EN 1093-6:1998+A1:2008

Overview

EN 1093-6:1998+A1:2008 is a key European Standard developed by CEN that defines test rig methods for measuring the separation efficiency by mass of air cleaning systems with unducted outlets. This standard applies specifically to air cleaning technologies designed to reduce airborne hazardous substances such as aerosols (smoke, dust, fume, mist), vapour, or gas emitted from machinery. By standardizing how separation efficiency is assessed, EN 1093-6 supports safety measures in machinery environments by ensuring reliable evaluation of air cleaning system performance.

The standard is part of the broader EN 1093 series, which addresses the evaluation of emissions of airborne hazardous substances from machines, contributing significantly to workplace safety and environmental protection.

Key Topics

• Separation Efficiency by Mass
  Defined as the ratio of pollutant mass retained by the air cleaning system to the mass entering it, expressed in percentage terms. This metric is critical for assessing filter and air cleaner performance under controlled test conditions.

• Test Rig Setup
  The standard specifies a test rig with a cabin connected to inlet and outlet ducts, through which air flows while carrying the test pollutant. The air cleaning system operates in this rig with a well-defined arrangement to ensure repeatable and accurate measurement of pollutant concentration upstream and downstream.

• Measurement Procedures
  Procedures include quantifying the test substance mass flow rate at the inlet and outlet, measuring air volume flow rates, and ensuring appropriate sampling durations to capture system behavior, including transient effects. Recommended international standards for flow and concentration measurements are referenced to ensure precision.

• Operating Conditions
  The air cleaning system is to be tested under its intended operational conditions following manufacturer guidelines, using representative pollutants or surrogates. Conditions such as air flow rates and pollutant loading cover expected real-world variations. The test setup is designed to minimize errors from pollutant deposition or flow disturbances.

• Results Expression and Reporting
  Separation efficiency results are expressed as mean values over the test duration and can also be differentiated by particle size distribution where applicable. Detailed test reports must include system identification, operational data, test substances, instruments used, environmental conditions, results, and any deviations from standard procedures.

• Compliance and Conformity
  EN 1093-6 aligns with essential requirements of EU Machinery Directives 98/37/EC and 2006/42/EC relating to the emission of hazardous substances. Complying with this standard provides a presumption of conformity with these legal frameworks within its scope.

Applications

• Performance Evaluation
  Enables manufacturers and testing bodies to systematically evaluate how effectively air cleaning systems reduce airborne hazardous substances by mass, ensuring safety in machinery environments.

• Product Improvement and R&D
  Provides a standardized method to evaluate improvements in air cleaning systems, facilitating innovation and technology optimization to achieve better air quality control.

• Comparative Assessment and Ranking
  Assists in benchmarking different air cleaning solutions by their separation efficiency, supporting informed purchasing and regulatory compliance decisions.

• State-of-the-Art Determination
  Helps define the current performance level of air cleaning systems within a specific intended use category, supporting regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

• Environmental and Occupational Safety Compliance
  Supports compliance with EU directives requiring the control of emissions of airborne hazardous substances in workplaces, contributing to health and safety standards enforcement.

Related Standards

• EN 1093-1 – Selection of test methods for evaluation of airborne hazardous substances emissions.
• EN 481 – Defines size fractions for measuring airborne particles, useful for particle size distribution analysis in separation efficiency testing.
• EN 292-1 & EN 292-2 – Basic concepts, principles, and terminology for machinery safety design, providing foundational terminology and methodology referenced by EN 1093-6.
• ISO Standards – Includes ISO 3966, ISO 4006, ISO 5167 series for fluid flow measurement, ensuring accuracy and consistency in air flow rate determinations needed for test calculations.

Conclusion

EN 1093-6:1998+A1:2008 is an essential European standard offering a robust framework for testing the separation efficiency by mass of air cleaning systems with unducted outlets used in machinery. By following this standardized method, manufacturers, test institutes, and regulatory bodies can ensure reliable and comparable evaluations of air cleaning performance, contributing to improved safety, compliance, and environmental protection in industrial and workplace settings. This standard integrates seamlessly with related safety and performance standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of emission testing practices.