ISO 22031-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 22031:2021 — Sampling and test method for cleanable filter media taken from filters of systems in operation. This international standard specifies procedures for removing, sampling and testing cleanable (reusable) fabric filter media taken from operating dry-type dust collectors and similar filtration systems, and gives requirements for sample preparation, test specimen selection and storage/transportation to protect personnel and preserve sample integrity.

Abstract

ISO 22031:2021 defines a method to sample fabric filter media (both woven and non-woven) from filter elements in service, and a test method to evaluate degradation and performance characteristics of the sampled media. It covers removal of used filter medium from dry-type filtering dust collectors, procedures to remove adhered dust for testing, measurement parameters for specimens, specimen size/position and number of elements to sample, and storage and transport means to protect health and test validity.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 2021‑01 (first edition).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 91.140.30 (Cleaning equipment for air and other gases / filter media testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 22 pages.

These bibliographic and status details are taken from the ISO catalogue entry for ISO 22031:2021.

Scope

ISO 22031:2021 applies to sampling and laboratory test methods for cleanable filter media removed from filter elements in operation (for example bag filters, cartridge filters used in dry gas cleaning). It is intended for comparative assessment of material degradation and performance after service exposure rather than to predict absolute full-scale plant performance. The standard addresses both woven and nonwoven fabric media, specifies positions and sizes for specimens taken from filter elements, guidance on the number of elements to sample, and procedures for cleaning, conditioning, storage and transport of samples to ensure tester safety and result reproducibility.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedures for safe removal of used filter medium from dry-type filtering dust collectors (bag/element removal and handling).
• Guidance on selection of sampling positions and specimen sizes within filter elements to ensure representative testing.
• Methods to remove adhered dust and prepare specimens for laboratory evaluation.
• Measurement parameters and test methods for assessing degradation and performance of sampled media (e.g., structural damage, changes in permeability or tensile properties as applicable).
• Requirements for number of elements to sample and statistical considerations for representative results.
• Storage, containment and transport procedures for sampled media to protect health and preserve sample integrity prior to testing.

All key technical requirements above are summarized from the ISO 22031:2021 specification.

Typical use and users

ISO 22031:2021 is intended for use by filter manufacturers, testing and research laboratories, industrial plant maintenance and engineering teams, environmental compliance authorities and consultants who need to assess the condition and remaining serviceability of cleanable filter media removed from operating filtration systems. It is also useful for quality control, failure analysis and R&D when comparing media types or evaluating cleaning/reconditioning procedures.

Related standards

ISO 22031 sits among other ISO standards for air and particle filtration and filter testing. Commonly referenced related standards include ISO 16890 (air filters for general ventilation — classification and test procedures), ISO 29463 (high efficiency filters — classification and testing, HEPA/ULPA), and ISO 11057 (test method for characterization of pulse‑jet cleanable filter media). These standards address complementary test methods, classification schemes and performance evaluations for a range of filter types and applications.

Keywords

filter media; cleanable filters; sampling method; test method; bag filters; cartridge filters; fabric filter; degradation testing; dust collector; sample storage; ISO 22031

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22031:2021 is an international standard that specifies sampling and laboratory test methods for cleanable fabric filter media taken from filters in operation (dry-type dust collectors and similar systems). It provides procedures for removal, specimen preparation, testing and safe storage/transport of samples.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers removal and sampling of used filter media, how to prepare and clean specimens for laboratory testing, measurement parameters and specimen sizing/positioning, recommendations on number of samples for representativeness, and requirements for storage and transport to protect health and maintain test validity. It is focused on assessing media degradation and comparative characterization, not on predicting complete system lifetime.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Filter and media manufacturers, independent and in‑house testing labs, plant maintenance and engineering teams, environmental and occupational safety professionals, and R&D groups concerned with filter performance, cleaning/regeneration methods and failure analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22031:2021 is the first edition published in January 2021 and is the current ISO entry for this subject (listed as a published international standard in the ISO catalogue). Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any reviews or updates after publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 22031 is part of the broader body of ISO standards addressing air and particle filtration and filter testing under ISO technical committees (notably ISO/TC 142). It is complementary to standards such as ISO 16890 (general ventilation filter classification), ISO 29463 (HEPA/ULPA testing) and ISO 11057 (characterization of cleanable media).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Filter sampling; cleanable filter media; bag filters; cartridge filters; fabric media testing; degradation assessment; sample handling; dust collectors; filter test method; ISO 22031.

Note on common confusion: some publications and corporate communications have mistakenly referenced ISO 22031 when meaning ISO 22301 (business continuity management); ISO 22031 is the filter‑media sampling/test standard described above, while ISO 22301 concerns business continuity management systems. Users should verify references carefully when a document appears to describe business continuity but cites "ISO 22031." Examples of such misreferences have appeared in news and corporate pages.