Knowledge Base
S·O·S Oil Cleanliness Analysis
Clean oil keeps equipment running right
Counting the particles in an oil sample identifies harmful contaminants that shorten
component life. It can also pinpoint larger particles that signal imminent equipment
failure. Our Finning(Canada) fluid analysis program finds these particles through a combination of tests
that includes particle count.
Fighting an unseen enemy
Even particles far too small to see can cause damage. In fact, oil that looks clean may
contain particles that cause abrasive wear. Particle contamination:
- Accelerates component wear
- Reduces system efficiency
- Diminishes equipment performance
Reporting Particle Count by ISO code
The International Standards Organization (ISO) has developed a code system for convenience
in discussing the cleanliness level of a fluid. The system reports on particles at three
important size categories (>4 micron, >6 micron and >14 micron). You may wish to learn more
about this system of reporting oil cleanliness to better manage the life of your components by reviewing Reporting
Particle Count by ISO Code.
Going beyond Wear Rate Analysis
Particle Count is one of two tests in the Finning (Canada) fluid analysis program that look at particles.
The other is wear rate analysis, which uses spectrometry to identify metal particles from 5 to 8 microns in
size. Unlike wear rate analysis, particle count can quantify the number of particles from approximately 4 to 50 microns in size, regardless of the particle composition.
This analysis is measured in particles per milliliter.
Particle count is the most efficient way to identify non-metallic particles in oil.
These may include silicon from dirt or synthetic friction materials that signal
deterioration in transmissions, steering clutches and brakes. Gasket, seal, filter and
hose material can also be detected.
Another benefit of Particle Count is its ability to detect particles larger than 5 to 8
microns that cannot be seen by wear rate analysis or any other oil analysis test. These
larger particles are a sign of imminent failure if the problem is not corrected.
Particle count is only used for non-engine oil samples because engine oil contains soot
that cannot be distinguished from metal particles or debris.
The technology behind Particle Count
Finning (Canada) fluid analysis labs use a technique called light extinction to “count” the
particles. The sample is passed through a beam from a special light source. When a
particle in the oil passes through the beam, a sensor monitors changes in the light,
counts the particles and records their sizes. This test detects particle contaminants that
can lead to accelerated wear and other costly problems.
A partnership of tests identifying trends
Particle count works with wear rate analysis to give you a more accurate picture of
what’s going on in your machine. Wear rate analysis may indicate a sharp rise in the
concentration of a certain wear metal. This concentration may then level off, indicating
normal wear. But wear rate analysis can only detect particles up to about 5 to 8 microns. A
particle count run on the same sample could show a sharp rise in particles over 14
microns. The two trends together may show a failure in progress, or an intrusion of
external contaminants.
Count on our experts.
The Finning (Canada) fluid analysis program is just one of many maintenance products and services we
offer to help you maximize productivity maximize profits. For example, you may
wish to check into our maintenance software programs.