Displaying items by tag: Particle count

WearCheck processes approximately 500 diesel samples per month in our ISO 17025-accredited specialty laboratory in Johannesburg. These samples are tested against SANS 342:2014 specifications, which is the standard specification for diesel in South Africa.

Particle counting, as per ISO 4406 (fluid cleanliness), does not make up part of this specification which is why this test is not traditionally carried out on diesel samples. The IP440 (Institute of Petroleum) test method is the approved method for contamination measurement.

Although ISO 4406 is not sanctioned as a method for measuring fuel cleanliness by SANS, many customers and particularly OEMs have cleanliness limits based on this method.

Because particle counting is a well-known and established test method for lubricants and has increasing popularity with diesel testing, WearCheck has now introduced this test as a standard on all diesel samples. 

The ISO 4406 test will be carried out using the ASTM D7619 test method which covers sample preparation and will ensure consistency and validity when measuring a particle count on a diesel sample.