ISO 8573 standard for compressed air cleanliness

ISO 8573 is an international standard that defines the requirements for compressed air quality in industrial applications. This standard classifies the cleanliness of compressed air into different levels based on three main factors:

• Particulate matter: Measuring the quantity and size of particulate contaminants in the compressed air.
• Water: Evaluating the moisture and amount of water in the compressed air.
• Oil: Measuring the oil content in the compressed air.

Each industry requires a different level of compressed air cleanliness to ensure the final product's quality and meet stringent standards.

The role of clean compressed air

Food Production Industry

In the food production industry, compressed air is crucial in automating systems, packaging, and cleaning equipment. However, using contaminated air could lead to product contamination, affect consumer health, or decrease equipment performance. Therefore, evaluating compressed air quality according to ISO 8573 ensures that the air is free from impurities, oil, and water, thus preventing potential food contamination and safeguarding product quality.

Medical Device Industry

Clean compressed air is critical in the medical device industry. Medical products, especially those that come into direct contact with the human body (such as respiratory devices, syringes, or diagnostic machines), require very high levels of air cleanliness to avoid bacterial contamination and ensure patient safety. The use of contaminated air can result in serious consequences, including affecting the health of patients. Therefore, compressed air sampling and classification according to ISO 8573 is essential to ensure that medical devices meet strict safety and quality standards.

Electronics Industry

The electronics industry requires clean compressed air to avoid dust or oil entering sensitive electronic components. During the assembly of electronic devices, any contamination from compressed air can affect the quality of circuit boards, causing malfunctions or decreasing product performance. Using clean compressed air according to ISO 8573 reduces this risk, protecting electronic components from contamination and maintaining the quality of the final product.

Sampling and Measurement Process

The service of measuring and evaluating compressed air cleanliness according to ISO 8573 is carried out through the following specific steps:

• Compressed air sampling: Samples of compressed air are taken from strategic points in the system, reflecting the air quality throughout the production process.
• Particulate matter measurement and analysis: Specialized equipment is used to measure the quantity and size of particulates in the compressed air.
• Moisture testing: Modern methods are used to measure the moisture and water content in the compressed air.
• Oil testing: Specialized oil measurement devices help determine the oil content in the compressed air.

After sampling and analysis, the results are compared with ISO 8573 standards to classify the cleanliness level of the compressed air.

Benefits of the compressed air cleanliness evaluation service

• Ensures product quality: Evaluating compressed air according to ISO 8573 ensures that the air does not contaminate the product, especially in the food and medical industries.
• Protects equipment: Clean compressed air reduces wear and tear on equipment, helping to lower maintenance costs.
• Increases production efficiency: Using air that meets cleanliness standards ensures stable and efficient system operation, increasing productivity and reducing downtime.
• Ensures safety: Especially in the medical industry, clean compressed air helps ensure the safety of patients using medical devices.

The compressed air sampling, measurement, and cleanliness classification service according to ISO 8573 is an essential component in industries such as food production, medical device manufacturing, and electronics. By ensuring that compressed air is of high quality, businesses can protect their products, maintain production efficiency, and comply with international safety standards.

Compressed air measurement and cleanliness classification

The Environmental Consultancy & Sustainability Services team at Eurofins Environment Testing in Vietnam offers compressed air assessment services in accordance with ISO 8573, helping to ensure that compressed air does not contaminate products—particularly in the food, medical, and electronics industries.

Additionally, we provide in-depth consultancy and tailored services for cleanroom quality assessments based on the ISO 14644-1 standard.

Our comprehensive and clear assessment reports effectively support internal audits, client assessments, and third-party certification processes.