COMPRESSED AIR ISO 8573-1:2010

Analysis of physical, chemical, and microbiological contaminants in compressed air production systems for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use.

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COMPRESSED AIR IS A CRITICAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION

Compressed air is one of the most widely used tools in production processes, yet it is rarely considered as a potential risk factor.

In fact, over 70% of chemical, physical, and microbiological contaminations in food products can be traced back to inadequate compressed air quality.

Solid particles

Include dust, rust, and flakes from piping and aspirated impurities. They can enter the product and compromise process hygiene.

Oil contamination

Oil from compressors may appear as aerosol or vapor and requires specific analytical methods for correct risk assessment.

Moisture and condensation

Water vapor can condense along the lines, causing corrosion, microbial growth, and potential damage to equipment and the final product.

THE ISO 8573-1:2010 STANDARD

ISO 8573-1:2010 is the technical reference standard for the classification of compressed air quality. It identifies three categories of contaminants:

Solid particles – ISO 8573-4
Total oil content – ISO 8573-2 (vapor) and ISO 8573-5 (aerosol)
Water content (water vapor and dew point) – ISO 8573-3

Each parameter is classified into purity classes, which vary depending on the application. Food and pharmaceutical sectors often require classes between 1 and 2.

PURITY CLASSES

Contaminant	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
Particles (number > 0.5 µm / m³)	<20,000	<400,000	<2,000,000
Oil (mg/m³)	<0.01	<0.1	<1
Moisture (dew point °C)	<−70 °C	<−40 °C	<−20 °C

Direct or indirect contact of compressed air with raw materials or the final product requires compliance with different purity classes.

MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION

Microbiological contamination is not a classification factor for compressed air under ISO 8573-1; however, the standard emphasizes its importance through ISO 8573-7.

Microbiological contamination represents a risk factor in production processes: residual moisture and lack of sanitization can promote the growth of biofilms, bacteria, yeasts, and molds in pipelines.

Completing compressed air quality assessment by including microbiological analysis allows proper risk management of possible contaminations and serves as an indicator of the health of the distribution system.

EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF YOUR COMPRESSED AIR

We carry out compressed air quality assessment in compliance with ISO 8573-1:2010.