The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets standards regarding the quality and characteristics of oil products. One of these benchmarks is a cleanliness code that helps us evaluate the cleanliness of our oils. The ISO cleanliness code is a three-digit code that helps determine the overall cleanliness and particulate contamination in oil. These codes provide a universal language for assessing and communicating the cleanliness of fluids across various industries. The international standard for reporting contamination is ISO 4406:99.
Reaching cleanliness goals for your oil takes time but pays off in a longer machine and oil life span. Consider partnering with SC Industrial Sales to help keep your oil spotless through regeneration or similar methods.
The standard method for oil analysis is automatic particle counting (APC) calibrated according to ISO 11171 with pore blockage or laser techniques. The ISO code cannot be examined entirely on its own, as it lacks crucial context and requires access to the data to pull meaningful insights from oil samples. Depending on the laboratory performing oil analysis, the report may reflect various micron thresholds.
ISO 4406:99 determines how we report fluid cleanliness by sorting particle samples into three code numbers that reflect the particles’ sizes — more than 4, more than 6 and less than 14 microns. We measure particle counts in particles per milliliter of the sample. However, testing happens on a larger scale at around 100 milliliters per test.
The ISO particle count chart is the most straightforward way to identify fluid contamination through patterns. Notably, the quantity range doubles with each increment in the ISO Code number. To illustrate the meaning of ISO oil cleanliness results, an ISO Code of 11 indicates a particle range of 10 to 20, while an ISO Code of 12 signifies a range of 20 to 40.
When applied to filtration, a common oil cleanliness goal is ISO 16/13/11. This benchmark means that in a 1 ml sample, the laser counted:
Below is a typical oil analysis report reflecting oil cleanliness. The first column (in bold) reports an ISO Cleanliness Code of 19/13/10. The first figure, “19”, denotes 4,134 particles >4 microns. The second figure, “13”, indicates 72 particles >6 microns and the third figure, “10”, signifies 2 particles >14 microns counted.
A thorough investigation is necessary if we assume that the sample was properly obtained and our target cleanliness standard stands at 16/13/11. Evaluating existing filtration levels is very important. Options like upgrading to denser filtration media or incorporating offline filtration may be worth exploring to lower the count of particles present in future oil samples.
As described above, despite the high value placed on them, ISO charts offer little insight without access to raw data. However, this information is excellent for finding patterns. Generally, the upper limits for specific codes are twice that of the lower limits, and each pair of parameters is double that of those for the next code down.
Without this information, it is challenging to determine how your filter is functioning before issues arise. The particles counted during testing are too small for humans to observe, making analysis the best way to gain an objective view of your oil’s cleanliness.
Your results may highlight underlying issues impacting oil cleanliness and, with it, engine performance. Oil contamination can occur in any system, including those equipped with high-quality filters using tight media. Testing the contamination level alerts you to potential issues with the filtering systems, such as an improperly installed filter.
Rather than seeing a specific code as an exact result that you must reach to achieve cleanliness, consider the target value a goal. The closer your counts get to that number, the more your oil contributes to performance.
Oil cleanliness is paramount to your equipment’s performance and overall life span. High counts of particulate contamination reflect oil that isn’t being filtered properly, making it less effective at lubricating and protecting engine components. Increased wear affects your ability to maintain high reliability and uptime due to more frequent needs for parts repair and replacement. Utilizing contaminant-free lubricants and components extends their life span, enhancing overall equipment reliability.
Until something goes wrong, you may not know that your filtration system is not keeping your oil from being contaminated. Routine oil sampling provides frequent benchmarks, and you can compare results between tests to determine whether the sample contains more particles than usual or is in line with typical results. If contamination is unusually high, you can investigate your filters and implement other measures.
Monitoring oil contamination is essential for your industrial machinery to run optimally. At SC Industrial Sales, we carry an array of precise particle counters and contamination monitors to see results and leverage data for meaningful oil cleanliness measures. Our professionals can discuss the options we have available and provide a quote.
SC Industrial Sales prides itself on delivering quick turnaround time, outstanding customer support and expertise in industrial equipment. Browse our selection of particle counters and contamination monitors, or reach out to our team for an estimate.
