What does ISO (3) #/#/# or ISO (2) #/# mean?

[rweis]

On some other forums I am seeing reference to oil analysis as ISO (3) 17/15/14. Sometimes ISO (2) 15/13.



What do those number signify?



Bob Weis

 

[Idaho Native]

Do a Google search for "ISO"... you'll learn more than you ever wanted to about the International Organization for Standardization. It's actually a pretty good read, if not a bit dry in places.



Loren

 

[RM]

iso

On some other forums I am seeing reference to oil analysis as ISO (3) 17/15/14. Sometimes ISO (2) 15/13.



What do those number signify?



Bob Weis

its my understanding thats its cleanliness of the oil the first numbers is amount of particles at 5 micron i think and the second is at 20 micron or 10 and 20 but i do know its the cleanliness of the oil the lower the better. if you really want to be shocked ya aught to look up the cleanliness of diesel. its filthy. if you want to know more about oil check this site out it will keep you busy for days bobtheoilguys.com

 

[rweis]

Thanks,



I went over to BobTheOilGuy, whew, days of reading there.



Also found Nodia.com, more reading.



Tried google on "ISO Cleanliness Codes (or Standards)" and you will get a ton more information. A lot if it is for hydraulics, but a good bit for engine oil also.



I found there is an old ISO #/# that was 5um and 15um. There is a newer (1999 I think) #/#/# that was 2um, 5um, 15um and that is changing to 4um, 6um, 14um within the last couple of years because the standards material used for the 2um for calibration is no longer available and apparently was not particularly stable.



For the bypass filter crowd, industry has been doing this for a long time and has A LOT of options. Most of the industry stuff is certified absolute at xxxum. I bet pretty pricy though.



Thanks for the help,



Bob Weis