The Essential Guide to ISO 8573-1 Compressed Air Quality Standards
Compressed air is called the “the fourth” utility in manufacturing facilities because it powers pneumatic equipment and tools that are essential to production. But water, oil, dust and other contaminants can degrade the quality of compressed air and compromise product safety and integrity.
Understanding International Standards Organization (ISO) 8573-1:2010 for compressed air quality, ensures that the purity of your compressed air meets the requirements of your application and industry. This blog decodes ISO 8573-1 so you stay compliant.
What is ISO 8573-1:2010?
This international standard is used by manufacturers and laboratories to classify air purity. The standard has nine parts, but Part 1 is the most critical for manufacturers, as it defines the purity classes for contaminants and permissible limits for specific applications and industries. The standard covers the three main contaminants: Solid particulates, water and oil.
Decoding the Three Pillars of Air Purity
Each of the three contaminants are measured as follows:
Solid Particulates: Classified by micron size (0.1-5 microns) and the number of particles per m3.
Water: Measured by pressure dewpoint (PDP) or liquid water content. Higher classes allow for moderate moisture, while Class 1 requires ultra-dry air (≤-70°C).
Oil: This group includes total liquid oil, aerosols and vapors. Purity levels range from ≤0.01 mg/m3 in Class 1 to >5 mg/m3 in lower classes.
Download JHFOSTER’s 8573-1 PDF for more detailed information on permissible limits of each contaminant by class.
How to Read an Air Quality Specification
When specifying the air purity requirement for an industry, the standard (ISO 8573-1:2010) is referenced first, followed by a three-digit purity class. Each digit represents the purity classification requirements for a contaminant group, as follows:
First Digit: Solid particulate purity requirement.
Second Digit: Water purity requirement.
Third Digit: Total oil purity requirement.
So, for example, an ISO 8573-1:2010 1.2.1 designation specifies:
Class 1 Particulate: In each cubic meter of compressed air, the particulate count should not exceed 20,000 particles in the 0.1 – 0.5 micron size range, 400 particles in the 0.5 – 1 micron size range and 10 particles in the 1 – 5 micron size range.
Class 2 Water: A pressure dewpoint (PDP) of -40°F (-40°C) or better is required and no liquid water is allowed.
Class 1 Oil: In each cubic meter of compressed air, not more than 0.01mg of oil is allowed. This is a total level for liquid oil, oil aerosol and oil vapor.
The Truth About Class 0 Air Quality
Class 0 does not mean “zero contamination.” Rather, Class 0 requires the user and equipment manufacturer to agree upon the contamination level as part of a written specification that is more stringent than Class 1 purity levels.
Keep in mind that an equipment manufacturer’s claim of Class 0 from an oil-free compressor can be invalidated by factors, such as contaminated intake air. For this reason, additional purification equipment is almost always required to maintain Class 0 at the point of use.
Industry-Specific Air Quality Requirements
Per ISO 8573-1, certain industries and applications must comply with specific air quality levels. The purity class for each contaminant is specified for the industry.
Some examples include:
General industry: Typically Class 1.4.2
Food and beverage: Often Class 1.2.1 to ensure food safety.
Medical and pharmaceutical: Usually Class 0 to safeguard patient safety and product integrity.
Achieving and Maintaining Compliance
JHFOSTER can help you evaluate, design, integrate and maintain an ISO air quality-compliant compressed air solution.
We can support you in:
Equipment selection: We can help you choose the correct type of air compressor, air dryer and filter to ensure that your facility achieves and maintains the proper purity level per its ISO 8573-1 requirement.
Piping delivery system design: We can help you find the right piping material to prevent rust and corrosion contamination and assist with delivery system layout to ensure efficiency.
Monitoring: Regular compressed air quality testing and monitoring, as specified in ISO 8573-1, Parts 2-9, ensures that your system maintains the necessary compressed air quality level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ISO and OSHA standards for compressed air?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compressed air standards cover workplace safety issues. For example, OSHA has a mandate for cleaning with compressed air (pressure for these applications must be <30 psig) and OSHA regulations prohibit the use of PVC and CPVC piping for compressed air systems as it can burst under high pressures and injure workers. ISO 8573-1 focuses on the purity and quality of the produced air.
Can I use PVC for compressed air piping?
No! PVC can swell and burst under the high pressures of compressed air systems and is prohibited by OSHA as it poses a significant safety risk. Metal piping, such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel, ensure safety and prevent corrosion to maintain air quality.
How often should I test my air quality?
Air quality sampling and testing should be conducted at various points of use several times throughout the year (usually quarterly or bi-annually) to provide an accurate representation of your air quality and maintain compliance with ISO 8573-1.
Ensure Air Purity Compliance with JHFOSTER’s Expert Support
Don’t take chances with the purity of your air. Download JHFOSTER’s free ISO 8573-1 PDF and contact one of our compressed air experts for assistance with equipment selection and compressed air support to ensure that your compressed air complies with ISO 8573-1 purity requirements.
