Recent Updates and Upgrades to ASHRAE SSPC 52.2 - SSPC 52.2 has made many updates and upgrades over the last few years to improve the standard. Many of those updates are meant to increase the repeatability and reproducibility of intra and inter-lab test results. Recent upgrades include an optional method to determine filter efficiency in removing or inactivating airborne viruses and bacteria. The addition of a Particulate Matter (PM) calculated filter efficiency by using currently available data points from the 52.2 test. This session will summarize in detail all the updates and upgrades and touch on what is next for 52.2.

View the slides from Mr. McGrath's presentation:
https://amped.egnyte.com/dl/ACqyqKb6fQ
For detailed show notes, read below and
use the timestamps to navigate the episode:
[1:50]
Mr. McGrath begins the overview of recent 52.2 upgrades in the last five years with the MERV Table for better progressions and shedding data for testing filters. He then moves on to updates for relative humidity and narrowing down the range of percentages. For the optical particle counter, updates were more terminology-related.
 
[5:11]
Mr. McGrath explains the goal of repeatability and reproducibility with graphs outlining how filters are tested for efficiency across different labs. Improvement should revolve around the grouping of data points for the particle diameter.
 
[5:43]
Mr. McGrath introduces the most recent project, Research Project 1784, in which samples were filtered across multiple labs to determine whether lab testing standards vary. These results will assess changes in ASHRAE standard 52.2.
 
[7:37] Mr. McGrath examines the removal of MERV 17 and what led to that reference removal, as well as MERV 18, 19 and 20 references.
 
[10:04] Recent Upgrades to 52.2 in the last year or two, including the addition of PM 52.2 filter efficiency based on a flat distribution curve and using E-values.
 
[13:31] The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to
changes in ASHRAE 52.2 Addendum C, which helps collect filter efficiency data for viruses and bacteria. Calculations were created to determine the presence
of the organism and its ability to grow. Variety in organisms detected is still needed due to organism resistance.
 
[17:00] Mr. McGrath concludes with current
52.2 pursuits that revolve around unifying terminology for testing and parameters for checking devices. Research project 1784 is ongoing, and its results will lead to new upgrading projects.

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