Particle counter for industrial cleaning solvents

The cleanliness control of components and of packing materials can also be monitored with the aid of an automatic particle counter. For such applications, the surface cleanliness is analysed indirectly, i.e. the particles are at first extracted from the surface (e.g. through flushing, hosing, flooding or through removal in the ultrasonic bath); afterwards the rinsing fluid is analysed with the aid of the automatic particle counter. A comparison with the results of the blank test (i.e. with the particle amount of the rinsing fluid before particle extraction) reveals the original contamination of the analysed surface. In compliance with the standards ISO 16232 and VDA-19, the result informs about the particle number and about the size of each individual particle.

In opposition to microscopic membrane analysis, an automatic particle counter provides immediate and instantaneous measuring results. Equipped with a volumetric sensor measuring cell, PAMAS particle counters always analyse 100% of the sample volume. The measuring results are delivered immediately after the cleaning and analysing procedure. A time and labour consuming analysis of the results through trained and experienced lab operators is not required. Even lab assistants are able to operate an automatic particle counter for component cleanliness control. The standardised calibrating procedure of an automatic particle counter represents another key benefit, since it allows traceability to a Standard Reference Material. In compliance with the calibration standard ISO 11171, an automatic particle counter is calibrated for smaller particle sizes up to 70 µm(c) with ISO MTD test dust which is manufactured using certified Standard Reference Material of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Calibration in higher particle size channels > 70 µm(c) can be done according to ISO 21501 with monodisperse latex spheres.