Reporting to V

If your ISO 16232 cleanliness limit code is CCC = V(C-E15/F-G10/H-I4/J-K00) then you are reporting to V or Standard Volume which means reporting to a wetted volume of 100cm3. Typically, the best fit for Volume based testing is when you are actually testing a fluid since 100cm3 is the same as 100 milliliters. You will however find some parts with limits requiring reporting to V or Standard Volume in which case it is generally talking about wetted part volume. Be mindful that our lab has seen rare instances where the limit called for reporting to V and the interior surfaces of the part were defined as the test surfaces but the volume being reported to was actually the cavity within the part through which fluid circulated. Yes it can be confusing. Due to seemingly more “custom variations” than other reporting modes our best advice when your part cleanliness limits require reporting to V is to seek out complete definition so that you are able to correctly report per the definition. The Contamination Level code found in Table 2 of ISO 16232-10 is used when reporting to V or Standard Volume. Total Particle Count in the various size ranges and also the mathematically determined Standardized Particle Count (per 100cm3) should both be displayed on the report. When gravimetric results (Mass of contamination) are also given on a “reported to V” ISO 16232 report they should be reported by mathmetical extrapolaton to V as well so that milligrams per 100cm3 are shown and clearly labelled as such.