EN 14683: testing scope and instrument selection

Conclusion The TNG1044, TNG1047, and TNG1049 instruments are essential for testing medical face masks against EN 14683, ensuring compliance with critical performance standards.

Instrument Specifications and EN 14683 Compliance The TNG1044, known as the Face Mask Synthetic Blood Penetration Tester, is specifically designed to evaluate the ability of medical face masks to resist synthetic blood penetration. This instrument adheres to EN 14683 by simulating real-world conditions that a mask might encounter during use. Two key specifications of the TNG1044 are the blood spraying distance and the nozzle inner diameter. The blood spraying distance is set at (300 ± 10) mm, which mimics the typical distance at which blood might be projected during a medical procedure. This specification ensures that the test conditions are consistent with the standard's requirements. The nozzle inner diameter of 0.84 mm is crucial for accurately replicating the size of droplets that could potentially penetrate the mask, thereby providing reliable results that align with EN 14683.

Testing Capabilities and Performance The TNG1047, or Masks Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Tester, is another vital instrument for assessing the effectiveness of face masks in filtering out bacteria. This device is used to determine the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of masks, which is a critical aspect of EN 14683 compliance. Two important specifications of the TNG1047 are the sample flow rate and the spray flow. The sample flow rate for both A and B is set at 28.3 L/min, which is a standard flow rate used in BFE testing. This ensures that the test results are comparable across different laboratories and instruments. The spray flow is specified as (8～10) L/min, which simulates the aerosolized particles that a mask must filter out. These specifications are essential for meeting the requirements of EN 14683, as they ensure that the testing process is both accurate and repeatable.

Additional Instrument Considerations The TNG1049, or Synthetic Blood Penetration Tester, is another instrument used for testing the resistance of face masks to synthetic blood penetration. Although the specifications for this model are not provided, it is designed to complement the testing capabilities of the TNG1044. The TNG1049 likely includes features such as adjustable spraying time and pressure settings, which are crucial for simulating various conditions that a mask might encounter. These instruments collectively ensure that medical face masks meet the stringent requirements of EN 14683, providing users with reliable and consistent performance data.