ASTM D7670-10(2021)

Standard Practice for Processing In-service Fluid Samples for Particulate Contamination Analysis Using Membrane Filters

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides for the processing of liquid samples. It will provide the optimum sample processing for visual contamination methods such as Test Methods F312.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the processing of in-service fluids in preparation for particulate contamination analysis using membrane filters and is limited only by the liquid-to-membrane filter compatibility.  
1.2 The practice covers the procedure for filtering a measured volume of liquid through a membrane filter. When this practice is used, the particulate matter will be randomly distributed on the filter surface for subsequent contamination analysis methods.  
1.3 The practice describes procedures to allow handling particles in the size range between 2 µm and 1000 μm with minimum losses during handling.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 23.100.60 - Filters, seals and contamination of fluids
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.96.06 - Practices and Techniques for Prediction and Determination of Microscopic Wear and Wear-related Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D287-12a - Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
• Effective Date: 15-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D287-12 - Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1078-11 - Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1353-09 - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM F312-08 - Standard Test Methods for Microscopical Sizing and Counting Particles from Aerospace Fluids on Membrane Filters
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1836-07 - Standard Specification for Commercial Hexanes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D287-92(2006) - Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1078-05 - Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1353-03 - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1078-03 - Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1836-02 - Standard Specification for Commercial Hexanes
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM D1353-02 - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM D1078-99 - Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1078-01 - Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2001

Overview

ASTM D7670-10(2021) - Standard Practice for Processing In-service Fluid Samples for Particulate Contamination Analysis Using Membrane Filters provides a consistent method for preparing in-service fluid samples for particulate contamination analysis. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses essential procedures for the filtration of liquid samples using membrane filters. It ensures accurate particulate distribution on the membrane surface, which is critical for subsequent contamination analysis. The standard also supports effective handling of particles ranging from 2 µm to 1000 µm, while prioritizing sample integrity and minimizing particle loss during preparation.

Key Topics

• Sample Preparation: Methods for filtering a precisely measured volume of liquid through a compatible membrane filter.
• Particle Handling: Procedures specifically designed to handle particles across a wide size range with minimum loss.
• Apparatus Requirements: Guidance on suitable filtration funnels, filter supports, vacuum flasks, forceps, and filtration membranes.
• Reagent and Solvent Use: Specifications for the purity and compatibility of reagents, solvents, and rinse liquids.
• Cleanliness and Contamination Control: Best practices for cleaning equipment and minimizing environmental contamination, including the use of clean benches or hoods with filtered air.
• Identification and Labeling: Procedures for labeling and storing the filter patches for further particulate analysis.
• SI Units Only: All measurements and parameters set forth in SI units to maintain uniformity and international applicability.

Applications

Applying ASTM D7670-10(2021) ensures consistent and reliable sample processing for particulate contamination analysis in various industries. Practical applications include:

• Fluid Power Systems: Monitoring hydraulic fluids for wear particles or contaminants that can impact equipment reliability and performance.
• Aerospace: Prepping samples for detailed particulate analysis using microscopical methods, as referenced in ASTM F312.
• Oil & Gas: Testing lubricants and fuels for particulate presence to maintain engine and system efficiency.
• Manufacturing & Maintenance: Quality assurance of in-service fluids in industrial settings to predict maintenance needs or detect process issues early.
• Research & Development: Providing standardized methods for comparative studies across different fluid samples and research projects.

These applications help organizations comply with regulatory and quality requirements while enhancing operational safety and equipment longevity.

Related Standards

This standard directly references and aligns with several other ASTM and international standards to ensure comprehensive and robust sample analysis, including:

• ASTM F312: Test Methods for Microscopical Sizing and Counting Particles from Aerospace Fluids on Membrane Filters
• ASTM D287: Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D1078: Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1353: Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products
• ASTM D1836: Specification for Commercial Hexanes
• ASTM D2021: Specification for Neutral Detergent (withdrawn)

Additionally, ASTM D7670-10(2021) reflects international principles for standardization as outlined by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

By following ASTM D7670-10(2021), professionals can confidently process fluid samples for particulate contamination analysis, ensuring results are precise, repeatable, and in line with global best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7670 − 10 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Processing In-service Fluid Samples for Particulate
Contamination Analysis Using Membrane Filters
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7670; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1353 Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Sol-
vents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
1.1 This practice covers the processing of in-service fluids
Products
in preparation for particulate contamination analysis using
D1836 Specification for Commercial Hexanes
membranefiltersandislimitedonlybytheliquid-to-membrane
D2021 Specification for Neutral Detergent, 40 PercentAlky-
filter compatibility.
lbenzene Sulfonate Type (Withdrawn 2000)
1.2 The practice covers the procedure for filtering a mea-
F312 Test Methods for Microscopical Sizing and Counting
sured volume of liquid through a membrane filter. When this
Particles from Aerospace Fluids on Membrane Filters
practice is used, the particulate matter will be randomly
distributed on the filter surface for subsequent contamination
3. Terminology
analysis methods.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 The practice describes procedures to allow handling
3.1.1 filtered liquid dispenser, n—as used in this practice, a
particles in the size range between 2 µm and 1000 µm with
dispensercapableofdeliveringrinseliquidthroughafilterwith
minimum losses during handling.
pore size no larger than half the size of the smallest particle
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as being considered for measurement.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.2 filter patch test, n—preparation of a sample by mem-
standard.
branefiltration,asdescribedinthispractice,isoftenreferredto
as a patch test, or a filter patch test.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 This practice provides for the processing of liquid
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
samples. It will provide the optimum sample processing for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
visual contamination methods such as Test Methods F312.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus and Materials
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Filtration Funnel.
D287 Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and
5.2 Membrane Filter Support—Either a fritted-glass,
Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method)
sintered-metal, polyphenyl-sulfone, or stainless steel screen
D1078 Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Or-
may be used. The support shall be so designed as to enable
ganic Liquids
attachment to a vacuum flask.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
5.3 Vacuum Flask.
5.4 Funnel-Holding Device—A provision should be made
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
for the dissipation of static electricity from the funnel.
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D02.96.06 on Practices and Techniques for Prediction and Determination of
5.5 Clean Bench or Hood—Supplied with unidirectional
Microscopic Wear and Wear-related Properties.
flow filtered air in which uncovered components may be
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
placed.
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7670 – 10 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/D7670-10R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7670 − 10 (2021)
5.6 Vacuum Source—Minimum vacuum gauge reading of 7. Preparation of Apparatus
61 kPa (or other metric units acceptable to ASTM).
7.1 Wash the apparatus thoroughly in a solution of liquid
5.7 Forceps—Unserrated tips. detergent and hot water and rinse with hot tap water (Note 2).
Rinse with filtered isopropyl alcohol to remove the water; then
5.8 Filtered Liquid Dispenser.
rinse twice with filtered solvent.
5.9 MembraneFilter—Poresizenogreaterthanhalfthesize
NOTE 2—Distilled or deionized water shall be used in areas where
of the smallest particle being considered for measurement.
hardness or contamination increase the blank count over the allowable
5.10 Petri Dishes—Glass. Plastic petri dishes may be used
level.
only if the selected plastic is known to be compatible with the
7.2 SampleBottlePrepara
...