Resources for particle counting

Parker Launches Fluid Bottle Sampling System with Laser Technology

2013-04-02T09:25:45-05:00

Parker Hannifin recently introduced a portable bottle sampling system that uses laser particle counting technology to ensure fast and accurate detection of contamination in hydraulic oils and hydrocarbon fuels.

The icountBSplus was designed to help improve the reliability, productivity and profitability of production equipment and processes. The device's portability, features and ease of use enable it to be used for fixed location laboratory or portable contamination testing in a wide range of industry sectors including oil and gas, aerospace, agriculture and construction. It is also fully accredited to all particle counting standards.

The laser particle counting technology and Windows-based user interface can deliver results in as little as 15 seconds. A front-loading sample bottle chamber provides a controlled environment where every sample is degassed using suppressed and clean air prior to delivery to the measurement cell via a fixed-displacement pumping system.

Understanding Abnormal Particle Counts

2012-11-21T09:22:43-06:00

"For the past three years, our company has successfully been using on-site oil analysis. Currently, as many as 500 samples per quarter are analyzed in the on-site lab. Over the past week, condition-based maintenance personnel have noticed that the particle count results seem to be backward, i.e., more particles are showing up after the in-line filter than before the filter. It was suspected that the unusual particle counts were due to a labeling mix-up, confusion on the direction of oil flow through the filter, a damaged filter or background contamination.

The plan initially is to resample. If the results are the same, we will change the filters and then sample again. What other steps could help identify the root cause of the abnormal particle counts?"

Assuming tha

Mettler Toledo Launches New Particle Monitoring Technology

2012-11-08T09:19:07-06:00

Mettler Toledo recently introduced its new focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) technology for tracking the rate and degree of change to particles, particle structures and droplets at full process concentration. FBRM G600L quickly captures particle change information for fast optimization of crystallization, particle and droplet processes.

With a pneumatic probe that is ideal for classified laboratory hoods, FBRM G600L can be used in vessels from 500 milliliters to 10 liters or inserted into a continuous pipeline. In each application, FBRM G600L enables chemists and engineers to quickly link experiment variables to changes in particle dimension, shape and count using the same sensitive FBRM technology Mettler Toledo applies in its other series entries (FBRM G400, FBRM G600Ex and FBRM G60

Making Sense of Oil Analysis Results

2012-11-07T11:36:53-06:00

"After a number of return-line bearing samples were taken from our steam turbine, we were puzzled and concerned by some of the oil analysis results.

Our main concern was the large number of samples that showed elevated particle counts. It’s been recommended that maintenance personnel check the seals, breathers, etc. However, this leads us straight to the silicon count, which is, for the most part, zero. Therefore, the increase cannot be attributed to the ingress of normal dust or dirt. Neither does there seem to be any increase in any telltale wear metals or contaminants in the elemental analysis.

While we are aware that particles large enough to contribute to the particle count may not directly affect the elemental analysis, it seems that an increase in part

Value of Particle Counting in Oil Analysis

2012-09-26T10:01:50-05:00

Our power generation company uses a central laboratory for oil analysis. It performs routine particle counts using an optical particle counter on lubricants sampled from critical equipment (compressors, hydraulics, turbine oils, etc.). Recently, the lab manager recommended that the particle counting activity be discontinued. His reasoning is that our fluids have always been clean (less than 1 percent reportable), and therefore there is no justification for spending the extra time and money. Are there any risks associated with discontinuing the particle counts, and should another alternative be considered?

If the central laboratory does not report significant variations in the solid particle contamination code, you might think that the oil in the machines is in good condition, that the oil suppl

Hach Unveils New Particle Counter

2012-08-02T08:27:45-05:00

Hach recently introduced a new online particle monitor that is designed for continuous, online maintenance-free operation. The HIAC ROC particle counter provides real-time contamination and condition information for quicker decision-making in oil analysis applications.

Constructed for harsh environments, it can sample a wide range of oil-based products and excels in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

The large flow path minimizes blockages during operation, while the local display offers ISO codes for each liquid particle count channel, alarms and status information. The counter also can easily adapt to filter carts with an auto-stop when oil is clean.

The accompanying software allows users to configure the ROC with a computer to fit a specific application. Simply connect t

Testoil Unveils New Filter Analysis Technology

2012-07-10T09:35:33-05:00

Testoil recently announced substantial changes to all aspects of its filter debris analysis testing process, including a new washing instrument, a redesigned washing method and a revamped comprehensive report. The improvements are intended to significantly increase the laboratory’s ability to identify wearing machine components, providing enhanced diagnostic and prognostic information about impending failures.

"Our customers depend on us to provide the most reliable oil analysis testing data to ensure machine performance and reduce risks of failure," said Eric Ambrose, Testoil's director of technical operations. "The filter debris analysis upgrade expands on that commitment as well as stays on top of the latest technological developments."

The first step in the new testing process, and one of the most significant changes, includes a new filter washing instrument.

"The modular design can accommodate more irregular filter

How Important is the ISO Cleanliness Code in Oil Analysis?

2012-07-10T07:56:38-05:00

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a cleanliness code that is the primary piece of data reviewed on most industrial oil analysis reports. The value of this code can help determine the overall cleanliness of the monitored system. Often times, an end user will establish a target value to achieve, thus offering a level of confidence so long as the used oil sample meets this established target.

The trend in the oil analysis world is to give too much credit to the value of the ISO cleanliness code. Some laboratories have even begun to only report the ISO code. There is also a heavy reliance on this value by end-user analysts.

The ISO code is a fantastic tool to use for setting target alarms and establishing a goal to achieve and maintain as it relates to system cleanliness. It is also the perfect value to use for key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, charting and posting. However, the ISO code should play only a secondary role when it c

Particles: Friend or Foe? Understanding the Value of Particles in Oil Analysis

2012-07-09T08:31:33-05:00

In the field of tribology, the word “particles” means different things to different people. The following case studies illustrate how differently the mechanical engineer, tribologist, sampler, analyst and diagnostician interpret the presence of particles.

The Mechanical Engineer and Tribologist

To the mechanical engineer and tribologist, the presence of particles is an indication that contaminants have entered the system or that certain components are wearing abnormally. Particles that are smaller than the minimum clearances could result in abrasive wear, which in turn causes premature aging or failure. Large particles could result in blockages of oil channels, which could lead to oil starvation. Thus, both conditions spell trouble to these role players.

Understanding Oil Analysis Results

2012-06-04T09:50:00-05:00

"Sometimes our oil analysis reports show high particle counts on a hydraulic system (as high as ISO 21/18). If wear metals and silicon are low (less than 4 parts per million), what are these particles?"

To fully understand the composition of the particles, you should perform a spectrographic analysis and a metallurgy assessment of your system components, which will tell you what the particles are and where they are coming from. At 4 parts per million (ppm), the amount of wear metals is insignificant.

Retest the system on a proper frequency and trend the rate of change. A significant change in the overall amount of wear metals is cause for concern. If the value of wear metals hovers around the same ppm over each test, then you are probably looking at a product of normal operat

How to Interpret Oil Analysis Data

2012-05-29T09:39:59-05:00

"On a recent hydraulic oil sample analysis, the iron count was high, about 30, yet the particle count was fairly clean at 17/14. I would expect the iron count to be low if the system was clean. Can you offer any insight into what we are seeing?"

In a mission-critical hydraulic system, an X/17/14 cleanliness level may not be all that desirable. When looking at a scale for average hydraulic system cleanliness, a level such as this is borderline between clean and dirty. Generally, a cleanliness level of 16/14/11 or better would be recommended for this type of application.

You mention a cleanliness level of 17/14. This provides the cleanliness at the greater than 6 micron and greater than 14 micron levels (assuming ISO 11171 calibration). If the spectrometer is showing 30

Identifying Turbine Oil Cleanliness Levels

2012-04-27T09:26:26-05:00

"We recently ran a particle count run on our turbine lube oil. I don't have any reference point for our results, but of our two units, one was much higher than the other. I need to know what reasonable numbers are for particles."

Several areas need to be considered when answering this question. First and foremost is the sampling procedure. If the sample is being pulled from a sump drain or via simple drop-tube sampling, one can expect erratic particle count results because these methods do not result in quality representative conditions of the level of contamination or the level of wear. Best practices include installing a primary sample port in the return line prior to dumping into the sump.

Secondary sample points can be installed inline after each lubricated component (

Advice for Measuring Oil Filter Life

2012-02-08T10:52:49-06:00

"We have a filter that appears to have been in service for nearly two years without any indication of blocking. Is this normal?"

While contaminant ingression varies according to environmental and production/maintenance activity, some filter manufacturers specify a life of six months. It is generally a good strategy to take an upstream and downstream particle count to ascertain if the filter is still working properly. If not, replace the element.

Consider the maintenance history and try to establish an average life for previous elements, as this will give some indication if two years is abnormal.

However, there are a number of ways in which the filter may fail without tripping the indicator, and this may lead the unwary to believe the filter is a good value. Without

Know When to Change Filters

2012-01-05T08:45:22-06:00

"Is the filter blockage indicator the optimum change point for the element?"

No, this is not necessarily the best indication, although it is better than ignoring the indicator. For example, keep in mind that a rupture in the filter media will not be indicated by an increase in pressure drop. If a cleanliness target is set, and this is regularly monitored by a particle counting program, then change the filter when the cleanliness target is exceeded.

However, ensure that this is actually the cause of the problem by taking upstream and downstream counts, as well as ensuring the target has not been exceeded because of other ingression sources such as a failed breather.

Also, consider monitoring the differential pressure rather than just watching the indicator, as exper

Tips for Reaching Contamination Targets

2011-11-08T09:45:57-06:00

"We are experiencing problems in reaching our contamination targets on gearbox lubrication oil systems. Finer filters have been recommended on the filter carts. Is this a good idea?"

Before upgrading filtration, be sure to eliminate factors that could cause poor particle count results. Ask yourself the following questions:

* Are your samples being drawn correctly?

* Are the supplied bottles sufficiently clean for your targets?

* If you are using a particle counter onsite, is it calibrated?

* Are there solid suspensions such as EP additives (moly, graphite, boron, etc.) in your lubricant?

Next, you need to identify the cause of elevated particle counts by answering these subsequent questions:

* Do you

How to Overcome Cold Start-up Problems

2011-07-13T14:56:20-05:00

"I suffer cold start-up problems in the morning with respect to the filters. How can I overcome this?"

Typically, the problems associated with cold start-ups include the filter differential pressure exceeding the limit owing the higher viscosity to the cooler oil. This results in the pressure differential indicator tripping and the filter going into bypass mode allowing unfiltered oil to pass through.

If the system has a very short warm-up period, and there are no critical components, it may be worth considering allowing the filter to go into bypass mode for a short period, but remember to install an indicator that either has a thermal lockout or has an automatic reset function. As the filter blocks-up in the normal course of events, the period of bypass will increase, and t

Variation on Oil Analysis Testing Method

2011-06-07T15:25:16-05:00

Five years ago, Dr. Tim Nadasdi, a senior chemist with ExxonMobil, did a survey of several hundred in-service samples and sent them to different labs using different technologies to measure the particle count in the oil. The standards were previously just for new oils, said Gerald Munson, of Fluid Assets. Nadasdi decided to focus on ASTM D-7647.

Munson, who is a member of the ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, said Nadasdi found that depending on what technology they were using, they received variations, as much as +/-4 ISO codes in the particle counts on identical sampling.

“This is disturbing to him. He was the one who started the search for a method that would make that difference much smaller, much more repeatable, much more reliable than it had been in the past, because there was no standard on

Pall Corporation receives $14 million U.S. military contract

2011-04-14T15:47:41-05:00

The Power of the Patch

2011-04-12T11:59:12-05:00

ALS Tribology opens new facility

2011-04-07T14:55:55-05:00

Looking Through the Eyes of Onsite Contaminant Monitors

2010-02-19T09:24:27-06:00

Contaminant monitoring instruments (and awareness of their importance) have advanced rapidly in the past two decades.

Mesh Blockage Particle Monitoring

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Mesh blockage often gets overlooked as a particle monitoring technique. Several articles have identified mesh blockage (or pore blockage) in its more successful role: dealing with the problematic oil samples that elude the use of light extinction units. This article reviews the techniques of light blockage and mesh blockage, bringing back to the spotlight this useful approach to trending solid particulate levels in machines.

The Success of Light Blockage
Historically, the light extinction principle enjoyed success due to its reference in the ISO standards. As the technique was readily available, a number of suppliers provided units for either portable or laboratory applications. Because of its flexibility in sample size (usually requiring less than 20 milliliters), light extinction is the preferred technique for most laboratories.

However, many laboratories offer a particle count only on hydraulic and turbine flui

Why Onsite Particle Counting Makes Sense

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

With the widespread use of plant-level particle counters, maintenance organizations are becoming more sophisticated and skilled in the management and control of oil cleanliness. This has led to the discovery of a host of new tactics and practices that involve combining the particle counter with other important onsite oil analysis tools and methods.
Contamination
Contamination can be defined as any unwanted substance or energy that enters or contacts the oil. Contaminants can appear in many forms, and can be highly destructive to the oil, its additives and machine surfaces. It is often overlooked as a source of failure because its impact is usually slow and imperceptible yet, given time, the damage is analogous to eating up the machine from the inside out. While it is not practical to attempt to eradicate contamination from in-service lubricants, control of contaminant levels within acceptable limits can be accomplished and is vitally important.

Co

Study Reveals Factors That Affect Particle Counting Accuracy

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particulate contamination interferes with the ability of hydraulic fluids and lubricants to minimize friction and wear. This concentration of contaminants has a direct impact on a system's performance and reliability, and must be controlled to an appropriate level. The quantitative determination of particle contamination requires precise measurement. Automatic particle counters that utilize the light extinction principle are widely used for this purpose. Accuracy of particle count data can be affected by sample preparation techniques and sensor design.

Occasionally, particle counters detect phantom particles that cannot be removed by filtration. This article examines the possible role of base oil and additive selection in the appearance of phantom counts. Filtered Group I and Group III base oils were doped with the additive components of an engine oil formulation and particle levels were monitored before and after filtration using an MP Filtri LPA-2 on-line automatic particle counter. Th

Moving Particle Analysis Out of the Laboratory

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Engineers' reliance on external laboratory services for accurate solid particle contamination analysis of liquids can now be eliminated with the introduction of two new products from Parker Hannifin, the world's largest manufacturer of motion and control technology.

The Icount BS conveniently performs tests on liquids held in industry standard bottles, while the Icount PD online analyzer offers simple integration with existing plant systems via M16 test points.

Similar Goals
The new instruments offer a simple method of prolonging the life of lubricants and similar fluids through cleanliness monitoring. While being competitively priced, they also ensure quality standards are maintained in the process liquid.

Both the Icount BS and Icount PD use innovative laser particle detection technology to produce fast, a

Observing Precipitated Wear Debris Particles Technological Advances For Particle Counting

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Wear debris particle analysis is an established equipment health monitoring technique for oil-wetted components. Particle sizing and counting establishes a cleanliness level for an oil sample expressed as an ISO or NAS code. Most equipment manufacturers specify the optimum cleanliness level required for their components and will not honor their guarantee (warranty) if the machinery is operated with oil that is outside of the prescribed cleanliness limits. This is because dirty oil is potentially disastrous for hydraulic machinery and lubricated equipment and is the reason why it is also important to analyze the morphology of wear debris particles in order to identify possible incipient failure modes. Solid particle counts in oil can be determined using optical instruments. These have changed over time according to advances in technology. This article compares the various methods, their advantages and disadvantages and ends with the latest advances in technology in this area.

Small-scale Particle Monitor Presents New Preventive Maintenance Possibilities

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Designing, manufacturing and marketing advanced filtration and fluid conditioning products is the main focus of Schroeder Industries. It serves approximately 15,000 customers in the fluid power industry, concentrating on hydraulic filtration. This year, Schroeder and its parent company, Hydac International GmbH, unveiled a leading-edge instrument, the TestMate® Contamination Monitor (TCM). This revolutionary new particle counter is ideal for preventive maintenance in hydraulic fluid.

Product
The TCM oil analysis unit is the latest generation of small-scale particle monitors for the continuous measurement of solid contamination in hydraulic and lubrication fluids. The measurement of particulates in hydraulic fluids is crucial to maintaining the life of a machine. When fluid is dirty, it escalates the wear and tear of equipment leading to longer periods of downtime and increased maintenance costs.

This instrument offers advantages over the e

Particle Counting or Ferrous Density … or Both?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

It has been said that there is a time and a place for everything. Unfortunately, in the case of particle counting and ferrous density testing, there seems to be a bit of confusion on the proper time and application (place) to perform these tests.

Direct Reading Ferrography
Direct reading (DR) ferrography measures the amount of ferromagnetic wear debris in an oil sample, commonly referred to as the ferrous density reading. The results of DR ferrography are generally given in terms of DL for particles greater than five microns in size and DS for particles less than five microns.

DR ferrography works by running the sample through a precipator tube over a high-powered magnet. Larger ferromagnetic particles attract to the magnet allowing them to gather at one end, while the smaller particles gather over the exit end. Light is then transmitted through the sample. Photo detectors measure the amount of light passing through the sample, res

What the Tests Tell Us

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

What Do You Do with a High Particle Count?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particle Counting - Peril or Prize?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Microtrac’s Tri-Laser Particle Sizer

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Microtrac, Inc. has developed a multilaser particle sizing analyzer and sample delivery controller designed to provide better resolution at lower particle sizes in both wet and dry mediums. The new method still uses a forward laser, but improves on particle size limit and resolution through the use of two additional high-angle lasers. The combined tri-laser system multiplies the number of logarithmic detectors available for light detection, and increases light scatter detection from near zero degrees to 160 degrees in a continuous pattern. The resulting improvement in particle size identification enables measurement of particles from 2,860 to .02 microns in size.

The Microtr

A Much Closer Look at Particle Contamination

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particle Measurement Options: Laser and Mesh Blockage

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Quickly obtaining accurate and reliable fluid cleanliness data in order to detect abnormal contamination is a key factor in ensuring machine reliability and production efficiency for industrial processes. However, this is often problematic due to the type or condition of the fluids needing to be monitored. Pall Corporation introduces two new portable devices designed to give plant operators the ability to measure cleanliness of fluids reliably, simply and quickly to assure sustained machine reliability.

The PCM400 portable cleanliness monitor and the PFC400W portable particle counter both provide a simple, convenient way to ensure more accurate results than monitors and counters cur

The Agony of Diesel Engine Oil Particle Counts

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Discrepancies in Particle Counts Pinpoint Contamination Source

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

A European manufacturer of large hydraulic components flushed its newly manufactured components with clean hydraulic fluid at a high turbulence to remove any particles left behind during production. This flushing was carried out using a specified brand of low viscosity hydraulic oil. The oil type, flushing procedures and targeted cleanliness levels were provided to the manufacturer by its customer.

My laboratory analyzed the used flushing oil for particulate contamination using two particle counting methods, automatic particle count (APC) and microscopy (ARP-598b).

From time to time, the results from the two different particle c

What is the No. 1 Cause and the No. 1 Consequence of Wear?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particles. Think about it. Tribological studies on wear-related machine failure rank particle-induced abrasion as the No. 1 cause of wear. This is often referred to as three-body abrasion, where particles become interposed between two surfaces in relative motion, leading to damage (cutting) of both surfaces. Particles contribute to an assortment of other types of wear and failure too, including surface fatigue, silting and erosion.

With this in mind, it is only natural that monitoring the size and concentration of particles in lubricating oil would be of keen interest to the astute reliability professional. It’s no wonder the particle counter is a leading oil analysis instrument and is high on the list of favored instruments in the condition-monitoring field in general.

Practicing

Particle Counters

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Frequent readers of Practicing Oil Analysis magazine probably know that Noria believes particle counters should be at the top of the shopping list when setting up an onsite oil analysis program. Any condition monitoring program should include accurate particle count data to ensure that contamination control targets are being met.

Following is a list of companies that provide particle counters for used oil analysis. This list is a resource for you, Practicing Oil Analysis magazine’s readers, to use when purchasing or specifying particle counters.

Systematic Particle Counter Is a Worthwhile Addition to Fluid Monitoring Programs

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Being able to determine an oil’s solid particle concentration (number and size of contamination particles in a defined volume) is one important feature in a well-defined fluid monitoring program. Armed with particle count information, an operator is able to make several assumptions about the condition of a hydraulic or lubrication system. The operator can postulate about filter efficiency and configuration, a component’s adherence to required cleanliness levels, changes in the system’s wear and attrition rates, and changes of secondary contamination affecting the system, such as damaged cylinder seals. Such information allows the operator to make adjustments to the system and fluid environment that will ensure optimal machine performance.

Particle Count Methods

Bottle Cleanliness: Is a New Standard Needed?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Is Your Particle Counter Giving You PPM and Size Distribution?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Contamination is without doubt the most common problem affecting the reliability of industrial machinery. A study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada found that on average, 82 percent of wear problems are directly attributable to particle-induced failures such as abrasion, erosion and fatigue. Of those problems not directly associated with particles, water - typically the second most failure-inducing contaminant - plays just as serious a role in promoting premature failure, resulting in corrosion and hydrogen-induced wear like blistering and hydrogen embrittlement. A more recent informal survey of more than 30 plants including power generation, paper, food, chemical, cement, textile and other manufacturing industries found, not surprisingly, that dust, pro

What Happened to NAS 1638?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

National Aerospace Standard (NAS) 1638¹ is a particulate contami-nation coding system used in the fluid power industry to simplify the commu- nication of data from particle counters. It converts the particle counts at various size ranges into convenient broad-base classes. The particle numbers can range from single particles to many millions; therefore, a power series is used to cover the number range with a convenient number of classes.

NAS 1638 was conceived in the 1960s to control the amount of contamination delivered in aircraft hydraulic components, and became an American National Aerospace Standard in 1964. No coding system existed at the time for completed systems, so it was logical that it would be applied in this area. NAS 1638 saw widespread acceptance in the 1970s and 1980s by industries where reliability was a prerequisite, in areas such as offshore o

Particle Counting - Oil Analysis 101

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

A particle counter is a useful tool for maintenance and reliability professionals. It can provide both proactive and predictive benefits.

The Low-Down on Particle Counters

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Diesel Engine Oil Particle Analysis - Solutions to the SOOT Problem

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

The Basics
Diesel engines, just like many other lubricated machines, are susceptible to wear from silt particles in the 1-10 µm range. While in hydraulic systems and other components, optical particle counting has become the norm to determine levels of fluid cleanliness; particle counting is rarely performed on diesel engine oils since these oils are not transparent enough to transmit light because of high concentrations of soot particles.
In some cases, sample dilution can make it possible to run optical particle count analysis on dark oil samples, however, for diesel engine oils, such large dilution factors are required that the fraction of sample passing through the cell after dilution may not be representative of the neat sample (unmixed) and hence the data may be less than accurate.

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy - The Future in Contamination Monitoring?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

At Practicing Oil Analysis, we are always on the lookout for exciting new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the oil analysis industry. Recently we were made aware of some principal research conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Wash., in which the ability to detect water in oil down to 50 ppm is reported. With notebook in hand, we set out to the Pacific Northwest to discover the secrets behind photoacoustic spectroscopy, an absorption spectroscopic technique similar to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

The Status Quo
Water is one of the most abundant substances on earth. While vital for human life, the effects of water are quite the opposite on machine and lubricant life, resulting

The Vital Role of Desiccants in Controlling Moisture Interferences with Optical Particle Counters

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particle counters are highly accurate, highly sensitive instruments, that by virtue of modern engineering and user-friendly interfaces, have become commonplace and accessible to a variety of industries and operators. Because of this, anomalous particle count data can be difficult to diagnose for those not well-versed in the governing theories and principles of particle counting. This article presents a potential source for sample contamination: Moisture ingression into hydrophobic liquids via an expired desiccant chamber in Pacific Scientific’s HIAC Automatic Bottle Sampler (ABS-2).

The benefits of the desiccant chamber are often downplayed or ignored. However, experience in the field and in the laboratory shows conclusively that the effects of an expired desiccant can be quite dramatic. Two case studies are detailed that include data c

What Particles Mean and Why They Need to Be Monitored and Controlled

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Particle Counting - Deploying the Invisible Filter

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

This past year Practicing Oil Analysis featured many end-user case studies documenting cost savings from oil analysis. Surprisingly, the majority of these studies describe the partnering of oil analysis with contamination control*. In this issue is yet another case study, by Weyerhaeuser, deploying this same strategic combination. It is unlikely that these are random events but rather a well-defined pattern. If so, exactly what is this lesson and what is its meaning to machine reliability?

To some it might seem a little like an old tune. After all, hasn't filtration been around nearly as long as lubrication? And, what's new that hasn't already been thoroughly explored and widely applied? For one, when it comes to cleanliness, knowing is definitely not doing. Many maintenance professionals know oil should be clean but the use of filtration and contamination contro

How the New ISO Particle Count Standard Will Affect You

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

ISO Revises Standards for Particle Counting and Reporting

Fluid contamination is a primary root cause of mechanical component wear and reduction in system reliability and performance. Because of this, most companies have established programs to monitor and control contamination. These programs include particle counting. Three new or revised ISO fluid power standards will have a major impact on such programs. The changes are primarily the result of a new method for calibrating liquid automatic particle counters (APCs) that is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), but unfortunately produces a substantially different calibration. This article presents an introduction to the new calibration method including the impact on resultant particle sizes, particle counts and contamination classes.

HIAC’s Low Cost Online Contamination/Condition Monitor

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

HIAC introduced the first automatic particle counter based on the light extinction principle (light blockage or light obscuration) in 1962. The HIAC particle counter revolutionized contamination control by providing an accurate, reliable and fast method for determining particle levels in hydraulic and lubricating oils (The HIAC name was derived from HIgh ACcuracy). Now, almost 40 years later, another HIAC product is set to change how the industry measures contamination in fluid power and lubricating systems. Still using the now internationally accepted light extinction technology, the HIAC PT 4000 brings affordable particle counting technology directly to the machine, removing the last major source of error in particle counting - sampling errors.
The HIAC PT 4000 can be thought of as a Particle Transducer, and he

Automated Particle Analysis for ZEISS Scanning Electron Microscopes

2009-08-17T00:00:00-05:00
Carl Zeiss on August 17 introduced the Smart Particle Investigator (SmartPI), a software package for use with ZEISS Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) that enables the automatic detection, investigation and characterisation of particles of interest.

SmartPI integrates all aspects of the SEM control, Image Processing and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis for particle detection and characterisation within a single application. A high degree of automation for repetitive sample analysis provides non-subjective results with minimal user involvement and enables continuous unattended operation of the instrument. Automated calibration and diagnostic procedures ensure results accuracy and system stability and an advanced stop-criteria allows early termination of the analysis if a predefined threshold is reached, thereby significantly reducing the analysis time.

The applications of Smart PI are virtually unlimited and include manufacturing cleanli

Air Filtration and Particle Contamination

2009-06-03T00:00:00-05:00

This video featurse a presentation on the basics of filtration. It includes an explanation of different air filtration technologies.

Access this 9-minute, 54-second video by clicking on the link below.

A Unique Automatic Wear Shape Classifier and Particle Counter

2009-04-20T00:00:00-05:00

Analyzing particles in clean hydraulic fluids is easy and can be accomplished with most of today's standard particle counters. On the other hand, analyzing dark fluids that are highly contaminated with soot and particles has always been a challenge. Today, however, the uniqueness of the LaserNet Fine's design makes it possible to see through and analyze even these heavily sooted and highly contaminated fluids. The unit was developed by Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems and combines the standard oil anlaysis technique of particle counting with automatic wear particle classification and soot measurement. In addition, the unit detects and measures the presence of free water droplets greater than 20 µm.