SETA AvCount Lube Particle Counter SA1900-0

Overview

The SETA AvCount Lube Particle Counter SA1900-0 is a fully automated optical particle counter engineered for high-precision contamination analysis of in-service industrial oils. It operates on the principle of light obscuration (LO), where particles suspended in a pressurized fluid stream pass through a focused laser beam; each particle generates a transient reduction in detected light intensity proportional to its cross-sectional area. This signal is digitized and classified into standardized size channels (e.g., ≥4 µm(c), ≥6 µm(c), ≥14 µm(c), ≥21 µm(c), ≥38 µm(c), ≥70 µm(c)) in accordance with ISO 11171 calibration requirements. Designed specifically for demanding lubricant and hydraulic fluid applications, the SA1900-0 integrates a built-in pressure pump capable of delivering stable, pulse-free flow across viscosities up to 400 cSt—eliminating the need for external dilution or heating for most used oil samples.

Key Features

• Optical detection system calibrated per ISO 11171 and ISO 11500, traceable to NIST-traceable reference materials
• FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) wetted seals resistant to aggressive synthetic base stocks including polyalphaolefins (PAO), polyglycols (PAG), and phosphate esters
• Integrated high-stability pressure pump with programmable flow control (15–45 mL/min), ensuring repeatable sample delivery under defined differential pressure
• Dual operating modes: fully autonomous standalone operation with onboard display and keypad, or PC-integrated control via ProTrend software
• Automated air purge and system flush sequence between analyses to minimize carryover and cross-contamination
• Real-time particle count reporting aligned with multiple international coding standards—including ISO 4406:2017, NAS 1638 Class, AS 4059F Level, and SAE AS4059

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SA1900-0 is validated for direct analysis of undiluted, high-viscosity fluids without pre-filtration or thermal conditioning. It supports routine testing of turbine oils, engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids (mineral and synthetic), and transformer insulating oils. Its mechanical and optical architecture complies with the physical sampling and counting requirements of IP 565, ASTM D7647 (Standard Test Method for Determining Particle Contamination in Mineral Oil-Based Hydraulic Fluids Using Automatic Particle Counters), and NB/SH/T 0868 (Chinese standard for particle contamination in lubricating oils). All calibration and verification procedures adhere to ISO 11171 for sensor resolution and sizing accuracy, while data integrity protocols support GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when operated under ProTrend with user access controls and electronic signature capability.

Software & Data Management

ProTrend software provides comprehensive instrument control, method configuration, real-time data visualization, and regulatory-compliant reporting. It enables creation of multi-step test sequences—including automatic zero-check, calibration verification, and scheduled maintenance alerts. Raw count data are stored with full metadata (operator ID, timestamp, sample ID, instrument status flags) in encrypted SQLite databases. Export formats include CSV, PDF reports compliant with ISO 4406 coding conventions, and XML files compatible with enterprise LIMS platforms. When deployed in regulated environments, ProTrend supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through role-based permissions, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs for all critical actions—including result modification, calibration events, and user logins.

Applications

• Condition monitoring of rotating machinery lubricants in power generation, marine propulsion, and aerospace hydraulics
• Acceptance testing of new oil batches against OEM cleanliness specifications (e.g., ISO 4406 Class 13/11/8)
• Filter performance validation per ISO 16889 and ISO 11171
• Root cause analysis of component wear in gearboxes, servo valves, and bearing systems
• Supporting predictive maintenance programs by trending particle counts and size distributions over time
• Compliance verification for military and defense applications governed by GJB 420A–1996 and GJB 420B–2006

FAQ

Does the SA1900-0 require sample dilution for high-viscosity oils?
No—its integrated pressure pump and optimized flow cell design enable direct analysis of oils up to 400 cSt without dilution or heating.

How is calibration maintained between runs?
The system performs an automated zero-check before each analysis using filtered solvent, and optional periodic verification with ISO 11171-certified latex sphere suspensions is supported via ProTrend.

Can the instrument be integrated into a central laboratory network?
Yes—ProTrend supports TCP/IP communication, remote desktop access, and scheduled data synchronization with shared network drives or cloud-based repositories.

Is FFKM sealing compatible with aviation hydraulic fluid Skydrol®?
Yes—FFKM elastomers exhibit exceptional resistance to phosphate ester-based fluids such as Skydrol®, making the SA1900-0 suitable for aerospace maintenance labs.

What particle size channels are reported by default?
Standard reporting includes ≥4 µm(c), ≥6 µm(c), ≥14 µm(c), ≥21 µm(c), ≥38 µm(c), and ≥70 µm(c), with optional user-defined thresholds configurable in ProTrend.