ISO 8573 Testing - Critical Applications
Trace Analytics has developed the AirCheck
Kit™ Model K8573 for point of use sampling of low pressure compressed air outlets according to ISO 8573. Find out how the AirCheckKit™ and ISO 8573 can satisfy your installation, verification, and performance protocols for your compressed air system.
Compressed air is a critical utility found in most manufacturing facilities. If compressed air is used in direct or indirect contact with your final product or process, then it is essential to establish a minimum acceptable air quality level. Currently, there are few air standards that definitively address non-breathing air usage. The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) / British Retail Consortium (BRC) established a guideline for Food Grade Compressed Air Code of Practice that uses ISO 8573-1:2001, Classes 2:2:1 for direct contact and 2:4:1 for indirect contact.
(Note: ISO 8573-1 was updated April 2010, we are awaiting to see if the BCAS/BRC will also update the Air Code.)ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of international standards. ISO 8573 is a series of nine documents or parts on compressed air. ISO 8573-1:2010 is the key element to the nine documents and consists of the Contaminants and Purity Classes for three critical contaminants Particles, Water, and Oil. Each contaminant has several Classes with a variety of limits. Microbial and other gas contaminants are noted in this part; however no limits have been established to date. Parts 2-9 provide test methods for the various contaminants. Request our brochure of information that discusses ISO 8573-1 and lists the Purity Classes.
Choosing Purity Classes for Your Application
Before adopting any purity classes for your system, we recommend that you review the requirements for your product/equipment, determine air purification filtration installed on your system, and perform a baseline study. Adopting classes that are too stringent for your application is not only more expensive from the point of view of compressed air production, but forces you to meet those specifications even though they may far exceed your application's requirements. Some users find that a hybrid standard in which portions of ISO 8573-1 are adopted is optimal for their application. Trace can customize an air specification in our database based on your SOP requirements.
Contact us at 800-247-1024 x3 to discuss your special requirements or request our brochure of information detailing ISO Purity Classes, the AirCheck™Kit Model K8573, Sample Report, and Fee Schedule.
If you routinely provide low pressure compressor sales/maintenance or consulting services for non-breathing air to the pharmaceutical/ food/ medical device industries, please contact us to discuss how we can work together to provide air quality support to our mutual customers. Ask us for information regarding our ISO 8573 Program and pricing.
