icountBS Bottle Sampler Manual
33
GB
Sample handling and preparation
BOTTLE CLEANLINESS
Bottles should have sealing screw caps, with both parts cleaned to a suitable level in accordance
with ISO3722.
Standard Parker Hannifin bottles (ACC6NW001 (2-pack) and ACC6NW002 (50-pack)) are supplied
clean to ISO 13/11 or better in a Class 10,000 Clean Room. The bottle should remain capped until
the time of sample filling and be re-capped immediately afterwards.
SAMPLE MIXING
Sedimentation of contaminant in a sample will occur, the rate of which is dependent upon both the
fluid and particle characteristics.
Visually check the fluid sample for any large particles before testing by holding up to a light source. If
you can see large contaminants, you may want to reconsider if the sample is suitable for testing by
the icountBS.
Other methods of sample agitation have not been provided, as they are likely to inconsistently
distort the analysis of results. Where facilities are available, mixing can be achieved using ‘paint
shakers’ and/or an ultrasonic bath. Take care when using ultrasonic baths to avoid distortion of the
result by prolonged use, which could cause the breakdown of contaminants.
Bottle samples can be sufficiently stirred by swirling and tumbling by hand, end-over-end. Samples
should be analysed, without delay, once agitated.
NOTE: Air bubbles are counted as contamination and may affect test results. High
viscosity fluids may take longer to degas. For further information, please contact
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.
RESULTS
The first result from a bottle sample should be disregarded, as it could be distorted by fluid from a
previous sample.
Samples from different parts of a system will give different results. Consideration should be given to
what monitoring is desired and where to extract samples from for trend monitoring to be performed.
Ensure that there is a minimum of 30ml of sample fluid left in the bottle at the end of the test to
avoid any air being drawn into the icountBS system. If this minimum level has not been maintained,
please flush through with a new sample of at least 50ml.
NOTE: If there is a spillage of test fluids in the chamber, please clean the icountBS
with a clean lint-free cloth, with any appropriate cleaning fluids being applied to the
cloth.
It is important that whatever practices you adopt, you must perform them consistently.
