This article does not address the approach to testing due to the diversity of compressor design, size, and variability and approach to testing. Professional and experienced assistance is recommended to ensure compliance to the ISO Standard 8573 and ultimately interpretation of results.

References

1. International Standard ISO 8573-1: 2001 Compressed Air- Part 1: Contaminants and Purity Classes
2. Testing Compressed Air Lines for microbiological contamination, Controlled Environments Magazine Vol.9 No. 5, May 2006.

Rudy Pina is President of Dynatec Scientific Laboratories, Inc. He has 30 years of laboratory experience in the medical device industry, and most recently has acquired third party recognition for air compressor certification for ISO 8573 in accordance with TUV SUD America. Dynatec is located at 11940 Golden Gate Road, El Paso, Texas 79936; (915)849-1322; www.dynatec-labs.com.