Measurement, Verification, and Costs

Measurement Methods

To verify ISO 8573-1 compliance, standardized methods are used:

Contaminant	Measurement method	Reference standard
Particles	Laser particle counter	ISO 8573-4
Water	Dew point hygrometer	ISO 8573-3
Oil	Sampling + laboratory analysis	ISO 8573-2

Measure under real conditions

Measurements should be taken under normal operating conditions, not ideal test conditions.

Verification Frequency

Application	Recommended frequency
Pharmaceutical	Continuous or daily
Food & Beverage	Weekly to monthly
Electronics	Weekly
General industrial	Quarterly to annual

Cost vs. Quality

Class	Relative cost	Application
1.2.1	$$$$$	Critical
1.4.1	$$$$	High demand
2.4.2	$$$	Demanding
4.6.4	$$	General
No treatment	$	Very basic

Recommendation

Don't over-specify. Class 1.2.1 for the entire plant is expensive and unnecessary. Use differentiated quality: basic air for general plant use and point-of-use treatment where required.

Differentiated Quality Strategy

Instead of treating all air to the highest class, consider:

1. Main network: Class 4.6.4 (basic treatment)
2. Critical points: Additional local treatment to achieve required class

Benefits:

• Lower initial investment
• Lower operating costs
• Simplified maintenance
• Flexibility for future changes