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 is doubling.
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 a target ISO cleanliness code is set following a progression of steps to achieve that target, monitor it, and maintain it, justifiable rewards will be yours.
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.
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| On-line Particle Counter |
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| PTK-1 Oil Analysis Kit |
On-line Particle Counting: Connecting an on-line particle counter (such as a portable oil diagnostic system) directly to the hydraulic or lube system through sampling ports provides the most accurate snapshot of fluid cleanliness and eliminates many of the inherent variables associated with bottle sampling.
PTK-1 Oil Analysis Patch Test Kit: Oil analysis patch test kits are a good complement to on-line particle counters as they provide the capability to visually analyze contamination levels and types in the system.
