This is a test that we suggest as a “catch-all”. Particulate analysis has led to the discovery of improperly installed filters, defective filters, decaying O-rings, as well as debris within a dump rinser. Most companies rely on this microscopic examination to discover problems that would otherwise go undetected.

A particulate is defined as any mobile, extraneous matter, which does not dissolve in the suspending medium. These items are able to cause imperfections when they adhere to final products. Several methods are available for particle analysis including on-line photometric detection and direct-count microscopic analysis. An advantage of direct counting procedures is that particulates may be directly identified, and quickly, without further analyses.

Our particulate analysis procedure has a lower detection limit (LDL) of 1,000/liter. We read particulates in three size ranges; 1-2m, 2-5m, and >5m. Results are reported as <1,000, or as a real number if samples have counts higher than 1,000/L, for each range. This LDL can be lowered to 250/L under certain conditions.