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Setting Cleanliness Targets: More Than Just a Number

Understanding ISO 4406 and Other Cleanliness Standards

ISO 4406 is one of the most commonly used cleanliness standards for industrial oils, but it’s important to understand how it works and how it compares to other standards like NAS (National Aerospace Standard) or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

ISO 4406 . NAS . SAE

ISO 4406: This standard measures the number of particles per milliliter of oil based on size categories: 4 microns, 6 microns, and 14 microns. It provides a clear indication of how clean the oil is, with lower numbers indicating cleaner oil.
NAS 1638: Primarily used in aerospace applications, this system classifies oil cleanliness based on the number of particles larger than a specific size (e.g., 5 microns). It provides a more granular look at cleanliness and is used in environments where equipment sensitivity is especially high.
SAE AS 4059: This is a cleanliness standard applied to hydraulic systems, with classifications based on particle size and concentration. It is often used in military and commercial aviation industries.

By understanding these standards, you can tailor oil cleanliness targets to the specific needs of your equipment, ensuring it’s neither over- nor under-maintained.

Practical Steps to Maintain Oil Cleanliness

Once you’ve determined your target oil cleanliness standards, it’s time to put them into practice. Maintaining oil cleanliness is a continuous process that requires regular monitoring and maintenance.

Here are some practical steps:

Regular Oil Sampling and Testing:
Continuously monitor oil quality through regular oil sampling. Use particle counters to measure the size and concentration of contaminants. This can help you identify when oil cleanliness is slipping and take corrective action.
Filtration Systems:
Invest in high-quality filtration systems designed for your specific equipment. These filters will remove contaminants before they can cause damage. Depending on your system, you might need to consider both primary and secondary filtration systems.
Contamination Control:
Ensure that your oil reservoirs and filling points are sealed tightly to prevent dirt and moisture from entering. Keeping the environment around your equipment clean is just as important as maintaining the oil itself.
Change Oil as Needed:
Even with effective filtration, oil will eventually degrade due to oxidation, heat, and contamination. Follow detailed oil analysis reports diagnostics and double check the recorded findings.
Monitor Wear Trends:
Use wear debris analysis to track the condition of your machinery. By analysing the type and amount of wear debris in the oil, you can identify trends that indicate how well your equipment is performing. If wear rates increase, it could signal a problem with oil cleanliness.
Employee Training:
Ensure your team is trained on the importance of oil cleanliness and how to implement best practices for maintaining it. Their awareness can make a significant difference in preventing contamination and ensuring the long-term health of the equipment.

Conclusion

Oil cleanliness isn’t just about keeping your equipment running smoothly—it’s about optimising performance, reducing costs, and extending the lifespan of your machinery.

By setting clear cleanliness targets, understanding relevant standards like ISO 4406, and taking proactive steps to maintain cleanliness, your maintenance teams can stay ahead of potential issues.

Regular monitoring, effective filtration, and contamination control are essential to achieving and maintaining the cleanliness levels that will keep your equipment in peak condition for years to come.

Key Takeaways

- Determine the right oil cleanliness targets based on equipment type, manufacturer recommendations, and operational conditions.

- Understand cleanliness standards like ISO 4406, NAS, and SAE to set appropriate goals for your equipment.

- Implement practical steps such as regular oil sampling, filtration, contamination control, and monitoring wear trends to maintain optimal oil cleanliness.

Contact our experts today for tailored guidance, advanced oil analysis solutions, and a roadmap to better equipment health.

Let’s make oil cleanliness a priority—because your equipment deserves nothing less than peak performance.

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Let’s keep your machinery running cleaner, longer, and stronger.