PAMAS has played a central role in launching the world’s first commercially available ISO 11171:2022-calibrated particle counter certified for operation in explosive atmospheres.
In partnership with The ATEX Particle Counting Company (APCC), formerly Reynolds Contamination Control, we are proud that the new S50-P-Z1 and OLS50-P-Z1 systems are already attracting significant global interest.
At the core of these innovations are PAMAS ISO 11171-calibrated sensors, the only calibrated particle-counting technology on the market suitable for oils, fuels, saltwater, and water-based fluids while fully compliant with ATEX, IECEx and UKEX requirements. This capability gives APCC access to previously unreachable sectors including oil & gas, shipbuilding, green energy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food processing, mining, and traditional energy generation.
A Step Change for Hazardous Locations
Historically, particle counting in Zone 1 explosive atmospheres—such as offshore platforms, airport refuelling zones and petrochemical facilities—required samples to be manually collected and transported off-site to laboratories due to the risks of using electrical devices in these environments. Through APCC’s collaboration with Italian Exd specialists MAM, and the engineering work led by APCC Engineering Director Peter Remmert, this barrier has now been removed. Together, we have developed an explosion-proof aluminium or AISI 316L enclosure that safely houses the advanced S50-P-Z1 and OLS50-P-Z1 particle counters, enabling live on-site data and full cloud connectivity.
System Overview
The S50-P-Z1 and OLS50-P-Z1 are fully automatic Exd optical particle-counting systems using a laser-diode light source for continuous cleanliness monitoring. They report contamination in accordance with ISO 4406:2021, SAE AS 4059G, and provide particle counts across eight size channels.
Key Features & Benefits
- High-performance laser-based technology with eight size channels for precise real-time measurement.
- Flexible integration via PLC or cloud-based systems.
- Clear LED display showing ISO 4406:2021 codes for >4 μm(c), >6 μm(c), >14 μm(c) and SAE AS4059 (six size classes).
- PAMAS volumetric cell design ensures 100% flow measurement with maximum accuracy and repeatability.
- Real-time reporting of particle counts and distributions to PC or PLC; optional software provides data storage, trend analysis, tables and graphs.
- High reliability with trend monitoring and early-warning capability to reduce operational downtime.
- Individually calibrated and certified to ISO 11171:2022.
- Advanced water content measurement via the highly accurate iocto NP330F sensor (ppm).
- Certified safety classification: II 2 GD Ex db IIC T6 Gb / Ex tb IIIC T85°C Db IP66
A Milestone Built on Collaboration
The S50-P-Z1 and OLS50-P-Z1 represent more than technological progress—they demonstrate the strength and value of true partnership. Through the combined expertise of PAMAS, APCC, and international Ex specialists, we have created a solution that not only delivers laboratory-grade measurement accuracy, but also raises global safety standards for fluid monitoring in hazardous environments.
These systems stand as proof that pioneering engineering and strong collaboration can transform operational practices in the world’s most demanding industries.
