Testing of protective masks

The head with the installed mask is inserted into the aerosol chamber. The PAG 1000 aerosol generator is used to introduce the aerosol into the chamber. In this way, the degree of separation of the mask at the head can be determined with a defined aerosol.

This enables the separation efficiency of everyday masks to be determined quickly and easily in accordance with the new EU directive CAW 17553.

The mask is placed on the test head before use. Using a high-resolution aerosol spectrometer, the particle contamination (size and quantity) in the ambient air is measured. Afterward, the device switches automatically and determines the value of the particle contamination behind the protective mask. This can be repeated automatically several times. The ratio of the two measured values is used to determine the degree of protection of the protective mask. A simple display immediately shows whether the mask can be used.

The degree of protection provided by a respirator depends on the mask material's filtration effect and the correct fit on the head. Leakage can occur (i.e., air passes the material and enters behind the mask unfiltered), which affects the protective effect.
Using the test on the standard head with the Mas-Q-Check, both effects are simulated simultaneously, and the real protective effect of the mask against particles in the outside air is measured.

The result shows the degree of protection compared to the FFP Class of the mask on the test head. Optional on display is the efficiency for different particle sizes. So the degree of protection may vary about the particle size.

The Mas-Q-Check works in suction mode with a volume flow of either 9.5 l/min or 95 l/min, defined according to EN149 or EN143, corresponding to the maximum human breath. The measurement of particle contamination in the room and after the breathing mask is carried out using a high-resolution aerosol spectrometer, which precisely measures particle sizes from 140 nm to 1 µm. Thus, the protective effect of viruses is also determined.
With the Mas-Q-Check, safe on-site testing of respiratory masks is therefore possible automatically within 1 minute.

Extensions/Accessories

Mas-Q-Box consists of an aerosol chamber with an aerosol generator for oil and salt aerosols (we recommend this accessory in combination with Mas-Q-Check Professional).