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WHEN TO FILTER MACHINE SYSTEMS

When to Intervene
Particle Counting is one of four tests performed on fluids as part of Caterpillar's S.O.S program. It is designed as
a measuring tool to indicate a level of particulate contamination per given unit of oil. Normal system contamination
levels will vary from machine to machine due to application and contamination (dirt) variables. Together,
variations in vehicle application conditions and Particle Count accuracy make it harder to decide "What is
contaminated?" The following information is designed to help machine managers decide when and how to
intervene. The subsequent activities or intervention into the diagnosis and cause of the elevated level of
contamination is best placed in the service providers hands.
Intervention
When is it appropriate to intervene, or take corrective action, based on particle count testing results? Intervention
measures should be taken any time the particle count analysis shows a sudden increase or change in the 'normal'
contamination level. The 'normal' operating contamination level for any system should always be maintained at or
below the Caterpillar Recommended Cleanliness Targets.
Normal Operating Level - When trending particle count results, a particular system contamination
level can be identified. Without added system dirt ingression caused by poor maintenance practices
or worn/damaged machine parts, the fluid system filter will maintain a 'normal' contamination level.
Recommended Contamination Levels - Through fluid system testing and accepted industry wide
contamination targets, a maximum contamination level has been established for various machine
systems (see "Caterpillar Recommended Cleanliness Targets" below). If a system is maintained at
or below this target, the system should not see any harmful effects from contamination throughout
its engineered life.

Caterpillar Recommended Cleanliness Targets

Hydraulic Systems (Implement &

ISO 18/15
Steering)

Vehicles With Electronic

ISO 18/15
Controled Transmissions

Vehicles With Mechanical

ISO 21/17
Transmissions

Fill oils ISO 16/13

Non-Pressurized, Non-Filtered Compartments. Target To

Be Established

Although older technology machines may not be able to consistently maintain the recommended cleanliness
targets of today's advanced models, the same contamination control intervention measures and subsequent
service procedures should be used on all Caterpillar products.
There are several dealer/customer actions when addressing elevated levels of system contamination. Here are
four examples:

Further S.O.S analysis, including particle count, for diagnosis and verification of contaminant level and
possible source.
Problem solving and inspection to find the cause of elevated levels.
Kidney Loop Filtration, High Efficiency Filters, Oil Changes, Complete System Flushing.

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Post repair S.O.S analysis, including particle count, for Quality Control before returning the vehicle to
service.
Particle Count
Depending on a machines preventative maintenance and general service situation, two possible scenarios of
recommended intervention levels can be applicable:
Note: The following contaminant level information will be specified as per ISO 4406.
For further information on ISO and how it relates to particle counting, refer to
PEJT5025 'Reporting Particle Count by ISO Code'.
Intervention When Particle Count Trending Exists
For vehicles where the normal operating cleanliness level has been clearly established by regular Particle Count
trending, Caterpillar recommends intervention any time the contaminant level rises two or more ISO Codes from
the normal operating contamination levels.
Example:
The recommended minimum cleanliness level of Caterpillar hydraulic systems is ISO 18/15. From
the trended SOS history of this machine, its hydraulic system has operated consistently at ISO
15/12. The particle count suddenly rises to ISO 17/14 or a two-level jump. Intervention at this time is
appropriate. The two level jump of either number in the contamination level, is an indication that
something in the system is out of the normal range of operation. The same applies to other two-level
jumps such as ISO 18/15 to ISO 20/17.
Intervention When No Particle Count Trending Exists

If a vehicle has not been enrolled in S.O.S, then particle count trending data will not be available. When a system
is tested for particle contamination levels, intervention may be appropriate if the particle count test results indicate
two levels above the Recommended Cleanliness Targets. To confirm that action or intervention is necessary, a
second sample is recommended for verification.
Example:
The recommended minimum cleanliness target for Caterpillar hydraulic systems is ISO 18/15.
Intervention measures should be taken when the system particle count testing indicates an
increased level of ISO 20/17 or a two level jump in either number. However , since there is no
trending data available, we suggest at least a second Particle Count sample to verify the ISO 20/17
reading (see intervention measures above). As another example, in an older transmission system,
the maximum recommended operating cleanliness level is ISO 21/17. Intervention measures should
be taken when system contamination testing indicates a reading of ISO 23/19.

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19/02/2014