying respirators (PAPR) with cartridges submitted for Approval, Extension of Approval, 

or examined during Certified Product Audits, meet the minimum ammonia service life test 

requirements set forth in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart L, Section 84.207. 

2. GENERAL

This STP describes the Determination of Ammonia Service Life Test, Powered Air-Purifying 

Respirators with cartridges test in sufficient detail that a person knowledgeable in the appropriate 

technical field can select equipment with the necessary resolution, conduct the test, and determine 

whether or not the product passes the test. 

3. EQUIPMENT / MATERIAL / REFERENCES

3.1. The list of necessary test equipment and materials follows: 

3.1.1. Miller Nelson Research Model 401 Flow-Temperature-Humidity Control System 

(250 lpm) or equivalent. Air flow control accuracy is ± 2% F.S. Temperature 

control accuracy is ± 1° C. Humidity control accuracy is ± 3% R.H. 

3.1.2. Edge Tech Dew Prime II Hygrometer, Model 2000 or equivalent. Accuracy is ± 

0.2° C, ±0.5% RH. 

3.1.3. Air-Sentry IMS Ammonia Analyzer Model 10R-NH3-50PPM or equivalent. 

Range for ammonia is 1 to 3000 ppmv ±0.1% of full scale. 

3.1.4. Air-Sentry IMS Ammonia Analyzer Model 10R-NH3-4000M or equivalent. 

Range for ammonia is 0.1 to 50 ppmv ±0.1% of full scale. 

3.1.5. Mass Flow Controllers, Brooks Instruments, variable flow rate depending on use, 

model series 5850S and 5853S. Accuracy is 0.7% setpoint 

& 0.2% FS. 

3.1.6. Read Out and Control Electronics, Brooks Instruments, Model 0154. 

Approvals: First Level Second Level Third Level Fourth Level 

 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 2 of 10 

3.1.7. American Meter Co. Dry Test Meter Model DTM-325. 

3.1.8. Certified cylinders of approximately 50 ppmv ammonia and 1000 ppmv 

ammonia in nitrogen. 

3.1.9. Ammonia cylinder, 99% purity. 

 

3.2. Test fixture for mounting PAPR cartridges. PAPR cartridges are tested on their blower 

units if possible, with the breathing tube attached to the outlet port, or on suitable 

substitutions, if the unit is too large for the test chamber. 

3.3. The test chamber consisting of an approximately 12" x 12" x 7" air tight box, with 2 

clamp type locks on the door opening lined with gasket material, and appropriate inlet, 

outlet and sampling ports. This fixture is not commercially available. 

3.4. Refer to the following Work Instructions for further information on performing this test: 

 TEB-RCT-APR-WI-1001 – Laboratory Safety Procedures for Ammonia Tests 

 TEB-RCT-APR-WI-1101 – Calibration Procedures for Ammonia Tests 

 TEB-RCT-APR-WI-1201 – Start–Up and Shut–Down Procedures for Ammonia Tests 

 TEB-RCT-APR-WI-1301 – Using the LabView System for Ammonia Tests 

TEB-RCT-APR-WI-1401 – Reporting Results for Ammonia Tests 

 

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Prior to beginning any testing, all measuring equipment to be used must have been 

calibrated in accordance with the testing laboratory’s calibration procedure and schedule. 

All measuring equipment utilized for this testing must have been calibrated using a 

method traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) when 

available. 

4.2. Any laboratory using this procedure to supply certification test data to NIOSH will be 

subject to the provisions of the NIOSH Supplier Qualification Program (SQP). This 

program is based on the tenets of ISO/IEC 17025, the NIOSH Manual of Analytical 

Methods and other NIOSH guidelines. An initial complete quality system audit and 

follow on audits are requirements of the program. Additional details of the Program and 

its requirements can be obtained directly from the Institute.* 

*Note 4.2 does not apply to Pretest data from applicants as required under 42 CFR 

84.64. 

4.3. Precision and accuracy (P&A) must be determined for each instrument in accordance 

with laboratory procedures and NIOSH/NPPTL guidance. Sound practice requires, under 

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, demonstrating a tolerance range of expected data 

performance of a plus or minus 25% of a 95% confidence interval of the stated standard 

requirement. NIOSH/NPPTL P&A tolerance can be higher but not lower. 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 3 of 10 

4.4. The precision and accuracy of this method was determined by validation testing of a 

single lot of commercially available multi-gas type cartridges. The results of these tests 

are shown in the table below. 

 

TEST TYPE 

MEAN SERVICE LIFE 

(MINUTES) STD. DEV. 

 

AS RECEIVED 39.15 3.64 

EQUIL. 25% RH 103.92 8.72 

EQUIL. 85% RH 118.25 10.0 

4.5. Normal laboratory safety practices must be observed. Please refer to Material Safety 

Data Sheets and the current NIOSH Pittsburgh Health and Safety Program for the proper 

protection and care in handling, storing, and disposing of the chemicals and gases used in 

this procedure. 

 

4.6. The cylinder of 99% ammonia, as well as the calibration gas cylinders, are typically used 

inside the laboratory fume hood. If there is a release of 99% ammonia outside the hood, 

sound an alarm, and any personnel in the laboratory should immediately exit from the 

building. 

4.7. AMMONIA BENCH TESTS FOR PAPR CARTRIDGES 

4.7.1. Resistances and airflows for tight fitting PAPR will be taken before and after 

each test. Airflows only for loose fitting PAPR will be taken before and after 

each test. The standard testing procedures are described in TEB-APR-STP-003, 

TEB-APR-STP-007 and TEB-APR-STP-0012. 

4.7.2. Test conditions as required by 42 CFR 84.207. 

SAMPLE CONDITION EQUILIBRATION CONDITIONS TEST CONDITIONS TEST BREAKTHROUGH 

 FOR 6 HOURS CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION 

 TEMP. AIRFLOW AIRFLOW R.H. TEMP. AIRFLOW AIRFLOW R.H. 

 ° C 

TIGHT 

FITTING 

LOOSE 

FITTING % ° C 

TIGHT 

FITTING 

LOOSE 

FITTING % PPMV AMMONIA PPMV AMMONIA 

 LPM LPM LPM LPM 

1-3 

AS 

RECEIVED NA NA NA NA 25 115 170 50 1000 50 

4-5 

EQUIL. 25% 

R.H. 25 115 170 25 25 115 170 50 1000 50 

6-7 

EQUIL. 85% 

R.H. 25 115 170 85 25 115 170 50 1000 50 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 4 of 10 

Tolerances: 

 

PARAMETER TOLERANCE 

 

25°C ± 2.5°C 

115 LPM ± 2.0 LPM 

170 LPM ± 2.0 LPM 

25% R.H. ± 3% R.H. 

50% R.H. ± 3% R.H. 

85% R.H. +0/-5% R.H. 

1000 ppmv ± 10% 

 

NOTES: R.H. levels greater than 85% are difficult to maintain and may cause rapid 

degradation of service life. 

Tolerance on accuracy of air flow rates exceeds specification on Miller Nelson control 

unit because flow rates are calibrated for every test. This improves the precision of the 

measurement and allows for the tighter tolerance on short-term drift. 

4.7.3. All equilibrated cartridges will be resealed, kept in a position such that the 

direction of airflow would be horizontal, at room temperature, and testing shall 

begin within 18 hours. 

 

5. PROCEDURE 

Note: Reference Section 3 for equipment, model numbers and manufacturers. 

 Work Instructions are to be used in conjunction with standard NIOSH test apparatus. 

5.1. Set up the test equipment as shown in Figure 1. 

 

5.2. Calibrate the breakthrough NH3 analyzer using the certified gas cylinder containing the 

50 ppmv standard. Calibrate the challenge NH3 analyzer using the certified gas cylinder 

containing the 1000 ppmv standard. 

 

5.3. Establish the correct humidity and temperature for the sample being tested as per the test 

requirements in paragraph 4.7. 

5.4. Set the airflow to the required level for the sample being tested as per the test 

requirements in paragraph 4.7. Calibrate the total airflow, including any additional flow 

arising from challenge gas flow rates and / or hygrometer flow rates, from the test fixture 

using the dry test meter. 

 

5.5. Weigh the PAPR cartridge(s) and record the weight. 

5.6. Measure initial inhalation and exhalation resistances of the PAPR cartridge(s) mounted 

on the respirator if the test sample is a tight-fitting PAPR as described in TEB-APR-STP003 and TEB-APR-STP-007. Measure airflows of PAPR cartridge mounted on blower 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 5 of 10 

assembly with the entire respirator as described in TEB-APR-STP-0012. Record values 

on the data sheet. 

5.7. Make sure diverter valve in the system is diverting the challenge concentration airflow to 

discharge and not into the testing chamber. 

5.8. Mount PAPR cartridge(s) and blower assembly onto test fixture, and place in testing 

chamber. 

5.9. Divert 0.8 lpm airflow to the ammonia challenge detector. 

5.10. Open the 99% ammonia cylinder. 

5.11. Establish the test concentration of 1,000 ppmv ± 10% ammonia by setting the theoretical 

flow rate of pure ammonia to mix with the flow of air to produce the required 

concentration (see table below). Then, set the mass flowmeter to that level, and monitor 

the challenge concentration on the analyzer. Adjust the flowmeter setting as required. 

Once the ammonia concentration has been established and is stable, testing may begin. 

 FLOW RATE 

FOR TEST 

FLOW RATE OF PURE AMMONIA TO ACHIEVE 

1000 PPMV 

lpm sccm or mL/min. 

115 115 

170 170 

5.12. Monitor and record challenge and breakthrough temperatures, challenge RH and 

breakthrough values and times throughout testing. 

5.13. Run test until breakthrough of 50.0 ppmv is observed or minimum service life shown in 

section 6.2 is surpassed by 10%. 

5.14. At end of test, system will automatically direct challenge concentration airflow through 

diverter valve to discharge. 

5.15. Dismount PAPR cartridge(s), weigh and record final weight, and take final inhalation and 

exhalation resistances as described in TEB-APR-STP-003 and TEB-APR-STP-007 if the 

test sample is a tight-fitting PAPR. Measure final airflows of PAPR cartridge mounted 

on blower assembly with the entire respirator as described in TEB-APR-STP-0012. 

Record values on the data sheet. 

5.16. If there is another sample to test, repeat steps 5.5 – 5.15. 

5.17. After all tests are completed for the shift, set temperature and humidity to zero on the 

Miller Nelson system and allow clean air to pass through the system for 30 minutes. 

Purge the breakthrough and challenge detectors with clean air for 15 minutes. 

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 6 of 10 

6.1. The standard requirement for passing this test is set forth in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart G, 

Section 84.63(a)(c)(d), and Subpart L, Section 84.207. 

6.2. Minimum service life requirements for PAPR cartridges are shown below. 

Test atmosphere Minimum life 2,3 

(min.) 

Minimum life 2,3 

(min.) 

Cartridge Test condition 

Gas or 

vapor 

Concentration 

(p.p.m.v.) 

Flowrate 

(l.p.m.)2

Number of 

tests 

Penetration 1 

(p.p.m.v.) 

Cartridge for 

One Type of Gas 

Cartridge for 

More Than One 

Type of Gas 

Ammonia As received NH3 1000 115 / 170 3 50 50 25 

Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 115 / 170 4 50 25 12.5 

1

Minimum life will be determined at the indicated penetration. 

2

Test flowrate shall be 115 lpm for tight fitting facepieces and 170 lpm for loose fitting facepieces. 3

Where a respirator is designed for respiratory protection against more than one type of gas or vapor, as for use in 

ammonia and in chlorine, the minimum life shall be 25 minutes for as received samples, and 12.5 minutes for 

equilibrated samples. Where a respirator is designed for respiratory protection against ammonia alone, or more than 

one gas of a single type, as for use in ammonia and methylamine, the minimal life shall be 50 minutes for as 

received samples, and 25 minutes for equilibrated samples (see Table entries).

 7. RECORDS/TEST SHEETS

7.1. Record the test data in a format that shall be stored and retrievable. 

8. ATTACHMENTS

8.1. Figure 1. – Bench-Top Set-up 

8.2. Data Sheet 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 7 of 10 

8.1. Figure 1. – Bench-Top Set-up 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 8 of 10 

8.2. Data Sheet 

RB - RESPIRATOR CERTIFICATION TEAM 

 GAS & VAPOR RESPIRATOR TEST DATA SHEET (Ref.33-48,50,62) STP No.: [ ] 

 Task Number: TN- Gas Name: 

Manufacturer: Item Tested: 

RESISTANCE Maximum Allowable Resistance 

 (mm of H2O) 

 Actual Resistance 

 (mm of H2O) 

 Inhalation Exhalation Inhalation Exhalation 

 Test 

Initial Initial 

Final Initial Final 

 Result 

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

WEIGHTS WEIGHTS (gm) AIRFLOW (Lpm)

 AND 

 AIRFLOWS Test Rate (PAPR Only)

 Test 

Con'd Conc. 

(ppmv) RH% Lpm Initial Final 

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7 

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

DATA TABLE Temperature (oC) 

 Test 

 Test 

 Cond. 

 Final 

 Time (min) 

 Leakage 

 (ppmv) 

 Dns

tream 

 Upstr

eam 

 Corrected 

 Time (min) 

 1 

 2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 

 7 

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

 Was all testing equipment in calibration throughout all testing: Yes 

 Signature: 

No 

 Date: 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 9 of 10 

RB - RESPIRATOR CERTIFICATION TEAM Page 2 

 GAS & VAPOR RESPIRATOR TEST DATA SHEET (Ref.33-48,50,62) STP No.: [ ] 

 Task Number: TN- Gas Name: 

Manufacturer: Item Tested: 

 

Additional Comments: 

Signature: Date: 
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Procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0033C Revision: 2.1 Date: 24 November 2008 Page 10 of 10 

 Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

1.0 8 March 2002 Historic document 

1.1 6 June 2005 Update header and format to reflect lab move from Morgantown, WV 

No changes to method 

2.0 18 December 2006 Significant rewrite of RCT-APR-STP-0033. Changes affect form and 

provide clarification of technical content. 

2.1 24 November 2008 Correction to table in 4.7.2. – Airflow for sample 1-3 Test Conditions to 

indicate 115 lpm, for Tight-Fitting, and 170 lpm, for Loose-Fitting