Particle Identification

The aim of Particle Identification testing is to gain additional information other than size and volume about dust samples and to identify specific Microscopic contaminants that are removed from components supplied for Cleanliness Testing to ISO16232 / VDA 19.

We regularly analyse dust samples of various types and origins, ranging from bulk samples of general environmental dust that has been collected in a workplace environment such as a warehouse or workshop, to very small amounts of dust collected onto filters during air quality testing or Cleanliness Testing.

Depending on the customers’ requirements we can aim to identify:

Particle Identification using Optical Microscopy, information can be gained on a sample based on the optical characteristics of the particulate, images are recorded, scaled and reported.

Elemental Composition Analysis of a sample using X-Ray Fluorescence, XRF can be used to detect elements heavier than sodium and lighter than uranium on the periodic table, this excludes carbon and oxygen and so cannot be used to positively identify the majority of organic materials. Due to the versatility of the Horiba XGT-7000 X-Ray Analytical Microscope, bulk samples can be analysed as well as individual particles down to 50microns on a membrane filter.

Combination investigation using both methods above aims to provide as much information as it is possible to gain using these analysis methods. The sample provided is analysed using optical microscopy and XRF in conjunction with each other, images gained are recorded, scaled and reported and the elemental composition of the sample is shown in quantitative form.

The report aims to provide comments on the materials found and possible sources of contamination. Any hazardous materials are also reported.