FILTREX, precision particle counting, made easy.

Automotive and transportation industry

• Aircraft, spacecraft and submarine manufacturers
• Engine manufacturers

Particle cleanliness is a crucial concern for the automotive and transportation industry, as the stakes are high in terms of performance, safety, and durability. Particle contamination can impact critical components. Injection systems are particularly sensitive to the presence of particles. A blockage or premature wear can lead to poor combustion, power loss, increased fuel consumption, and polluting emissions. Particles in the brake fluid can damage components of the ABS and ESP systems, increasing braking distances and compromising safety. The presence of particles in the transmission oil can affect the operation of solenoid valves and control mechanisms, leading to jerking, loss of efficiency, and breakdowns. In the automotive industry, particle contamination affects reliability and durability, as well as the performance and safety of vehicles. Particle contamination increases the risk of breakdowns, affects engine performance, fuel consumption, polluting emissions, and driving comfort. Failures related to contamination can have serious consequences for the safety of passengers and other road users.

For the aerospace industry, particle cleanliness is paramount. Even microscopic particles can have devastating effects on the safety, performance, and reliability of aircraft and spacecraft.

A single particle within hydraulic, flight control, fuel, or braking systems can cause blockages, clogs, or damage, potentially leading to catastrophic failures. Particles contaminating sensors can lead to inaccurate readings and piloting errors. Ingested particles can damage engine turbine blades, impacting performance and fuel efficiency. Electronic components are also vulnerable to particle-induced short circuits and malfunctions.

Aerospace manufacturers must adhere to stringent particle cleanliness standards mandated by regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA.

Manufacturers impose very strict particulate cleanliness standards on their suppliers of parts and components. ISO 16232, an international standard, defines test methods and cleanliness levels for components used in the manufacturing of engines for vehicles. The VDA 19 standard is widely used in the automotive industry for the control of particulate cleanliness.

In the aerospace industry, several ECSS standards specifically address particulate cleanliness, particularly for fluid systems, optical components, and electronic equipment. ASTM F312, an American standard, defines the control methods for particulate cleanliness of hydraulic fluids used in aviation. NAS 1638, also American, defines cleanliness classes for hydraulic fluids and lubrication systems in aeronautics.

The French standard NFL 41-101, related to the aerospace sector, emphasizes the quantification and control of particle contamination in hydraulic circuits. Consequently, its principles and methodologies are directly transferable to ensure the cleanliness and reliability of hydraulic systems in the automotive industry.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers

In the cosmetic industry, particle cleanliness is of paramount importance as it directly impacts the quality, safety, and efficacy of products, as well as regulatory compliance and company reputation. Particles can affect the texture, appearance, and stability of cosmetic products. They can cause changes in color, odor, viscosity, and lead to the formation of deposits or lumps. The presence of particles can reduce the effectiveness of active ingredients in cosmetic products, particularly by preventing their penetration into the skin. They can also irritate the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, causing allergies or infections. This is particularly important for products intended for sensitive skin or delicate areas such as the eye contour.

International pharmacopoeias contain monographs and general requirements for medicinal substances, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). While they do not focus exclusively on manufacturing, they include indirect requirements related to cleanliness and the absence of foreign matter, including particles. ISO 22716 is an international standard that covers the entire product lifecycle, from design to distribution, and includes specific requirements for the control of particulate contamination, notably including quality controls of finished products.

Chemical industry

• Oil manufacturers

Particle cleanliness is a major concern for hydraulic oil manufacturers because the presence of contaminant particles can have significant impacts on oil quality, system performance, and customer satisfaction.

Regarding oil quality and performance, particles can degrade the quality of hydraulic oil by affecting its viscosity, stability, and lubricating properties. They can also accelerate oil oxidation and the formation of deposits, reducing its lifespan and performance.

Regarding the reliability and durability of hydraulic systems, contaminant particles can damage sensitive components of hydraulic systems, such as pumps, valves, cylinders, and filters. This can lead to leaks, blockages, premature wear, and costly failures. In some critical applications, such as aviation or automotive, particle contamination of hydraulic fluids can compromise user safety.

The international standard ISO 4406 defines the cleanliness code for hydraulic fluids by specifying the number of particles of different sizes per unit volume.

The American standard NAS 1638 defines cleanliness classes for hydraulic fluids used in the aerospace industry.

The SAE AS4059 standard, from the Society of Automotive Engineers, defines cleanliness classes for hydraulic fluids used in the automotive industry.

The NF L41-101 standard is a French standard that addresses the contamination of hydraulic circuits by solid particles. It defines the pollutants that can contaminate a hydraulic circuit, provides the method for measuring particle size, and regulates the classification of fluid pollution based on the number and size of particles.

PSA F79 542 standard is a specific Peugeot Citroën Automobiles (PSA) standard that focuses on the cleanliness of functionnal fluids in automotive systems. Defining cleanliness requirements, it also specifies cleanliness levels for hydraulic components.

NF XPE 48-665 is a french standard applied in the hydraulic industry providing a way to consitently express the results of particle counting.

Electronics industry

• Electronic component manufacturers

Particle cleanliness is paramount for electronic component manufacturers. In this field, it’s often referred to as “technical cleanliness” because the presence of even microscopic particles can have disastrous consequences for the performance, reliability, and lifespan of products.

A single particle within an integrated circuit can be enough to create a short circuit, damage a connection, or disrupt the functioning of the circuit. Particles can also affect the performance of electronic components, particularly by altering their electrical characteristics or generating noise. Electronic component manufacturers must also guarantee the quality and reliability of their products.

The international standard IEC 61340-5-1 defines the requirements for controlling electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can be related to particle contamination.

The ZVEI guide, published by the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, provides recommendations for the technical cleanliness of electronic components.

Analytical

The analytical and testing services industry, which includes particle cleanliness testing laboratories, plays a crucial role in many sectors by ensuring the quality and reliability of their products or enabling them to meet industry standards.

To provide them with reliable, accurate, and reproducible results that guarantee compliance with standards, they use validated analytical methods recognized by international standards (ISO, ASTM, etc.). Every step of the analysis process, from sample reception to report issuance, is documented to ensure transparency and verifiability. Laboratories are important stakeholders in the field of particle cleanliness. They invest in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results and maintain a high level of expertise and competence.

Particle cleanliness testing laboratories have a thorough understanding of the standards across various sectors: ISO 16232, VDA 19, USP 788, ISO 4406, NFE45-655, NAS 1638, SAE AS4059, NF L41-10, Illig value.