Iso cleanliness code

ISO Cleanliness Code

ISO – the International Standards Organization, provides a common language around the world for
technical standards. ISO standard 4406 provides the standard that defines allowable
contamination levels of fluids. This standard is used by Caterpillar and our competitors worldwide.

ISO Chart

The ISO chart shows some of the 28 levels of contamination from the ISO 4406 standard. As you
increase each level – the number of allowable particles doubles. Caterpillar specifies one of these
levels as the target level for a particular system, as shown on the right. One of the goals of
contamination control is to meet these specs for all products.

Caterpillar Two Factor Code

The two levels determine the number of large and small particles that are allowable within a
milliliter of fluid. Large particles are considered as 14 microns or larger, and the small particles are
6 microns or larger.

In this example per ISO Code 4406 we are looking for 18/15 or better at roll off. On the ISO Code
Chart, 18 would mean there can be between 1301 and 2500 particles of 6 micron size and 15
means there can be between 161 and 320 particles of the 14 micron size.

Clean Machines

Even though you may not be working with particle measurement, this should help you better
understand the importance of keeping things clean.

Use of international standards enables all Caterpillar facilities to measure cleanliness consistently.
When we measure cleanliness – we can also control it.

By testing supply fluids and keeping assembly processes clean, we are meeting these
specifications – and shipping clean machines.

Overview

As we mentioned earlier, contamination can cause a lot of damage. Even though our equipment
has filtration systems to remove contamination, the best protection is to prevent contamination
from being introduced into a system.

Hydraulic Tube Assembly

Let’s look at a few examples that show exactly what we want to prevent. The first is this hydraulic
tube assembly. You can see that during the paint process, the block on the left was not properly
covered, allowing paint in the o-ring groove, and into the tube itself.
You might think that cleaning the o- ring groove would ensure a good seal and prevent any defects.
That’s only half the problem. The paint debris inside the tube is also a contaminant. During
machine operation, it will loosen and enter the hydraulic system.

O-rings

Here we see o-rings being stored loosely in a bin. There is obviously a high potential for damage to
the o-rings, but the dust and grime they collect while being exposed is also a potential source of
system contamination. Remember – even dust particles that can’t be seen have the potential to
damage a system.

Hoses

This hose looks to be in excellent condition, well- marked, and wrapped to prevent damage.
However, the open end has been left uncapped, allowing dust and possibly other dirt to get in the
hose. Anything inside here will enter the fluid system immediately.

Keep hose and tube fittings capped during storage.Cap them after installation until they are
connected

Torque Converters

These sub-assembled torque convertors are well secured on a flat, and have been covered during
storage. Unfortunately, at some point in time, the wrap was pulled off the primary area that it was
supposed to protect. Almost anything could be inside the assembly now.

Oil

Here’s a sample of lube oil that was collected from a supply line. It contains water, which can be
very detrimental to internal components. The image on the right represents the amount of debris it
takes to contaminate a 55 gallon barrel of oil – just a teaspoonful is enough to raise contamination
levels outside the specified level!

Overview

As you can see, there are countless opportunities for contamination. Contamination prevention
starts with housekeeping. A clean organized work area is the single most effective tool in
preventing contamination during the assembly process. Your immediate work area is directly under
your control and should be your 1st