To ensure system performance and longevity in hydraulic fluids, fuels, and lubricants, contaminant monitoring is essential. Traditional methods for particle counting are guided by ISO 11171’s light obscuration technique and primarily focus on particle concentration and size. However, they cannot provide detailed particle shape analysis or identify contamination sources.
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Without this added information, experts must be brought in to make educated guesses as to what the source of contamination is in the measured oil. Many of these light obscuration techniques are not field-based, meaning that they require time to receive the data. This can result in machine downtime or operating an out-of-spec machine.
Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA) is a more comprehensive approach to fluid contamination assessment that captures detailed images of particles, which in turn allows for the differentiation between contaminants such as air bubbles, water droplets, fibers, and wear debris. This ability offers better insights into particle characteristics and potential sources, improving contamination monitoring. Thumbnail images provide real-time, field-based results, reducing the need to bring in an expert to identify the accurate source of any problems.
The New Industry Standard: ISO 21018-1
Historically, contamination monitoring has relied on methods that conform to ISO 11171, a standard primarily designed for light-obscuration techniques. The introduction of ISO 21018-1:2024 reflects the industry's recognition of the need for alternative monitoring technologies.
This new standard accommodates techniques beyond light extinction, including Dynamic Image Analysis, providing a validated framework for fluid contamination assessment in hydraulic systems, fuels, and lubricants. Although there are solid reasons to have alternative techniques for fluid contamination, some of these complementary techniques cannot be calibrated according to the ISO 11171, hence why this new standard was created.
Although other techniques are discussed, this article will focus on Dynamic Image Analysis and how this technique can benefit this market.
Advantages of Dynamic Image Analysis
Detailed Identification of Contaminants
Captures high-resolution images of particles, helping distinguish different types of contaminants, including particles as small as 2 microns.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Provides instant contamination data, enabling rapid on-site decision-making. It is not necessary to bring in an expert to identify the source of contamination. The system is portable and battery-operated.
- Proactive Maintenance: Helps industries to trace contamination sources, optimize maintenance efforts, and prevent system failures.
- ISO 21018-1 Compliance: DIA is recognized as an alternate technique for contamination monitoring, making it a valuable method for fluid cleanliness assessment.
Comparing Contamination Monitoring Methods
Source: Vision Analytical Inc.
| Feature |
Dynamic Image Analysis (ISO 21018-1) |
Light Obscuration (ISO 11171) |
| Particle Size Detection |
2 µm to 300+ µm |
4 µm to ∼100 µm |
| Shape Analysis |
Yes |
No |
| Thumbnail Images |
Yes |
No |
| Contaminant Source ID |
Yes |
No |
| On-Site Analysis |
Yes |
Limited |
| Compliance |
ISO 21018-1 |
ISO 11171 |
| Shape Classification |
Yes |
No |
Applications of Dynamic Image Analysis in Fluid Contamination Monitoring
- Fuel and Lubrication Monitoring: Detects contamination in real time and ensures compliance with cleanliness standards.
- Industrial & Manufacturing Equipment: Proactive contaminant tracking reduces wear-related failures.
- Hydraulic Systems: Precise contaminant identification improves fluid cleanliness and enhances equipment reliability.
- Research & Laboratory Applications: Detailed particle characterization supports contamination studies.
Advancing Fluid Contamination Monitoring
DIA has proven to be a substantial advancement in contamination monitoring by providing in-depth particle characterization beyond simple particle counting. By aligning with ISO 21018-1, this technique enables industries to improve contamination assessment, enhance system reliability, and reduce maintenance costs.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Vision Analytical Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Vision Analytical Inc.