INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 8573-2

Second edition
2007-02-01

Compressed air —
Part 2:
Test methods for oil aerosol content
Air comprimé —
Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai pour la détermination de la teneur en
aérosols d'huile
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
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ISO 8573-2:2007
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cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007

Reference number
ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

© ISO 2007
ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

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 ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

Contents Page

Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ iv
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................... 1
4 Units ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Reference conditions ........................................................................................................................... 2
6 Guide for selection of test method ..................................................................................................... 2
7 General description of test equipment and method ......................................................................... 2
7.1 Method A................................................................................................................................................ 2
7.2 Method B................................................................................................................................................ 4
8 Test procedure — Method A................................................................................................................ 8
8.1 General................................................................................................................................................... 8
8.2 Measuring procedure ........................................................................................................................... 8
8.3 Calculation of test results .................................................................................................................. 11
8.4 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Presentation of results ....................................................................................................................... 11
9 Test procedures — Method B............................................................................................................ 11
(standards.iteh.ai)
9.1 Oil vapour ............................................................................................................................................ 11
9.2 Maximum air velocity.......................................................................................................................... 11
9.3 ISO 8573-2:2007
Temperature ........................................................................................................................................ 11
9.4 https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/b0e0fefd-9559-4117-95b4-
Handling............................................................................................................................................... 12
9.5 cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
Blank sample....................................................................................................................................... 12
9.6 Preparation .......................................................................................................................................... 12
9.7 Test method B1 ................................................................................................................................... 12
9.8 Test method B2 ................................................................................................................................... 13
10 Analytical procedure for methods B1 and B2.................................................................................. 13
10.1 Principle ............................................................................................................................................... 13
10.2 Solvent ................................................................................................................................................. 14
10.3 Apparatus ............................................................................................................................................ 14
10.4 Procedure — Analysis of oil collected by the membrane .............................................................. 14
11 Test result processing........................................................................................................................ 16
11.1 Preparation of the calibration graph................................................................................................. 16
11.2 Calculation of test results .................................................................................................................. 18
12 Uncertainty of the method ................................................................................................................. 18
Annex A (informative) Typical test report ...................................................................................................... 19
Annex B (informative) Typical equipment layout and dimensional details................................................ 20
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved iii

ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 8573-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 118, Compressors and pneumatic tools, machines
and equipment, Subcommittee SC 4, Quality of compressed air.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8573-2:1996), which has been technically
revised. (standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8573 consists of the following parts, under the general title Compressed air:
ISO 8573-2:2007
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⎯ Part 1: Contaminants and purity classes
cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
⎯ Part 2: Test methods for oil aerosol content

⎯ Part 3: Test methods for measurement of humidity

⎯ Part 4: Test methods for solid particle content

⎯ Part 5: Test methods for oil vapour and organic solvent content

⎯ Part 6: Test methods for gaseous contaminant content

⎯ Part 7: Test method for viable microbiological contaminant content

⎯ Part 8: Test methods for solid particle content by mass concentration

⎯ Part 9: Test methods for liquid water content

iv © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

Compressed air —
Part 2:
Test methods for oil aerosol content

1 Scope

This part of ISO 8573 specifies test methods for the sampling and quantitative analysis of oil aerosols and
liquid oil that can typically be present in compressed air. Test methods for oil vapour are excluded from this
part of ISO 8573 as they are covered by ISO 8573-5.

Two different methods are described, method A and method B. Method B is subdivided into two parts to
clearly distinguish between procedures for obtaining the quantity of oil for analysis.

2 Normative references
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
(standards.iteh.ai)
document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 8573-2:2007
ISO 8573-1, Compressed air — Part 1: Contaminants and purity classes
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/b0e0fefd-9559-4117-95b4-
ISO 8573-5, Compressed air — Part 5: cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
Test methods for oil vapour and organic solvent content

ISO 12500-1, Filters for compressed air — Test method — Part 1: Oil aerosols

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 8573-1 and the following apply.

3.1
oil
mixture of hydrocarbons composed of six or more carbon atoms, i.e., C6+

3.2
oil aerosol
mixture of liquid oil suspended in a gaseous medium having negligible fall velocity/settling velocity

3.3
wall flow
that proportion of liquid contamination no longer suspended within the air flow of the pipe

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ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

4 Units
General use of SI units (Système international d’unités; see ISO 1000) as given throughout this International
Standard is recommended. However, in agreement with accepted practice in the pneumatic field, some non-
preferred SI units, accepted by ISO, are also used.

1 bar = 100 000 Pa

NOTE Bar(e) is used to indicate effective pressure above atmospheric.

1 l (litre) = 0,001 m3

5 Reference conditions
Reference conditions for oil aerosol content volume statements are as follows:

air temperature 20 °C

absolute air pressure 100 kPa [1 bar (a)]

relative water vapour pressure 0

6 Guide for selection of test method

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
The test methods may be used at any point in the compressed air system. The choice between methods A
and B depends upon the actual level of oil contamination present in the compressed air system, as shown in
(standards.iteh.ai)
Table 1. Where wall flow is present, then method A shall be used.

ISO 8573-2:2007
Table 1 — Guide for the selection of test method
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cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
Method A Method B1 Method B2
Parameter
Full flow Full flow Partial flow

Contamination range 1 mg/m3 to 40 mg/m3 0,001 mg/m3 to 10 mg/m3 0,001 mg/m3 to 10 mg/m3
Max. velocity in filter See 7.1.2.10 1 m/s 1 m/s
Sensitivity 0,25 mg/m3 0,001 mg/m3 0,001 mg/m3
Accuracy ± 10 % of actual value ± 10 % of actual value ± 10 % of actual value
Max. temperature 100 °C 40 °C 40 °C
Testing time (typical) 50 h to 200 h 2 min to 10 h 2 min to 10 h
Filter construction Coalescing line filter Three-layer membrane Three-layer membrane

7 General description of test equipment and method

7.1 Method A
7.1.1 General
This test method is suitable for full flow and samples all of the air flow that is passed through two high-
efficiency coalescing filters in series and measures oil in both aerosol and wall-flow forms. It is unsuitable for
performing measurements in systems where steady-state flow, temperature and pressure cannot be
maintained.

This test method may be used at any point in a compressed-air system where heavy contamination levels of
oil are believed to exist.

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 ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

The test equipment shall be in good working order. Bends and elbows are not permitted. All valves shall be
closed and the test equipment checked for leaks by pressurizing, by opening the shut-off valve (key item 2 in
Figure 1).

7.1.2 Test equipment

7.1.2.1 General description
The typical arrangement of equipment used in Method A is shown in Figure 1. The test equipment should not
influence the collection sample.

Key
1 compressed air sampling point 7 flow sensing/measuring
2 full-flow ball valve 8 silencer
3 temperature sensing/measuring sampling filter 9
4 iTeh
pressure sensing/measuring STANDARD
10 back-upPREVIEW
filter
5
6
differential pressure gauge
multi-turn flow control valve
(standards.iteh.ai)
11 liquid collection

ISO 8573-2:2007
Figure 1 — Typical arrangement for method A
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7.1.2.2 Compressed air sampling point (Figure 1, key item 1)

The compressed-air sampling point is a test point at a nominated site in the compressed-air system under
investigation.

7.1.2.3 Shut-off valve (Figure 1, key item 2)

This is an optional item for convenient connection to the test point.

7.1.2.4 Temperature sensing/measuring (Figure 1, key item 3)

A temperature sensing/indicating device is used to indicate the compressed air sampling point temperature at
the time of the test.

7.1.2.5 Pressure sensing/measuring (Figure 1, key item 4)

A pressure-sensing/indicating device is used to confirm that the coalescing filters are operating within
manufacturer's specifications.

7.1.2.6 Differential pressure gauge (Figure 1, key item 5)

These gauges determine the pressure drop across the sample and back-up filters.

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ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

7.1.2.7 Flow control valve (Figure 1, key item 6)

In order to adjust the flow accurately, a valve with fine adjustment is required.

7.1.2.8 Flow sensing/measuring (Figure 1, key item 7)

A suitable flow meter with an accuracy of ± 5 % of the actual value is used to determine the air sample volume,
which shall be referred to reference conditions; see Figure 1, key item 7.

7.1.2.9 Silencer (Figure 1, key item 8)

This is to limit the noise during the test and assist in meeting any local noise-reduction requirements.

7.1.2.10 Sampling filter (Figure 1, key item 9)

The sampling filter is a high-efficiency, coalescing filter capable of removing the oil whose concentration is
being measured from the upstream concentration and of reducing the downstream concentration to
0,01 mg/m3 or less as determined by ISO 12500-1.

Flow rate through the sampling filter shall not exceed the manufacturers' recommendation for the test
pressure.

The measurements are only valid once the filter has reached steady state conditions.

7.1.2.11 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

Back-up filter (Figure 1, key item 10)

This filter is identical to the sampling filter (standards.iteh.ai)

and, in the event of malfunction of the sampling filter, collects any oil,
that passes through it.
ISO 8573-2:2007
7.1.2.12 Liquid collectionhttps://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/b0e0fefd-9559-4117-95b4-
(Figure 1, key item 11)
cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
The liquid collected in the sampling or back-up filters (items 9 and 10, respectively), is discharged to a suitable
measuring device, graduated in millilitres.

Necessary precautions when discharging the liquid include care in controlling the liquid flow and any
subsequent rapid escape of compressed air that can cause the collected oil to foam. In addition, if air bubbles
appear in the collected liquid, then allow time for settling before taking a reading. The mass of the oil can be
directly measured in milligrams by weighing.

7.2 Method B

The method is subdivided into procedures B1 and B2. Method B2 uses the same test equipment employed in
method B1; with the addition of a sampling probe to allow partial-flow sampling under isokinetic conditions
from the main pipe flow if the velocity constraints of method B1 are exceeded. Accuracy and limitations are as
stated in method B1.

7.2.1 Method B1 — Full-flow sampling

Method B1 deals with the sampling and analysis of oil aerosols at constant flow rate. Within the constraints
detailed above, this method permits the quantification of oil aerosols present in a compressed air system,
provided wall-flow contamination is not present.

All of the air flow is diverted through the test equipment via suitable in-line valves, which have been previously
checked to ensure they do not contribute to the level of oil contamination already present. As this method
concerns the measurement of relatively low concentrations of oil in air, particular attention shall be paid to the
cleanliness of the test equipment and other precautions shall be taken, e.g. valve purging and stabilization to
constant test conditions. Good analytical techniques help improve the confidence level of the measurements.

4 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

 ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

The optimum duration of a test measurement may be determined after an initial test to determine the
approximate oil concentration present. When carrying out full-flow tests, it is possible to route the air back into
the compressed air system, preventing loss of the product. Conversely, it is also possible to vent the flow to
the atmosphere. Flow measurement is required to determine the volume of air used during the test, whichever
method is adopted. As the test apparatus is portable, different test locations may be chosen provided the
stated parameters are not exceeded and suitable valving for insertion of the test equipment into the circuit
exists. Obvious precautions to prevent shock depressurization, which can damage the test filter membrane, or
ingress of atmospheric contamination are necessary.

The sampling and analysing equipment used as described give an accuracy of better than ± 10 % over the
range from 0,001 mg/m3 to approximately 10 mg/m3 oil content with a minimum sampling time calculated to
collect sufficient oil to meet the requirements of the oil mass-per-volume of solvent as stated in 11.2.1. The
upper limit for the air velocity (at operating pressure) in front of the test membrane is 1 m/s. The test is
performed under full-flow conditions.

At very low oil concentration the recommended sampling time is increased to 1 h or more.

7.2.1.1 Test equipment

A general arrangement of typical test equipment is shown in Figure 2.

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(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8573-2:2007
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Key cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
1 compressed-air sampling point 6 membrane holder depressurising valve
2 temperature sensing/measuring 7 multi-turn flow control valve
3 pressure sensing/measuring 8 flow sensing/measuring
4a to 4c full-flow ball valves 9 silencer
5 membrane holder 10 bypass pipe

Figure 2 — Typical arrangement for method B1

7.2.1.1.1 Membrane

In order to obtain good measuring accuracy, a high-efficiency micro-fibreglass membrane should be used.
Where the membrane utilizes a binder, this shall not affect the results of the analysis. To achieve the accuracy
specified for this method, three layers of membrane in series and in intimate contact shall be used and the
membrane shall meet the requirements given in Table 2.

Table 2 — High-efficiency micro-fibreglass membrane

Parameter Specification
Surface mass, g/m2 80 to 100
Particle penetration, % < 0,000 5

7.2.1.1.2 Membrane support

In order to prevent the collection membrane from bursting, it shall be supported by a robust, inert material that
is sufficiently strong to withstand the differential pressures of the membranes in use during the test. The
pressure-drop losses from the support should be minimized to allow the test compressed air flow to pass with
a minimum of resistance; see Figure B.3.

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ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

7.2.1.1.3 Pipes and valves

It is important that the pipe inner diameter from the connection point in the compressed air system to the
membrane holder be constant and crevice free to minimize system loss.

The shut-off valves (key items 4a to 4c in Figure 2) should be full-flow ball type and the hole in the ball should
have approximately the same diameter as the pipe.

The bypass pipe may consist of a flexible tube and although full-flow ball valve (key items 4a to 4c in Figure 2)
is indicated, this may be of any convenient type.

7.2.1.1.4 Membrane holder

Any readily available membrane holder that accepts circular membranes may be used, taking note of 7.2.1.1.5.
A general diagram of a typical membrane holder and description are given in Figure B.4.

7.2.1.1.5 Construction materials

Aluminium and its alloys shall not be used for any component that can come into contact with the solvents.

7.2.2 Method B2 — Partial-flow sampling

7.2.2.1 General

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

It is necessary to know both main pipe flow and sample flows to define the test conditions.

(standards.iteh.ai)
This method employs a sampling probe, which is inserted into any section of the compressed air system using
suitable connections and valves and allows a sample of air to be taken from the main pipe flow under identical
velocity conditions. The probe may be inserted toISO an8573-2:2007
approximately central position across the main pipe
diameter and it is recommended that a number of preliminary tests be made.
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cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
The pressure seals used in the probe/holder connectors shall not release any hydrocarbon into solution when
immersed in the analysing solvent. It is impractical to return the sample flow to the main pipe flow downstream
from the membrane holder, and it is usual to vent this flow to atmosphere.

A typical probe design is shown in Figure B.3.

7.2.2.2 Test equipment

A general arrangement of typical test equipment is shown in Figure 3.

Key
1 compressed air supply (upstream) 4 membrane holder 7 flow sensing/measuring
2 isokinetic probe insertion point 5 membrane holder depressurising valve 8 silencer
3 full-flow ball valve 6 multi-turn flow control valve 9 compressed air supply
(downstream)

Figure 3 — Typical arrangement for method B2

6 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

 ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

7.2.2.3 Compressed air flow-rates

The air velocities within the main pipeline and within the probe shall be identical throughout the sampling
period. This is accomplished through adjustment of the flow controllers to provide appropriate readings on the
flow meters.
Verification of identical pipe and probe velocities can be evaluated by the following procedures.

If membrane size is known If probe size is known

Start Start

↓ ↓
Select a membrane size Select a probe size

↓ ↓
Check that flow in main q m = D 20 Check that flow in main q m = D 20
pipe is turbulent pipe is turbulent
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
↓ (standards.iteh.ai) ↓
Calculate sample flow
Calculate the maximum 0,5
probe diameter
d inu1,4 × D ⎡⎣( p ISO
+ 1) 8573-2:2007
q p ⎤⎦ rate for isokinetic (
q p = q m d in D )2
conditions
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/b0e0fefd-9559-4117-95b4-
cd7a3abe773c/iso-8573-2-2007
↓ ↓
Select probe diameter for Calculate minimum 0,5
possible use that is ≤d membrane diameter DMW35,7 × ⎡⎣ q p ( p + 1)⎤⎦

↓ ↓
Calculate sample flow
Select a membrane
using actual probe (
q p = q m d in D )2 holder
diameter selected

↓
Check minimum
membrane diameter is OK DMW35,7 × ⎡⎣ q p ( p + 1)⎤⎦
0,5
↓
↓
Test Test

© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved 7

ISO 8573-2:2007(E)

where

qm is the flow in main pipe, expressed in litres per second (at reference conditions)

qp is the flow in probe, expressed in litres per second (at reference conditions)

din is the internal diameter of probe, expressed in millimetres

D is the internal diameter of pipe, expressed in millimetres

DM is the membrane diameter, expressed in millimetres

p is the system pressure, expressed in pascals [bar(e)]

8 Test procedure — Method A

8.1 General

8.2 Measuring procedure

8.2.1 Start-up

All valves should be in the closed position at the beginning of the test.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Open shut-off valve (key item 2, Figure 1) fully to pressurize the test equipment. Adjust flow using flow control
valve (key item 6, Figure 1) to required flow conditions shown on the flow sensing/measuring device (key
(standards.iteh.ai)
item 7, Figure 1).
ISO1).8573-2:2007
Close valves to liquid collection (key items 11, Figure
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8.2.2 Stabilizing sampling filter

The sampling filter element (key item 9, Figure 1) operates in a saturated condition and time shall be allowed
for this condition to be reached.

Measurement shall be taken only when the differential pressure of the sampling filter reaches the stable part
of the graph (Figure 4) and oil is visible in the filter bowl of the sampling filter (key item 9, Figure 1).

8 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved