Ensuring Component Purity: The Cleanliness Testing Process at Particle Technology

​In industries such as automotive, aerospace and hydraulics, maintaining component cleanliness is vital to ensure product reliability and longevity. Contaminants like dirt, fibers and other particles introduced during manufacturing can compromise system efficiency and lead to costly failures.

At Particle Technology, we specialise in cleanliness testing services designed to detect and analyse any contaminants to enhance product performance and durability.

The Importance of Cleanliness Testing

As technological advancements lead to more efficient systems, their tolerance for contamination decreases. Even the tiniest of particles can cause significant issues, making cleanliness testing an integral part of the production and approval process. Our services assist manufacturers, suppliers and end-users in identifying and mitigating contamination risks, ultimately reducing the likelihood of failures and recalls.

Our Cleanliness Testing Process

Our laboratory is equipped to perform cleanliness testing on a wide range of components, from small washers and bolts to larger items like fuel tanks and engine blocks. We adhere to international standards, including ISO 16232 and VDA 19, to provide you with consistent and reliable results.

Extraction Methods: To remove particle contamination from components, we use several techniques:​

• Pressure Rinsing/Flushing: Utilising water-based or solvent-based media, we flush the component to dislodge contaminants.​
• Ultrasonic Bath: Components are immersed in an ultrasonic bath, where high-frequency sound waves agitate the liquid, removing particles from intricate surfaces.​
• Agitation: Components are subjected to controlled agitation in a liquid medium to release contaminants.​

The choice of extraction method depends on the component’s geometry, material, and the nature of potential contaminants. ​

Filtration and Analysis

After extraction, the flushing liquid is filtered through a membrane to capture dislodged particles. This membrane is then dried and analysed using high-resolution automated microscopes, which count and size the particles. For tests requiring mass-based contamination limits, the filter is weighed using precision balances to provide a gravimetric result in milligrams

Microscopic Examination

Our advanced microscope systems categorise particles into reflective (metallic) and non-reflective (non-metallic) groups, offering insights into the contamination’s composition. For a more detailed analysis, especially of larger or “failing” particles, we employ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopes to determine elemental composition. This information is invaluable for root cause analysis and tracing contamination sources.

Commitment to Quality

Particle Technology is the only laboratory in the UK accredited by UKAS to perform cleanliness testing to ISO 16232 and VDA 19 standards. Our UKAS accreditation underscores our commitment to competency, reliability and integrity in testing. We can test components up to 45kg in weight and dimensions up to 80cm in height, 100cm in length and 50cm in width under our accreditation. For large parts testing, unaccredited testing is also available. 

Maintaining stringent cleanliness standards is crucial for the performance and reliability of components across a multitude of industries. Our comprehensive cleanliness testing services, advanced facilities and dedicated expertise make sure that your components meet the highest standards, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction.

Get in touch today to find out more.