Method and system for testing filter element performance

1. A method for testing at least one air filter element, said method comprising:

providing a test rig, wherein the test rig includes an elongated duct that has a bottom wall and a top wall, and at least one measurement device coupled to the duct, wherein the at least one measurement device is configured to measure at least one characteristic representative of a condition within the duct;

coupling at least one air filter element within the test rig;

performing at least one first salt spray test on the at least one air filter element;

measuring at least one of an amount of salt spray water and an equivalent amount of dry salt remaining in the test rig;

performing at least one second salt spray test on the at least one air filter element, wherein the at least one air filter element is dust loaded prior to the at least one second salt spray test.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein performing at least one first salt spray test comprises:

initiating an air flow through the duct; and

injecting a salt water spray into the duct upstream from the at least one air filter element.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein performing at least one first salt spray test comprises:

performing the at least one first salt spray test during a recording period having a first predetermined duration; and

recording at least one measurement during each of a plurality of discrete test sessions during the recording period, wherein each test session has a second predetermined duration less than the first predetermined duration, and wherein successive test sessions are separated by an interval having a third predetermined duration, during which interval measurements are not recorded.

4. A method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein performing at least one first salt spray test comprises repositioning the at least one measurement device after each discrete test session.

5. A method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein performing at least one first salt spray test further comprises repeating the at least one first salt spray test for a total of at least three iterations.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein coupling at least one air filter element within the test rig comprises coupling a static air filtration system within the test rig, wherein the static air filtration system includes at least two filter elements.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein coupling at least one air filter element within the test rig comprises coupling a self-cleaning filter element within the test rig.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises performing an empty rig test, prior to coupling the at least one air filter element within the test rig, to calibrate the at least one measurement device.

9. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises performing at least one aerosol fractional efficiency test, wherein the at least one aerosol fractional efficiency test is performed at least one of prior to performing the at least one first salt spray test and subsequent to performing the at least one first salt spray test.

10. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein coupling at least one air filter element within the test rig further comprises coupling the at least one air filter element using a procedure determined by a provider of the at least one air filter element.

11. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein measuring at least one of an amount of salt spray water and an equivalent amount of dry salt remaining in the test rig comprises:

collecting salt spray water in at least one collection container configured at least one of upstream from and downstream from the at least one air filter element;

weighing the collected salt spray water; and

weighing the at least one air filter element including water retained in the at least one air filter element.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 , wherein measuring at least one of an amount of salt spray water and an equivalent amount of dry salt remaining in the test rig comprises:

after collection of the salt spray water, rinsing the test rig with a predetermined quantity of filtered rinse water;

collecting a rinsate; and

performing a salt concentration measurement on the collected rinsate.

13. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:

drying the at least one filter element after measuring at least one of an amount of salt spray water and an equivalent amount of dry salt remaining in the test rig.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13 , wherein said method further comprises performing the at least one first salt spray test, and measuring at least one of an amount of salt spray water and an equivalent amount of dry salt for a predetermined number of iterations prior to performing the at least one second salt spray test with a dust loaded at least one air filter element.

15. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises pulsating the at least one air filter element prior to coupling the at least one air filter element to the test rig.