The International Organization for Standardization created the cleanliness code 4406:1999 to quantify particulate contamination levels per milliliter of fluid at three sizes: 4µ[c], 6µ[c], and 14µ[c]. This ISO code is expressed in 3 numbers: 19/17/14. Each number represents a contaminant level code for the correlating particle size. The code includes all particles of the specified size and larger. It is important to note that each time a code increases the quantity range of particles doubles.
When setting target ISO fluid cleanliness codes for hydraulic and lubrication systems it is important to keep in mind the objectives to be achieved. Maximizing equipment reliability and safety, minimizing repair and replacement costs, extending useful fluid life, satisfying warranty requirements, and minimizing production down-time are attainable goals. Once you set a target ISO cleanliness code you should follow a progression of steps to achieve the target, monitor it, and maintain it, which will provide you with many justafiable rewards.
The first step in identifying a target ISO code for a system is to identify the most sensitive component on an individual system, or the most sensitive component supplied by a central reservoir. If a central reservoir supplies several systems, the overall cleanliness must be maintained, or the most sensitive component must be protected by filtration that cleans the fluid to the target before reaching that component.
Particle Counter: Portable Oil Diagnostic System:
Directly connecting an on-line particle counter, such as this Portable Oil Diagnostic System (PODS), to the hydraulic fluid or lube oil system through sampling ports provides the most accurate snapshot of oil cleanliness and eliminates many of the inherent variables associated with bottle sampling.
Oil Analysis: PTK-1 Patch Test Kit:
This oil analysis test kit is a great complement to the on-line particle counter as it provides the capability to visually analyze oil contamination levels and types in the system.
STEP 2: Implement A Filtration Solution
Dedicated Hydraulic Filter Panel System:
Want to condition gearbox oil or a side-loop reservoir? Consider implementing a dedicated hydraulic panel filter system! We can provide you with a dedicated filter skid unit, which
is ideal for high-viscosity lube oil and hydraulic oils. We also offer dedicated panels with spin-on filters, which are most effective for in-line conditioning of fluids that are already in service. A dedicated filter panel will remove particulate and water contamination.
Portable Filter Carts & Mobile Filtration Systems:
Working inside an industrial plant? Transfering between applications? You NEED a portable filter cart! They are versatile and reliable. A portable filtration cart can be used to
remove particulate and/or water from hydraulic fluids, condition turbine and insulating oil, resolve oil refinery upset conditions, clean up hydraulic reservoirs, upgrade filtration systems, filter lube oils, flush and/or
change gearbox oil, transfer new fluids, coalesce and separate contaminants from liquid, and to reuse oil and coolants. You can provide us with specifications for a completely custom mobile filtration system in order
to meet the needs of your specific application. Our portable filter systems can handle flow rates as low as 0.5 GPM and the higher capacity flow rates (e.g. 5 GPM, 10 GPM, 22 GPM) required for many industrial
applications. Each unit is available in a large variety of design options, including stainless steel material and explosion-proof construction!
Drum-Top Hydraulic Filter Unit:
Already have a barrel that contains contaminated oil or hydraulic fluid? You NEED this simple unit that fits securely on top of a 55-gallon drum. It is constructed
of powder-coated steel and is ideal for filtering and recirculating or transfering in/out of barrels. It includes sampling ports at the inlet and outlet connections
to provide ISO cleanliness code comparisons. This drum-top hydraulic filter unit is ideal for high-viscosity lube oil or any hydrualic oil. It incorporates a two-stage
filtration system that removes both particulate and water contamination. Using this drum-top unit will not only help you hit your target ISO codes, but it will prolong the life of your
equipment and fluids, thus saving you both time and money!
