In the 2026 Malaysian regulatory landscape, HEPA Filter Integrity Testing, commonly known as PAO (Polyalphaolefin) Testing, is the definitive mandatory requirement for compliance with ISO 14644-3 and the DOSH ICOP IAQ 2026. Because a single pinhole leak or a faulty frame seal can bypass the entire filtration system, on-site "Scan Testing" is the only way to certify that your cleanroom or sterile suite is truly protected.
At EKG M&E, we leverage 34 years of engineering depth to provide NIST-traceable integrity testing that satisfies NPRA, FDA, and DOSH audits.
Integrity testing is not a particle count; it is a "stress test" of the filter media and its seals using a controlled challenge aerosol.
PAO Aerosol Generation: We inject a polydisperse aerosol of Polyalphaolefin (PAO)—a safe, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic oil—upstream of the HEPA filter. The aerosol is generated to a specific concentration (typically $ 10 to100 micrograms per liter).
Upstream Concentration (100): We measure the "Challenge" concentration before it hits the filter. This establishes the baseline for the "Zero Leak" calculation.
Downstream Scanning: Using a calibrated Aerosol Photometer, our technicians scan 100% of the filter face and the entire perimeter of the gasket or gel-seal.
To pass a 2026 ISO 14644-3 audit in Malaysia, the filter must meet strict penetration limits:
Acceptance Limit (0.01\%): Any localized penetration exceeding 0.01% of the upstream concentration is considered a "Significant Leak" and a failure.
Pinholding vs. Seal Leaks: Most failures occur at the Gasket/Gel-Seal interface rather than the media itself. Our testing identifies exactly where the bypass is occurring—whether it's a "Media Tear," "Frame Joint Leak," or "Gasket Compression Failure."
Bleed-Through vs. Leaks: We distinguish between natural "Bleed-Through" (uniform low-level penetration) and a "Leak" (a sharp, localized spike), ensuring your H14 filters are performing at their rated 99.995% efficiency.
Integrity testing is intrinsically linked to your Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and overall system health under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA):
Velocity Calibration: To get an accurate PAO reading, the airflow must be at the design velocity (typically 0.45 m/s). We use the VFD to "lock" the fan speed during the test to prevent pressure fluctuations from skewing the results.
The Cube Law Advantage: By identifying leaks early, we prevent the "Fan Over-Work" phenomenon. Following the Cube Law, if a leak causes the system to lose pressure, the VFD might ramp up unnecessarily. A sealed, high-integrity system allows the VFD to run at a 20% lower speed, slashing ventilation power draw by nearly 50%.
To ensure that new leaks don't develop immediately after testing, we employ Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Analysis:
Resonance Fingerprinting: We monitor the vibration signature of the filter housing. If the AHU fan motor creates a harmonic resonance that causes the filter media to "flutter," it can lead to micro-tears in the delicate glass-fiber.
VFD Frequency Skipping: If a resonance is detected, we program the VFD to "skip" that specific RPM range, preserving the integrity of your 18-month filter lifecycle and ensuring the PAO certification remains valid until the next audit.
34 Years of Engineering Depth: A Malaysian leader in high-performance MEP for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors.
Audit-Ready Certification: We provide a comprehensive Filter Integrity Report, including "Leak Maps" and "Photometer Calibration Certificates," essential for DOSH 2026 compliance.
Turnkey Repair: If a leak is found, we don't just report it; we offer Certified Patching or Filter Replacement and re-testing in a single site visit.
Malaysia
