Particulate contamination

Residual dirt analyses for industry

Verification and identification of particulate contamination in accordance with standards

Function-related parts of components and systems are often inside pipes, ducts, housings, tanks, pumps, valves or similar components. If fluids are used here, particles can be transported to sensitive areas. This situation can lead to the impairment of functionality or cause system damage over the long term. For this reason, residual dirt analysis is a fixed element of quality assurance these days. Typical applications are initial sampling, evaluation, requalification as well as incoming and outgoing inspection and the monitoring of manufacturing processes.

+49 7022 2796-681 info@qa-group.com

Fast, reliable
measurement results

  • Acquisition, extraction and analysis of particulate contamination
  • Correlative particle analysis using light and electron microscopy, as well as RAMAN and FTIR spectroscopy
  • Verifiable types of particles: metals, minerals, salts, organics, fibres
  • Analyses according to VDA 19/19.1/19.2, ISO 16232 as well as customer standards and specifications
  • For very small and large components up to 2,500 kg and 2,000 mm
  • Class 8 cleanroom in accordance with DIN 14644

Extraction

We must first detach particles from component surfaces so we can analyse them. This process is called extraction.
We have various methods with which we can extract the residual dirt: we spray, flood or rinse the component, use ultrasound or extract the particles using air extraction. We collect the particles extracted on a filter membrane and prepare them for further analysis.

Particle analysis

With cleanliness inspection, we acquire and analyse contamination on the relevant surfaces of an object inspected as completely as possible. In this way you safeguard your product quality and prevent any contamination from the manufacturing process or environment causing damage such as jammed bearings or sliding surfaces, blocked valves or clogged filters and nozzles. Depending on the depth of analysis you require, we have various analytical methods.

The starting point is always reflected light microscopy, which we supplement with a further analytical method depending on your needs and requirements. With the combination of various analytical methods, together with you we ensure that harmful particles are clearly and reliably acquired.

Reflected light microscopy

Particle analysis with polarised light provides information about:

  • Type of particle
    • Metallic shiny particles
    • Non-metallic shiny/non-fibrous particles
    • Fibres
  • Quantity and size classes of the particles
  • No material classification
  • No specification of the damage the particles can cause

Scanning electron microscopy

Fully automated particle analysis with EDX provides information about:

  • Type of particle
    • Hard metallic particles
    • Hard mineral particles
    • Soft particles
    • Electrically conductive/non-electrically conductive particles
    • Magnetic/non-magnetic particles
  • Quantity and size classes of the particles
  • Material classification
  • Specification of the damage the particles can cause via hardness classes

Raman/ftir spectroscopy

Fully automatic analysis of the particles via spectral comparison provides information about:

  • Type of particle
    • Fibres
    • Plastics/elastomers
    • Salts
  • Quantity and size classes of the particles
  • Material classification
  • Specification of the damage the particles can cause

Optical particle counting (opc)

Optical particle counting for liquids provides information about:

  • Quantity and size classes of the particles
  • No information about the type of particle
  • No material classification
  • No specification of the damage the particles can cause
Harmful particles

Correlative particle analysis:
more detailed analyses and more precise results

A speciality at Quality Analysis is correlative particle analysis. For this purpose, we combine reflected light microscopy with SEM-EDX analysis and RAMAN & FTIR spectroscopy. In this way we acquire organic and inorganic particles more precisely and identify process-critical particles. A detailed test report provides you with information about:

  • Quantity and size class: from 5 μm
  • Material classes & composition: metals, minerals, salts, organics
  • Damage behaviour: hardness class, conductivity, magnetism

Information advantage due to correlative particle analysis

Test laboratory

Take a look at our test laboratory: in our accredited laboratory you will find everything that is necessary for a holistic residual dirt analysis. All the equipment, all the analyses, all the methods. In our class 8 cleanroom (in accordance with ISO 14644) all common particle extraction methods are available such as spraying, flooding, rinsing and ultrasound. The analysis of the particles extracted then follows. Here we rely on filtration, gravimetry, analyses using light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as RAMAN and FTIR spectroscopy.

All this has just one goal: the highly precise identification and detection of the related particulate contamination. All analyses are undertaken based on VDA 19/19.1 as well as ISO 16232. Do you have your own standards? No problem, we would be pleased to adapt to any customer or works standard upon request.

With extensive experience and sound expertise, our experts evaluate your cleanliness requirements and assist you with the right laboratory analytics so that you can rely on excellent measurement results.

+49 7022 2796-681 info@qa-group.com

DAkkS accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025

Accredited test laboratory
for technical cleanliness verification

Determination of technical cleanliness (TecSa) of components, systems and fluids using fluid extraction and air extraction, and evaluation with use of optical microscopy, SEM-EDX, RAMAN and FT-lR spectroscopy are accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Furthermore, all our other specialist areas have also been accredited.

You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here: 

Find out more

QUALITY ANALYSIS

THE RIGHT PARTNER for

technical cleanliness verification

Are you looking for a partner for technical cleanliness verification?
We would be pleased to advise you about the analysis options and assist you with the evaluation of particulate component cleanliness. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your component.


Call us, we look forward to hearing from you!

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