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1.1 This classification identifies a concise code which can be used by imaging instruments for reporting of solid particles and insoluble water content in hydrocarbon-based petroleum products. The coding system includes the reporting of water content and particle counts in the ≥1 µm range.

1.2 It is valid for imaging instruments measuring particle size by projected equivalent particle diameter (see 3.1.1), and which are calibrated and verified using particle size and count standards traceable to NIST.2

1.3 Due to the variation of method and instrument types and resolutions, the reporting of results will include the ASTM standard used to conduct the analysis.

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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 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.

4.1 The purpose of this code is to simplify the reporting of solid particle counts and water droplet concentrations present in petroleum products when measured by imaging instruments. Industry is accustomed to using a three number code to report contamination levels and so this reporting method for imaging instruments is presented to organize results in a similar format.

4.2 Particle count results as described by this classification are reported per the preferred number ranges in Table 1. Preferred numbers were originally developed by Charles Renard and codified in ISO 3. This format is the preferred reporting format since ISO 4406 has no ability to report water.

4.3 Imaging instruments are capable of identifying insoluble water droplets separate from solids, and therefore a suffix code is added after the three (or four) solid particle codes to report water content in parts per million (ppm (v)). To report water content, detected droplets will be converted to ppm (v). The distribution of water droplet size may be reported if it is useful, but it is not required.