A critical step in the precision cleaning process is cleanliness verification testing, which ensures that cleaned parts and components meet the determined cleanliness level as noted in the specification. Our proprietary process, equipment and facility allows us to attain extremely low cleanliness levels such as Particulate Level 50 and Non-Volatile Residue of R5E-2 (formerly A/20) of the IEST STD CC1246E Specification.
To ensure cleanliness, we verify levels using optical particle counters and gravimetric NVR equipment, photoionization detectors for solvent detection and dryness verification and digital dew-point meters for water dryness verification. Additionally, we use fume hoods, laminar flow hoods, and a complete wet chemistry laboratory for research and development which complements the cleaning and testing services.
Whether cleaning and confirming particulate levels, non-volatile residue levels, or other contamination limits, Astro Pak is expertly equipped to meet your precision cleaning and verification needs. We also routinely consult and perform projects that require highest cleanliness levels.
| Level (μg/cm2 or μg/0.1cm3) | Former Designation Level | Maximum allowable NVR limit mass / 0.1 m2 or mass / 0.1 L |
|---|---|---|
| R1E-5 | AA5 | 10 ng |
| R2E-5 | AA4.7 | 20 ng |
| R5E-5 | AA4.3 | 50 ng |
| R1E-4 | AA4 | 100 ng |
| R2E-4 | AA3.7 | 200 ng |
| R5E-4 | AA3.3 | 500 ng |
| R1E-3 | AA3 | 1 μg |
| R2E-3 | AA2.7 | 2 μg |
| R5E-3 | AA2.3 | 5 μg |
| R1E-2 | A / 100 | 10 μg |
| R2E-2 | A / 50 | 20 μg |
| R5E-2 | A / 20 | 50 μg |
| R1E-1 | A / 10 | 100 μg |
| R2E-1 | A / 5 | 200 μg |
| R5E-1 | A / 2 | 500 μg |
| R1 | A | 1 mg |
| R2 | B | 2 mg |
| R3 | C | 3 mg |
| R4 | D | 4 mg |
| R5 | E | 5 mg |
| R7 | F | 7 mg |
| R10 | G | 10 mg |
| R15 | H | 15 mg |
| R25 | J | 25 mg |
Testing Methods
- Components & Hardware
- Valves (Relief, Ball, Butterfly, Needle, Gate, etc)
- Gauges (Pressure, Flow meter, Hydraulic, Cryogenic)
- Fittings, Fasteners
- Filters & Filter Housings
- Transducers & Sensors
- Equipment or sub-systems
- Oxygen & Critical Gas / LOX Tubing and Componentry
- Laser & Optics Componentry
- Hydraulic componentry
- Medical devices
- Aircraft, Space and Military Componentry
- Heat Exchangers
- Pipe, Tubing and Hoses
- Spools, Flanges, Gaskets
- Tanks, vessels
- Manifolds
- Miscellaneous Assemblies
- Laser
- Aerospace, Military & Defense
- Oil & Gas
- Medical Devices
Particle Count
measures the numbers and sizes of particles remaining on the surface.
Non-Volatile Residue (NVR)
The measurement of residues, which are mostly oils and greases, which remain on the cleaned surface.
Total Filterable Solids (TFS)
Similar to a Particle Count, we collectively weigh to determine the total mass using the same precision analytical microbalance used in the NVR measurement.
Dewpoint
This measurement is capable of detecting trace amounts of moisture and quantifying them, allowing us to determine the exact state of dryness of the hardware, assuring that no excess moisture remains.
Solvent Removal
This is the assurance that no solvent remains behind after the cleaning and contaminant extraction processes are completed.
Ultraviolet Light Inspection
Used to certify the residue cleanliness of a critical surface in instances where no fluid may touch the surface. It can also be used as a supplemental test.
Table 1. Particulate Cleanliness Levels
| IEST-STD-CC1246E Level (Maximum Particle Count) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| min (μm) | max (μm) | 25 | 50 | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 750 | 1000 |
| 5 | 15 | 19 | 141 | 1519 | ||||||
| 15 | 25 | 2 | 17 | 186 | 2949 | |||||
| 25 | 50 | 1 | 6 | 67 | 1069 | 6433 | ||||
| 50 | 100 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 154 | 926 | 3583 | 10716 | ||
| 100 | 250 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
15
(Note 3) |
92 | 359 | 1073 | 8704 | |
| 250 | 500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2
(Note 3) |
8
(Note 3) |
25 | 205 | 983 |
| 500 | 750 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 33 |
| 750 | 1000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 1000 | 1250 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Note that particles are counted down to a size of five μm, which cannot be seen with the unaided eye. This entire process is termed a particle count.
Trust the Experts
Astro Pak Corporation has over 60 years of experience in cleaning and packaging precision clean hardware. Whether its small components or huge vessels we can clean it all! Our packaging services also meet the requirements of literally hundreds of industry specifications. This includes aerospace contractors, ULA, NASA, the Department of Defense, and many private industries and organizations.
To ensure quality packaging of hardware, all plastic films are precision cleaned, tested for contaminants and certified prior to use. Our material is capable of protecting parts during transportation and handling, resistant to punctures and tearing. It is also free from generating contaminants such as particles from friction between the material itself and the part inside.
We provide cleanliness verification testing services at both of our CA and FL Cleanroom Services locations which are AS9100 certified and feature ISO 14644-1 Class 5, 6, or 7 cleanrooms and labs of varying sizes and capabilities. In addition to Cleaning and Packaging, we also allow customers to come onsite and assemble their own parts after cleaning.
Astro Pak commits to providing customers with the level of excellence they expect and deserve by:
- Advanced Chemistry & Process Technology
- Highly Trained Personnel delivering superior consulting services
- Rapid Response
- State of the Art Equipment and Locations Nationwide
- Superior Documentation (Meeting cGMP Requirements)
Our Certification packages are QMS/cGMP compliant for your systems and equipment maintenance records. Let our experienced and credentialed team of chemists, engineers, and other professionals on staff EXCEED your expectations. Contact us today for more information.