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Particle Counter Weird Results

J jrbMember
Hey,

I am using a Vickers particle counter and I was getting good results ~16/12/10 area. This is a 60 gallon resevoir with new oil utilizing a 1 Micron filter cart. After cleaning a few more machines suddenly I realized that it was taking longer to get lower and now after running 8 hours the particle counter is reading a consistant 20/11/0

I am trying to find out if it is the element or particle counter acting up. I haven't sent oil out to an outside lab as of yet. I am just wondering the 0 in the 14 Micron category is really throwing me into thinking it is a particle counter problem. Anybody have any ideas??? Thanks

I am wondering if I have an element problem, or if it is a particle counter problem.
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B buckhntrMember
The problem you describe of taking longer to reach target levels and extended filtering time indicates a loaded up filter. Filters elements require frequent changing or cleaning (if cleanable).

I agree that periodic calibration by the manufacturer or an authorized service facility and frequent results vadidation by sending samples to an outside lab are good practices to maintain validity of your results.
M macabfMember
Our oil supplier did a comparison test which proved that the particle counter is affected by:
Antifoam additive, air, water, etc.
So the more reliable test is the patch test.

ISO 32 Hydraulic oil....x/y/z.......x/y
Particle counter........22/21/19....21/19
Patch test..............15/13/10....13/10
ISO 4406 Laser..........19/17/14....17/14

ISO 68 Hydraulic oil
Particle counter........19/16/12....16/12
Patch test..............17/15/12....15/12
ISO 4406 laser..........21/20/15....20/15

Frank
M mikedayMember
Agree with most of what has been said, and coincidently I am writing about such an issue at the moment. Silicone anti foam additive is perhaps the most frustratin error in APC data as it is recorded by the APC but isn't on the membrane as it passes through!

Agreed microscope counting is the most reliable method but it requires skill and time. The patch test may all be that is needed be needed if the requirement is to see whether the Required Cleanliness Level (RCL) has been reached. Note that this parameter has not been mentioned. If the purpose is certification then microscope counting is the only way.
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