Dive deep into Air Quality Classification
Learn about ISO 8573-1 standards for compressed air quality, vital for industries like food and pharmaceuticals. This guide covers classification of contaminants (solid particles, water, oil), explains quality classes, and helps choose the right filters and dryers for compliance.
Discover the Importance of Compressed Air Quality
Compressed air quality is essential in various industries, from food production to pharmaceuticals and beyond. The quality of compressed air impacts not only the efficiency of production processes but also the quality of the final products. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the ISO 8573-1 standard for compressed air quality classification, discuss different contaminant levels, and explain how to choose the right filters and dryers. Whether you need to ensure compliance in a sensitive industry or simply want to improve efficiency, this guide will provide you with the insights necessary to make informed decisions.
Table of Content
- Introduction: The Importance of Compressed Air Quality
- What is ISO 8573-1?
- ISO 8573-1 Quality Classes Explained
- Breaking Down the Contaminants: Solid Particles, Water, and Oil
- Typical Requirements for Compressed Air Quality
- The Air's Water Content at Different Dew Points
- Choosing the Right Filters and Dryers
- Use Cases for Compressed Air Quality Classes
- FAQs: Your Compressed Air Quality Questions Answered
- Conclusion: Selecting the Right Air Quality for Your Needs
- Contact Us for Expert Advice
The Importance of Compressed Air Quality
Compressed air quality is essential in various industries, from food production to pharmaceuticals and beyond. The quality of compressed air impacts not only the efficiency of production processes but also the quality of the final products. This guide will help you understand the ISO 8573-1 standard for compressed air quality classification, allowing you to choose the most suitable air compressor and filtration system for your needs.
What is ISO 8573-1?
ISO 8573-1 is an international standard that defines air quality classes for compressed air systems. It classifies air based on the levels of contaminants such as solid particles, water (in liquid or vapour form), and oil (aerosols and vapours). By understanding ISO 8573-1, you can determine the purity level required for your specific application and make informed decisions to enhance your production quality.
The standard is divided into three main groups of contaminants:
- Solid Particles: Dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can damage equipment or compromise product quality.
- Water: Moisture in the form of water vapour or liquid can cause rust, corrosion, and other issues in the air system.
- Oil: Oil aerosols and vapours can contaminate the air, affecting the quality of processes and products.
ISO 8573-1 Quality Classes Explained
| Quality class | Solid particle content | Water content | Oil content | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. size mu | Max. amount | Dew point °C | Amount g/m³ | Max. amount mg/m³ | |
| 1 | 0,1 | 0,1 | -70 | 0,003 | 0,01 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | -40 | 0,11 | 0,1 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | -20 | 0,88 | 1 |
| 4 | 40 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| 5 | - | - | 7 | 7,8 | 25 |
| 6 | - | - | 10 | 9,4 | - |
Breaking Down the Contaminants: Solid Particles, Water, and Oil
Solid Particles: The quality class for solid particles ranges from Class 1, which allows for very few particles of very small size, to Class 5, which permits larger and more numerous particles. The higher the class number, the lower the purity, making lower classes suitable for less critical applications.
Water Content: The presence of water in compressed air can lead to rust, corrosion, and damage to downstream equipment. The dew point is a critical measure, as it indicates how much moisture remains in the air. Class 1 has the lowest dew point (-70°C), making it suitable for sensitive applications like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Oil Content: Oil contamination can lead to product defects and equipment damage. Class 1 requires a maximum oil content of just 0.01 mg/m³, which is essential for applications like food processing where contamination must be avoided.
Typical Requirements for Compressed Air Quality
| Application areas | Quality Class | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid particle content | Water content | Oil content | |
| Air stirring | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Air motors, large | 4 | 5-2 | 5 |
| Air motors, minature | 3 | 4-2 | 3 |
| Air turbines | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Transportation of granulates | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Transportation of powder | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Fluidistors | 2 | 3-2 | 2 |
| Foundry machinery | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Contact with provisions | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Pneumatic tools, industrial | 4 | 6-5 | 4 |
| Mining Machinery | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Packaging machines | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Textile machinery | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Pneumatic cylinders | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Film Handling | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Precision Regulators | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Process Instruments | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Sand blasting | - | 4 | 3 |
| Spray painting | 3 | 4-3 | 3 |
| Welding machines | 4 | 5 | 5 |
The Air's Water Content at Different Dew Points
| Dew Point °C | g/m³ | Dew Point °C | g/m³ | Dew Point °C | g/m³ | Dew Point °C | g/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 588.208 | 58 | 118.119 | 16 | 13.531 | -26 | 0.51 |
| 98 | 550.375 | 56 | 108.2 | 14 | 11.987 | -28 | 0.41 |
| 96 | 514.401 | 54 | 98.883 | 12 | 10.611 | -30 | 0.33 |
| 94 | 480.394 | 52 | 90.247 | 10 | 9.356 | -32 | 0.271 |
| 92 | 448.308 | 50 | 82.257 | 8 | 8.243 | -34 | 0.219 |
| 90 | 417.935 | 48 | 74.871 | 6 | 7.246 | -36 | 0.178 |
| 88 | 389.225 | 46 | 68.056 | 4 | 6.356 | -38 | 0.144 |
| 86 | 362.124 | 44 | 61.772 | 2 | 5.571 | -40 | 0.117 |
| 84 | 336.661 | 42 | 44.989 | ±0 | 4.868 | -42 | 0.093 |
| 82 | 311.616 | 40 | 50.672 | -2 | 4.135 | -44 | 0.075 |
| 80 | 290.017 | 38 | 45.593 | -4 | 3.513 | -46 | 0.061 |
| 78 | 268.806 | 36 | 41.322 | -8 | 2.984 | -48 | 0.048 |
| 76 | 248.841 | 34 | 37.229 | -12 | 2.156 | -52 | 0.031 |
| 72 | 212.648 | 30 | 30.078 | -14 | 1.81 | -54 | 0.024 |
| 70 | 196.213 | 28 | 26.97 | -16 | 1.51 | -56 | 0.019 |
| 68 | 180.855 | 26 | 24.143 | -18 | 1.27 | -58 | 0.015 |
| 66 | 166.507 | 24 | 21.587 | -19 | 1.05 | -60 | 0.011 |
| 64 | 153.103 | 22 | 19.252 | -20 | 0.88 | -70 | 0.0033 |
| 62 | 140.659 | 20 | 17.148 | -22 | 0.73 | -80 | 0.0006 |
| 60 | 129.02 | 18 | 15.246 | -24 | 0.61 | -90 | 0.0001 |
Choosing the Right Filters and Dryers
To achieve the desired air quality, it's crucial to use appropriate air filters and dryers. For example, achieving Class 1 air quality requires using desiccant dryers to achieve a very low dew point, while coalescing filters help remove both solid particles and oil aerosols.
Use Cases for Compressed Air Quality Classes
- Food and Beverage Production: Requires Class 1 air quality to avoid contamination.
- Pharmaceuticals: Needs Class 1 for critical processes where contaminants could compromise product quality.
- Textile Industry: Class 4 air is often sufficient for textile machinery, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operation.
- Industrial Tools: Pneumatic tools in industrial applications typically need Class 3 or 4 air quality to function without damage or wear.
The quality of compressed air makes you avoid any risk of corporate image
FAQs: Your Compressed Air Quality Questions Answered
How do I determine the air quality class I need?
Consider the application type, regulatory requirements, and the sensitivity of your equipment. For example, food production will need a higher quality class compared to standard industrial tools.
What type of dryer should I use for Class 2 air?
Desiccant dryers are ideal for achieving low dew points required for Class 2 air. Refrigerant dryers are more suitable for less stringent applications.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Air Quality for Your Needs
Understanding compressed air quality and the ISO 8573-1 standard is vital for maintaining efficiency and ensuring product quality. By using the appropriate filters and dryers, you can achieve the necessary air quality for your specific application. If you are unsure of the requirements for your production process, it is always advisable to consult with an expert to ensure you select the correct air quality class and equipment.
Contact Us for Expert Advice
If you have questions or need assistance in choosing the right compressed air quality solution, feel free to get in touch with our team. We are here to help you make informed decisions for your production needs.
Got questions?
Have questions about choosing the right compressor for your specific needs? Our experts are here to help you make informed decisions that will improve your business processes and enhance your operational efficiency.
With decades of experience in compressed air, we offer a comprehensive range of screw compressors, piston compressors, oil-free compressors, and air treatment solutions. We also provide a wide range of service options to meet all your compressed air needs. Trust our expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions at the forefront of innovation. With various connectivity options, we have a solution to meet your needs. Contact us today for personalised assistance and answers to all your questions!
Explore more topics
- Latest blogs
- Screw Compressors
- Piston Compressors
- Compressed Air Basics
