Introduction: Why standard ISO 8573 is important for production operation
Compressed air is used in many production processes, from gas equipment to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. However, the quality of this air determines the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the equipment. Standard ISO 8573 establishes a classification of air quality, which allows reducing maintenance costs, extending the service life of the equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
Application range and requirements
Standard ISO 8573:2010 establishes the classification of air pressure taking into account contamination levels, such as various types of solid particles, moisture, oil and gases. It applies to systems that use air for operation in automatic processes, including industry, energy, food industry and pharmaceuticals.
Main requirements: table of main duties
| Class | Maximum concentration of solid particles (mg/m³) | Humidity (mg/m³) | Oil (mg/m³) | Gas (ppm) | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 1 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 1 | 10 |
| Class 2 | 10 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 10 | 10 |
| Class 3 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 10 |
| Class 4 | 1000 | 10 | 10 | 1000 | 10 |
| Class 5 | 10 000 | 100 | 100 | 10 000 | 10 |
These classes define the level of contamination allowed for different types of equipment. For example, high-precision processing requires the use of class 1 or 2, while ordinary systems may operate with class 4 or 5.
Impact on MRO operations: changes in servicing, purchasing and documentation
Execution ISO 8573 requires changes in maintenance, filter selection, testing and documentation. Maintenance should be regular, with control of air quality, use of filters appropriate to the class, and storage of historical test data.
Component requirements: which spare parts must comply with certification requirements
Filters, plugs, dryers, pressure regulators and valves must comply with the requirements of ISO 8573.. They must have CE and UkrSEPRO certificates, as well as comply with the standards DSTU 3048:2016 and EN 12021:2010. Each spare part must be certified and have technical specifications complying with the requirements.
Compliance Check: Practical Checklist for Maintenance Managers
- Check whether the air quality class is installed according to ISO 8573.
- Check that all filters meet the requirements of the class established for the system.
- Conduct annual quality air testing using devices certified according to ISO 8573.
- Record the test results in the maintenance log.
- Check that all component certificates are compliant with CE, UkrSEPRO, DSTU, EN.
- Store the air quality testing history for 5 years.
- Perform regular checks for contamination leakage.
- Set the filter maintenance schedule according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Conduct training for staff on the requirements ISO 8573.
- Use components that are manufactured in accordance with the requirements ISO 8573.
- Check whether the diagrams and schematics of the system meet the requirements ISO 8573.
- Mark compliance in the equipment documentation.
- Keep the compliance history for audits.
- Perform annual compliance audits ISO 8573.
- Establish an action plan in case of detection of non-compliance.
- Use certified components that comply with ISO 8573.
- Check whether the technical maintenance of the filters has been carried out in time.
- Mark compliance in the technical documentation.
- Perform checks on air consumption and filtration efficiency.
- Use parts that meet the requirements ISO 8573.
Common problems that auditors identify
- Use of filters not meeting the class requirements.
- Lack of compliance documentation.
- Incorrect air quality testing.
- Lack of regular filter maintenance.
- Errors in filter selection for a specific class.
- Use of non-certified components.
- Insufficient storage of historical test data.
- Absence of staff training.
- Failure to perform filter maintenance plan.
- Incorrect use of diagrams and schematics.
Sanctions and liability for violations
Violation of ISO 8573 may result in sanctions from 500 to 5000 UAH, depending on the level of compliance and the average level of costs. In case of violation, there may be refusal of insurance, penalties from equipment manufacturers, as well as liability for damages caused by the violation of requirements. In case of violation, there may be a requirement to perform additional maintenance and an increase in repair costs.
Conclusion: Contact UNITEC-D for certified components
Compliance with ISO 8573 is important for ensuring the safety, efficiency and economic viability of production. Selection of certified components and proper maintenance will ensure compliance with requirements. UNITEC-D GmbH provides spare parts that comply with standards ISO 8573, CE, UkrSEPRO and DSTU. Select components that meet your requirements on UNITEC-D E-Catalog.
Sources
- ISO 8573:2010 — Air Pressure — Classification
- DSTU 3048:2016 — Air, compressed — Quality
- EN 12021:2010 — Air, compressed — Quality
- UkrSEPRO — Standards and Certification in Ukraine
- Certificates CE, UkrSEPRO, DSTU for components UNITEC-D
