What is EN ISO 8573-1:2010?

EN ISO 8573-1:2010 is an international standard that defines the purity requirements for compressed air used in various industries. It specifies the acceptable levels of contaminants, such as particles, water, and oil, in compressed air systems. This standard provides guidelines for assessing and monitoring the quality of compressed air to ensure it meets the specific needs of different applications.

The Three Contaminant Classes

This standard classifies contaminants into three main categories: particles, water, and oil. Each category has specific limits and testing methods defined by EN ISO 8573-1. The particle class refers to the solid particles present in the compressed air, such as dust, dirt, and rust. The water class assesses the moisture content in the compressed air, including liquid water and water vapor. The oil class measures the oil content in the air, which includes both liquid oil and oil vapors.

Purity Classes and Testing Methods

EN ISO 8573-1 defines different purity classes for compressed air based on the concentration limits of particles, water, and oil. These classes range from Class 0 to Class 9, with Class 0 representing the highest level of purity. Each class has its own set of maximum allowable limits for each contaminant category. To determine the purity class of compressed air, various testing methods are employed, including filtration, separation, and analytical techniques like gravimetric analysis, dew point measurement, and oil aerosol analysis.

The Importance of Compressed Air Purity

Compressed air is widely used in industries for a variety of applications, ranging from pneumatic tools to food processing. The quality of compressed air plays a crucial role in the performance and reliability of these systems. Contaminants in compressed air can cause equipment failure, product contamination, reduced productivity, and higher maintenance costs. By adhering to the guidelines set by EN ISO 8573-1, companies can ensure that their compressed air systems meet the required purity standards, leading to improved product quality, increased operational efficiency, and reduced downtime.