The Future of Hydraulic Oil Cleanliness Monitoring#

(light obscuration)distinguish between contamination types or identify contamination sourcesiso4406Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA)quantitative and qualitativeISO 21018-1Dynamic Imaging to become the new standard

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short#

Light obscuration particle counting (calibrated to ISO 11171)

  • Inability to Differentiate Contaminants – Light blockage methods only count particles but cannot determine if they are metal debris, fibers, water droplets, or gels.
  • False Positives – Air bubbles and soft contaminants can interfere with light extinction measurements, leading to inaccurate contamination levels.
  • Limited Particle Size Range – Many traditional particle counters struggle with very small (<4µm) and very large (>100µm) particles.
  • Clogging – Traditional light obscuration systems can become easily clogged with large particles requiring them to have internal filters that prevent cloging but will also prevent detection of large particles.
  • Accuracy Concerns – Traditional particle counters will mathematically adjust the particle count based on the assumption of coincidence.  This is the assumption that based on size of the particles, there will be some that statistically be at the same place at the same time and may be counted as a larger particle than it really is.
  • Limited Versatility – Traditional particle counters are single-pass detection systems.  Once the sample is measured, it is dropped into waste where recovering the sample for further analysis is difficult.
  • No Visual Evidence – Without images, maintenance teams lack direct evidence of the contamination type and source.

The Dynamic Imaging Advantage#

Figure showing the principle of operation behind dynamic image analysisDynamic Image Analysis (DIA)clear, visual representationDIA captures high-resolution imagescontamination source identification

Key Benefits of Dynamic Imaging for Contamination Monitoring:#

At-Line and Real-Time Contamination Identificationwear debris, dirt, fibers, gels, and water droplets or air bubblesSame Reporting CodesISO 4406 reporting codesSame Counting and ConcentrationClassify ParticlesALL measured particlesParticle classification for oilparticle classification thumbnailsBetter Decision-Making for Maintenanceroot cause of contaminationReduction in False PositivesDIA improves contamination accuracyCompliance with ISO 21018-1valid alternative methodEasy AdaptabilityVersatile SamplingCalibration Standards

Feature Dynamic Imaging (ISO 21018-1) Light Obscuration (ISO 11171)
Particle Identification Yes, with thumbnail images No, only counts
Shape Analysis Yes, to differentiate particles No
Contaminant Source ID Yes, with objective evidence images No
False Positive Reduction Yes, filters out air bubbles No, cannot differentiate
Applicable to All Fluids Yes, can operate with limited opaque fluids. Limited to clear fluids
ISO Standard Compliance ISO 21018-1 ISO 11171

The Market Shift: Why Industries are Adopting DIA#

hydraulic systems, fuel quality, and lubrication maintenanceDynamic ImagingDIA technologyFuel and Lubrication Monitoringcleanliness standardsreal-time Manufacturing & Industrial Equipmentprecise contamination trackingHydraulic Systems & Heavy Machineryefficiency and longevityLaboratory & R&D Applicationsdetailed particle characterization

The Future of Fluid Cleanliness: A New Industry Standard#

ISO 21018-1alternative monitoring technologiesDynamic Imaging is positioned to become the new industry standarddeeper contamination insights, improved accuracy, and real-time imagingDIA is revolutionizing the way industries monitor and manage fluid cleanlinessThe future of contamination monitoring is here! Explore how Dynamic Imaging can transform your fluid cleanliness strategy.www.ParticleShape.comwww.ParticleShape.comCheck out our Hydraulic Oil Testing Guide

PARTICLE SHAPE APPLICATION EXAMPLE: Oil Contaminants

Fuel and Lubrication Edition

View our Blog post on Particulates in Fuel and Lubricating Oils here.