Duct leakage directly affects airflow stability, pressure differentials, and contamination control — core performance factors in life sciences environments. Even small leaks can shift pressure cascades, disrupt air change targets, and drive higher fan energy. Purpose-built ductwork leakage testers help teams quantify leakage rates at specified test pressures so they can prioritize remediation and verify system integrity before, during, and after qualification.
Where It Matters
- Cleanrooms and GMP suites: Support classification programs and help maintain pressure hierarchies between graded spaces.
- Biosafety laboratories: Help sustain directional airflow objectives essential to containment strategies.
- Hospital pharmacies (USP 797/800): Support room pressurization and ventilation program documentation.
- Vivariums and procedure rooms: Help stabilize temperature, humidity, and ventilation setpoints linked to animal welfare and research outcomes.
How Testing Works
- Test Mode: Apply positive or negative pressure to isolated duct sections or filter banks using a calibrated source.
- Measurement: Record pressure and flow to calculate leakage at standardized test points.
- Documentation: Produce digital records that support commissioning reports, deviation investigations, and requalification audits.
What To Look For in a Tester
- Dual-mode capability: Positive and negative test options for flexibility across systems and standards.
- Traceable measurement: Calibrations that support quality systems and audit readiness.
- Practical portability: Compact configuration for work at height and tight mechanical spaces.
- Clear controls and displays: Simple setup and readable results for consistent execution.
- Data and reporting: Structured outputs that integrate with commissioning and quality documentation.
Applications Across the Project Lifecycle
- Design and construction: Verify duct sections prior to ceiling closure to help avoid costly rework.
- Commissioning and TAB: Validate leakage so balancing efforts focus on final performance, not hidden defects.
- Qualification and requalification: Provide repeatable evidence that supports quality programs and change control.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting: Pinpoint sources of drift when pressure or airflow targets trend out of range.
Why TSI
TSI brings deep expertise in ventilation measurement and life sciences applications. Our duct leakage testing solutions, including the Positive and Negative Duct Accreditation (PANDA) System Model PAN231, are designed to help teams execute reliable tests with confidence. With global support and accredited calibration services, TSI helps organizations maintain measurement integrity and keep programs moving from project start-up through steady-state operations.
Getting Started
- Explore systems configured for both positive and negative testing.
- Request a demo to see setup, data capture, and reporting in action.
- Connect with our team to align testing approaches with your facility standards and documentation needs.
By integrating duct leakage testing into your commissioning and quality workflows, you can validate system integrity, help reduce the risk of pressure instability, and support consistent performance across critical life sciences spaces.
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