Likewise, the upper and lower limits are double that of the upper and lower limits of the next lower code - this is known as a Renard’s series table. At each row, the upper limit for each code is approximately double that of the lower limit for the same code. It’s easy to look at the ISO table and notice a pattern. The ISO code does nothing to help determine any real trend information unless the value of the raw data at the given micron levels changes enough to raise or lower the ISO code. However, without seeing the raw data, the only thing the ISO code can positively identify is whether a sample has achieved the desired target value. This can be seen in the example on the left. The ISO code is assigned based upon Table 1.

According to this standard, a code number is assigned to particle count values derived at three different micron levels: greater than 4 microns, greater than 6 microns and greater than 14 microns. ISO 4406:99 is the reporting standard for fluid cleanliness. As an example, a lab report may include levels greater than 4, 6, 10, 14, 21, 38, 70 and 100 microns. Different laboratories may report different particle count micron levels. In APC, particles are counted through either laser or pore blockage methods. When oil analysis samples are submitted to particle counting, automatic particle counting (APC) is typically used - the current calibration standard for APC is ISO 11171. How the ISO Cleanliness Code is Determined Of visitors have used the ISO cleanliness code to set target alarms for system cleanliness levels The ISO code should play only a secondary role when it comes to evaluating used oil sample data. However, in the lubrication and analysis world, too much value is placed on the ISO cleanliness code some laboratories have begun to report only the ISO code value, and there is a heavy reliance on this value by the end-user analyst. It is also the perfect value to use for key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, charting and posting. The ISO code is a fantastic tool for setting target alarms and establishing a goal to achieve and maintain as it relates to system cleanliness. You may also consider a service partner who can help you maintain highly clean oil through oil regeneration or similar technologies. Achieving your cleanliness targets oil is not an overnight process, but it can lead to major extensions in machine life and oil service life. Often, an end-user will establish a target value to achieve, offering a level of confidence so long as the used oil sample meets this established target.

The value of this code can help determine the overall cleanliness of the monitored system.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a cleanliness code used as the primary reviewed piece of data on most industrial oil analysis reports.

Iso 4406 particle count