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Particle Count
Definition:
Particle Count is the measurement of all particles that have accumulated within a system, including those metallic and non-metallic, fibers, dirt, water, bacteria and any other kind of debris. It is most useful in determining fluid and system cleanliness in such filtered systems as hydraulics, turbines, compressors, auto/power shift transmissions, recirculation systems and filtered gear systems with a fluid viscosity of less than ISO 320.
Standard Test Method Used:
Reporting Measurement:
The unit of measure used to report Particle Count results is # of particles per milliliter. Results are reported in the following eight (8) micron sizes: >4 µm, >6 µm, >10 µm, >14 µm, >21 µm, > 38 µm, >70 µm and >100 µm. In addition, we also report the ISO Cleanliness Code per ISO 4406, which is a unitless number based on the results from the 4, 6 and 14 µm Particle Count data. An example of an ISO Cleanliness Code is 19/16/13 meaning the sample contains between 2,500 and 5,000 particles >4 µm, between 320 and 640 particles >6 µm and between 40 and 80 particles >14 µm.
Amount of Sample Needed:
80 mL
Test Limitation:
Particle Count is not a suitable test for opaque or dark fluids. Counts will be adversely affected on samples contaminated by water. Particle Count is a quantitative - not qualitative - test. It will not identify the type of particles detected - only their size. Fluids over ISO 220 are diluted to run properly.
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