ISO 12103-1:2024

Road vehicles — Test contaminants for filter evaluation — Part 1: Arizona test dust

This document defines particle size distribution and chemical content limits involving five grades of test dust made from Arizona desert sand.

Véhicules routiers — Poussière pour l'essai des filtres — Partie 1: Poussière d'essai d'Arizona

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Jan-2024
• ICS: 43.060.20 - Pressure charging and air/exhaust gas ducting systems
• ICS: 43.060.40 - Fuel systems
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 34 - Propulsion, powertrain and powertrain fluids
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 34 - Propulsion, powertrain and powertrain fluids
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 23-Jan-2024
• Due Date: 28-Oct-2025
• Completion Date: 23-Jan-2024

Relations

• Revises: ISO 12103-1:2016 - Road vehicles — Test contaminants for filter evaluation — Part 1: Arizona test dust
• Effective Date: 29-Oct-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 12103-1
Third edition
Road vehicles — Test contaminants
2024-01
for filter evaluation —
Part 1:
Arizona test dust
Véhicules routiers — Poussière pour l'essai des filtres —
Partie 1: Poussière d'essai d'Arizona
Reference number
© ISO 2024
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test dust description . 1
5 Test dust designation . 2
6 Particle size distribution . 2
7 Chemical composition . 2
7.1 Typical chemical content of ISO specified Arizona test dusts .2
7.2 Chemical analysis methodology — X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) .3
Annex A (normative) Analysis equipment and operating procedure . 4
Annex B (informative) History of Arizona test dust . 8
Annex C (informative) Handling and preparation . 10
Bibliography .15

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee SC 34,
Propulsion, powertrain and powertrain fluids.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12103-1:2016), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— A0 (0 to 5) μm test dust was added.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12103 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
This document specifies five grades of test dusts made from Arizona desert sand composed of naturally
occurring compounds which motor vehicles are commonly subjected to. These test dusts are used to
determine performance of filtration systems. Due to the abrasive characteristics of these materials, they
have also been used in wear studies involving bearings, internal combustion engines and fuel injection
systems, seals, fan blades, windshield wipers, etc.
This document specifies particle size distribution of five grades of test dust by volume percent as opposed to
number characterization.
Dusts complying with volume distribution specified in this document are not appropriate for calibration of
particle counters. For this purpose, refer to ISO 11171.
This is an Arizona test dust standard, not other region document. Other dusts and documents can be brought
forward to the committee to be developed into a standard.

v
International Standard ISO 12103-1:2024(en)
Road vehicles — Test contaminants for filter evaluation —
Part 1:
Arizona test dust
1 Scope
This document defines particle size distribution and chemical content limits involving five grades of test
dust made from Arizona desert sand.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Test dust description
ISO test dusts according to this document are manufactured from Arizona desert sand. Arizona desert sand
is a naturally occurring contaminant consisting primarily of silicon dioxide with smaller amounts of other
compounds. It is collected from the Salt River area of Arizona desert and sized to specific particle size. Refer
to Annex B for the history of Arizona test dust and to Annex C for the proper handling of the material.
Arizona desert sand has also been referred to as Arizona road dust, Arizona test dust, Arizona silica, AC fine
or coarse test dust, and SAE fine or coarse test dust.
Bulk density of ISO test dusts made from Arizona sand varies with particle size (see Table 1).
Table 1 — Bulk density
Approximate bulk
Category density, kg/m
ISO (0 to 5) μm 500
ISO ultrafine 500
ISO fine 900
ISO medium 1 025
ISO coarse 1 200
5 Test dust designation
Arizona test dusts are available in five standard grades designated as follows:
— ISO 12103-1, A0 (0 to 5) μm test dust;
— ISO 12103-1, A1 ultrafine test dust;
— ISO 12103-1, A2 fine test dust;
— ISO 12103-1, A3 medium test dust;
— ISO 12103-1, A4 coarse test dust.
6 Particle size distribution
Particle size distribution is determined using a light scattering particle size analyser, as referenced in
ISO 13320.
Table 2 specifies cumulative volume particle size limits for ISO test dusts made from Arizona desert sand,
1)
when determined using a Microtrac Model S3500™ particle size analyser per Annex A.
When the different type analyser is employed by a test laboratory, the laboratory should generate suitable
correlation data between the analyser by which these powders are supplied to conform [Microtrac analyser]
and by the analyser adopted by the test laboratory.
Table 2 — Particle size distributions (volume % less than)
Size, micrometre A0 (0 to 5) μm A1 ultrafine A2 fine A3 medium A4 coarse
352,00 — — — — 100,0
248,90 — — — 100,0 99,0 to 100,0
176,00 — — 100,0 99,0 to 100,0 97,2 to 98,2
124,50 — — 99,0 to 100,0 97,2 to 98,6 93,0 to 94,0
88,00 — — 97,9 to 98,9 94,7 to 96,0 85,0 to 86,5
44,00 — — 89,5 to 91,5 82,0 to 83,5 58,0 to 60,0
22,00 100,0 100,0 73,5 to76,0 62,5 to 64,5 36,0 to 38,5
11,00 98,9 to 99,3 95,5 to 97,5 57,0 to 59,5 42,3 to 43,6 21,0 to 23,0
5,50 90,3 – 92,7 65,0 – 69,0 39,5 – 42,5 22,1 – 23,2 11,5 – 12,5
2,75 57,9 – 61,8 23,0 – 27,0 21,3 – 23,3 10,3 – 11,1 5,5 – 6,3
1,38 20,5 – 23,0 7,0 – 10,0 8,0 – 9,5 3,8 – 4,4 1,8 – 2,1
0,97 11,0 – 12,6 3,0 – 5,0 4,5 – 5,5 2,0 – 2,4 0,74 – 0,83
NOTE  Data shown per Table 2 was determined using the particle size analysis instrument indicated in Annex A. Use of any other
particle size analysis equipment will obtain different results.
7 Chemical composition
7.1 Typical chemical content of ISO specified Arizona test dusts
See Table 3.
1) Microtrac and Microtrac Model S3500 are trademarks. This information is given for the convenience of users of this
document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product named.

Table 3 — Chemical content
Element Percentage of mass
Silicon 69,0 to 77,0
Aluminium 8,0 to 14,0
Iron 4,0 to 7,0
Potassium 2,0 to 5,0
Calcium 2,5 to 5,5
Sodium 1,0 to 4,0
Magnesium 1,0 to 2,0
Titanium 0,0 to 1,0
7.2 Chemical analysis methodology — X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF)
Chemical analysis is performed using an X-ray fluorescence analyser per ASTM C114-15.

Annex A
(normative)
Analysis equipment and operating procedure
A.1 Particle size analyser
A.1.1 General
Particle size data of ISO specified Arizona test dusts as shown in Table 2, were determined using a Microtrac
TM
Model S3500 light scattering type analyser. Use of any other particle size analysis equipment will obtain
different results. Other particle size analysis instruments may be acceptable for analysis of test dust
products specified in this document, if suitability and correlation is determined between the Microtrac
TM
Model S3500 and the other analyser. Use of particle size analysis instruments other than the Microtrac
TM
Model S3500 will require a modified particle size analysis procedure.
TM
The Microtrac Model S3500 employs use of three light scattering lasers that are combined to produce the
resulting particle size distribution data. A tri-laser system uses precise angular measurement of scattered
light through a full 180° angular range with three lasers and two detector arrays. Analysis of scattered light
to determine particle size employs a Mie based unified angular scattering theory with a dynamic range of
0,02 μm to 2 800 μm (see Table A.1).
Normally, it is not acceptable to publish a manufacturer’s name or equipment identification. However, due
to the close tolerance of the specified particle size limits and variation between instruments by multiple
manufacturers, one particle size analysis instrument was defined for this specification.
Particle size distribution specified limits shown in Table 2 were derived from sample analysis of PTI
TM
manufactured test dust produced prior to May 1994 using three separate Microtrac Model S3500 light
scattering analysers.
TM
Table A.1 — Microtrac Model S3500 specifications
Item Specification
Measuring range 0,02 μm to 2 800 μm
Basic range Wet 0,7 μm to 1 000 μm
High range Wet 2,75 μm to 2 800 μm
Standard range Wet 0,24 μm to 1 400 μm
Special range Wet 0,086 μm to 1 400 μm
Extended range Wet 0,021 μm to 2 000 μm
Enhanced range Wet 0,021 μm to 2 800 μm
Precision Spherical glass beads D50 = 642 μm, Precision as CV = 0,7
Spherical glass beads D50 = 56 μm, Precision as CV = 1,0 %
Spherical latex beads D50 = 0,4 μm, Precision as CV = 0,6 %
Lasers Wavelength 780 nm
TTabablele A A.11 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Item Specification
Power 3 mW nominal
Detection system Two fixed photo-electric detectors with logarithmically spaced segments placed at
correct angles for optimal scattered light detection. 0,02° to 163° using 151 detector
segments.
Data handling Volume, number and area distributions as well as percentile and other summary data.
TM
Data are stored in ODBC format in encrypted Microsoft Access Databases to ensure
compatibility with external statistical software applications. Data integrity may be
ensured using FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant security features including password
protection, electronic signatures and assignable permissions.
TM
A.1.2 Microtrac Model S3500 particle size analysis procedure
A.1.2.1 Sample preparation
Typical sample preparation is as follows.
a) It is important to ensure the sample taken is representative of the lot of test dust to be tested and mixed
well before placing into a clean 20 ml to 50 ml sample vial.
b) Obtain a clean vial and add the required representative sample quantity based on Table A.2.
TM
Table A.2 — Microtrac Model S3500 sample weights
ISO grade Sample amount in mg
ISO 0 to 5 8 to 10
ISO ultrafine 14 to 16
ISO fine 29 to 31
ISO medium 39 to 41
ISO coarse 54 to 56
c) Add one drop of dispersant to the vial. It is very important that dispersant used does not create bubbles.
d) Add approximately 10 ml distilled water to the vial and mix by gently moving the vial in a circular
motion. Avoid creating bubbles.
e) Place sample vial and contents in an external low power ultrasonic bath, having a water depth of 2 cm,
for 30 s. The ultrasonic bath should be in the range of 50 W to 100 W, 50 kHz to 80 kHz. Do not use the
Microtrac internal ultrasonic as it may cause bubbles.
A.1.2.2 Analyser software sample set-up
Analyser software sample set-up is done as follows.
a) Open the Microtrac FLEX software program.
b) Click “Measure” on the main program window and select S3500/S3000.
c) Click “File” and select “Open Measurement Database”, select appropriate database for the material being
analysed.
d) Click “SOP” (Standard Operating Procedure) icon on the measure toolbar. Click Options button to setup
appropriate measurement setup parameters. Set measurement parameters per the followings:
1) Timing tab is set as follows:
— set zero time = 30 s;
— run time = 30 s;
— number of runs = 3.
2) Identifier tab is used to enter general information if desired.
3) Analysis tab is set using the following tabs:
i) Particle information tab:
I) select refractive index of 1,51 and save with the appropriate particle name.
II) particle characteristics box:
— set transparency; transparent;
— set shape; irregular.
ii) Fluid information tab:
— select fluid; water;
— select refractive index; 1,333.
iii) Analysis options tab:
— select S3000 from Analysis Mode drop down list;
— select enabled standard from filter drop down list.
iv) Sample loading tab is used to enter user defined loading index limits for each grade per
Table A.3.
TM
Table A.3 — Microtrac Model S3500 loading index limits
ISO grade Loading index limits
ISO (0 to 5) μm 0,90 to 0,91
ISO ultrafine 0,89 to 0,90
ISO fine 0,86 to 0,87
ISO medium 0,86 to 0,87
ISO coarse 0,87 to 0,88
v) Perspective tab is set as follows:
— select Geom 4 root from progression drop down list;
— select volume from the distribution drop down list.
vi) SDC tab is set as follows:
I) SDC options; Set the following parameters:
— number of rinses = 3;
— number of deaerate cycles = 3;
— flow = 55.
II) click OK button when all parameters have been entered.

III) enter appropriate name in the SOP name to save or delete box on the measurement SOP
dialogue box and then click the save button.
e) Open the identifiers (ID) tab. Set the identifiers per the following:
1) enter material description in the title section, i.e. ISO 12103-1, A2 fine test dust.
2) enter ID in first l
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