Compressed Gas/Air System Testing
Compressed gas and dry air systems are critical process utlities which require routine maintenance and testing to confirm control of established cleanliness parameters. Contamination such as excessive moisture, oil, or particulate matter can negatively impact product quality, process reliability, and equipment performance. Maintaining these systems within specification is essential for facilities operating in regulated and high-reliability environments.
Serving the biopharma, medical device, healthcare, and food and beverage industries, TSS provides comprehensive compressed gas and compressed air testing aligned with ISO 8573 classifications, and applicable USP and industry requirements. We also offer consultation services to help clients determine appropriate parameters, maintenance strategies, and monitoring frequencies based on facility use, risk profile and regulatory expectations.
Mitigating contamination
|
Test Parameter |
In Accordance With |
|
Nonviable Particulate |
ISO 8573, ISO 14644, Custom |
|
Dew point (Moisture) |
ISO 8573, Custom |
|
Total Oil (Hydrocarbon) |
ISO 8573, Custom |
|
Viable Bioburden |
ISO 8573, ISO 14698, Custom |
|
Purity |
ISO 8573, Medical Grade, CGA, Military, USP, NFPA, Custom |
High particulate levels can adversely affect compressed gas and dry air systems, as well as the processes they support. ISO 8573 establishes purity classes for solid particulates, and through on-site sampling, TSS measures and reports total particulate concentrations at the applicable particle sizes to assess system condition and performance against defined criteria.
Excessive moisture can also contribute to system degradation and process failures. ISO 8573 defines multiple pressure dew point classifications, and TSS utilizes NIST-traceable digital dew point instruments to directly measure system pressure dew point, allowing real-time comparison to ISO classifications or facility-specific requirements.
Oil contamination may be introduced through compressor operation or system components. TSS collects total oil vapor and/or mist samples and provides laboratory analysis to quantify hydrocarbon content within compressed air or gas systems.
In addition, TSS offers gas purity testing and viable bioburden analysis, including aerobic and/or anaerobic sampling, to support applications requiring enhanced contamination control and documentation.
Not all testing is considered equal
ISO 8573 provides guidance on testing methodologies and performance considerations for compressed gas and compressed air systems. TSS offers testing services across all ISO 8573 purity classes, evaluating system performance against applicable industry standards, regulatory expectations, and client-defined requirements. Our ISO 9001-certified quality management system ensures testing is performed consistently, accurately, and under controlled procedures.
All testing includes documentation generated using eData, TSS’s proprietary, 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data collection software. Test documentation is provided at the time of service. An optional formal summary report, detailing test methods, associated diagrams, results, and consolidated conclusions, can also be prepared and customized to support audits, internal review, or regulatory submissions.
Technical Safety Services offers a full suite of additional compressed gas/dry air system maintenance services to support your facility's needs. Please contact your regional TSS office for additional information or call 866-280-3114 to schedule a free consultation.
With every service call, TSS offers you
- Responsive service to minimize downtime with our nationwide network of skilled technicians
- Customized documentation and technical writing services
- Online access to your equipment inventory and certification
- The assurance of an ISO 9001-certified quality system
Contact TSS today to schedule your compressed gas/air system certification.
