ASTM E1216-99(2005)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E1216–99 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Practice for
Sampling for Particulate Contamination by Tape Lift
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1216; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice covers procedures for sampling surfaces to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
determine the presence of particulate contamination, 5 µm and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
larger. The practice consists of the application of a pressure-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sensitive tape to the surface followed by the removal of
particulate contamination with the removal of the tape. The
2. Referenced Documents
tape with the adhering particles is then mounted on counting
2.1 ASTM Standards:
slides.Countingandmeasuringofparticlesisdonebystandard
E 595 Test Method for Total Mass Loss and Collected
techniques.
Volatile Condensable Materials from Outgassing in a
1.2 This practice describes the materials and equipment
Vacuum Environment
required to perform sampling of surfaces for particle counting
F 312 Methods for Microscopical Sizing and Counting
and sizing.
Particles from Aerospace Fluids on Membrane Filters
1.3 The criteria for acceptance or rejection of a part for
2.2 Federal Standard:
conformance to surface cleanliness level requirements shall be
Federal Standard 595 Color
determined by the user and are not included in this practice.
1.4 This practice is for use on surfaces that are not damaged
3. Significance and Use
by the application of adhesive tape. The use of this practice on
3.1 The tape lift provides a rapid and simple technique for
any surface of any material not previously tested or for which
removing particles from a surface and determining their
the susceptibility to damage is unknown is not recommended.
number and size distribution.
Ingeneral,metals,metalplating,andoxidecoatingswillnotbe
3.2 By using statistically determined sample size and loca-
damaged. Application to painted, vapor deposited, and optical
tions, an estimate of the surface cleanliness level of large areas
coatings should be evaluated before implementing this test.
can be made. The user shall define the sampling plan.
1.5 Thispracticeprovidesthreemethodstoevaluatetapelift
3.3 The sampling plan shall consider the importance of
tests, as follows:
surface geometry and surface orientation to gas flow, gravity,
Sections
obstructions, and previous history of hardware. These factors
Practice A—This method uses light transmitted through the tape 4to6 influence particle fallout and entrapment of particles on the
and tape adhesive to detect particles that adhere to it.
surface. The geometry of joints, recessed areas, fasteners, and
the correspondence of particle-count data to area can be
Practice B—This method uses light transmitted through the tape 7to9
adhesive after bonding to a base microscope slide, dissolving
maintained.
the tape backing, and a cover slide. The particles are embedded
3.4 The selection of tape and the verification of its effect on
in the adhesive, and air bubbles are eliminated with acrylic
the cleanliness of the hardware is very important. The tape
mounting media.
adhesive should have sufficient cohesion to avoid transfer of
Practice C—This method uses light reflected off the tape adhesive 10 to 12
the adhesive to the surface under test. The impact of adhesive
to detect particles that adhere to it.
transfer should be evaluated by laboratory testing before using
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the tape on the hardware. Since potential for adhesive transfer
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
exists, cleaning to remove any adhesive might be required. In
information only.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E21 on Space contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Simulation andApplications of Space Technology and is the direct responsibility of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Subcommittee E21.05 on Contamination. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved April 1, 2005. Published April 2005. Originally AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as E 1216 – 99. Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1216–99 (2005)
addition, the tape should have low outgassing characteristics, 5.1.1 The tape shall be slowly removed directly from the
and as a minimum, it should meet the requirements of less than roll to avoid static charge effects and applied immediately to
1.0 % total mass loss (TML) and 0.1 % collected volatile minimize exposure to the air.
condensable materials (CVCM), as measured by Test Method 5.1.2 The tape must be removed immediately after applica-
E 595.
tion to the surface being tested with a slow and steady force.
3.5 Care should be exercised in deciding which surfaces Fast or jerky removal reduces particle retention efficiency and
should be tested by this practice. The tape can remove
increases the possibility of leaving tape residues. Prolonged
marginally adhering paint and coatings. Optical surfaces contactofthetapetothesurfacedevelopsstrongerbindingand
should not be tested until verification has been made that the
a higher probability for tape residues to be left on the surface.
surface coating will not be damaged. Rough surface finishes 5.1.3 Apply the tape to a clean slide as described in 5.2.2.
result in low removal efficiencies. Surface finishes up to
The color of the filter slide must be specified because the
approximately 3.20 µm (125 µin.) have been tested and found number of translucent and contrasting particles detected will
to give satisfactory results.
vary depending on the background medium.
3.6 This practice has been tested only on surfaces at room
5.1.4 The outside edges, 6 mm (0.25 in.), shall not be used.
temperature. Evaluation of temperature effects must be con-
This is the area most likely to be contaminated during tape
ducted prior to using the test on surfaces other than room
manufacture, handling, and shipping. The static charges on the
temperature.
tape may draw contaminants to the area from outside the test
3.7 Only personnel experienced in microscopic particle-
area.
counting techniques should be used to count and size the
5.1.5 Excessive pressure in applying tape may crush the
particles.
particles.
5.2 Preparation of the Test Specimen:
PRACTICE A—TRANSMITTED LIGHT
5.2.1 Prepare a 12-mm (0.5-in.) tab of the free end of the
MICROSCOPY
tape. Remove a minimum of 12 cm (5.0 in.) under tension to
4. Apparatus prevent buckling and apply to one end of the surface. Press a
10-cm (4-in.) length firmly to the surface. There shall be no
4.1 Counting Slide:
creasesorfolds.Nonlintingglovesmustbeworntopreventthe
4.1.1 Optical glass, polished on both sides, with beveled
introduction of skin particles into the sample.
edges and etched with low reflectance chrome to provide a
5.2.2 Immediately after applying the tape to the surface, lift
7.62-by7.62-cm(3.0-by3.0-in.)areaconsistingof256(16by
the tape from one end using an even force. The tape must be
16) individual numbered squares. Each square has 0.23 cm
kept taut during the removal.Apply the tape to the etched side
(0.015 in. ) of area and is cleaned to remove all particles equal
of a clean glass counting slide using the same technique
to or greater than 5 µm in size.
described in 5.2.1.
4.1.2 Background Color—For ease of distinguishing light
5.3 Counting—Place the glass slide on a colored back-
particles from the background, slides colored Green No. 14062
ground stage of the microscope with the unetched side up. Size
or Magenta Red No. 21158 in accordance with Federal
and count the particulate contamination in accordance with
Standard 595 may be used. Other background colors may be
Methods F 312. Squares falling within 6 mm (0.25 in.) of the
used if corresponding accuracy is achieved.
tape edge shall not be used. The total number of particles
4.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape, nominal (50-mm) (2-in.) wide
should be sufficiently large to provide the statistical reliability
clear film backing with a transparent adhesive. Tape to be
required by Methods F 312.
supplied on a plastic roll.
5.4 Perform the blank analyses or tares to establish the
4.2.1 Tape flexibility should be sufficient to allow taping of
background level of particles in the tape. The background
areas with 90° angles.
particle count of the blank shall be no more than 10 % of the
4.2.2 Tape backing and adhesive shall be clear, smooth, free
allowable value for the surface under test.
of tape bubbles, flow lines, and imperfections that would
interfere with the counting of particles.
6. Precision and Bias
4.3 Nonlinting Gloves, specially cleaned having a revers-
ible thumb.
6.1 Precision and bias are intended to be adequate for use as
a standard practice, or monitoring method.
5. Procedure
6.1.1 Repeatability—Repeatability of the counting method
5.1 Technique:
shall be defined in Methods F 312.
6.1.2 Effectiveness—The minimum effectiveness of particle
removal from smooth surfaces and angles down to 90° is 90 %
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is 3M No. 480 polyethylene tape with an acrylic pressure-sensitive backing. If you
for particles larger than 5 µm.
are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
6.2 Bias:
Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
6.2.1 No absolute standard nor one traceable to the National
responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
Institute of Standards and Technology is available, and there-
is Cadinol No. 172 gloves. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide
fore, the bias of this practice cannot be determined at this time.
this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful
6.2.2 The sizing and counting bias is being established for
consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may
attend. particles larger than 5 µm.
E1216–99 (2005)
PRACTICE B—TRANSMITTED LIGHT 8. Procedure
MICROSCOPY
8.1 Technique:
8.1.1 The tape should be slowly removed directly from the
7. Apparatus
roll to avoid static charge effects and applied immediately to
7.1 Counting Slide:
minimize exposure to the air.
7.1.1 Optical glass, polished on both sides, with beveled
8.1.2 The tape must be removed immediately after applica-
edges, providing a 25- by 75-mm (1- by 3-in.) area. Each slide
tion to the surface being tested with a slow and steady force.
is cleaned to remove all particles equal to or greater than 5 µm
Fast or jerky removal reduces particle retention efficiency and
in size.
increases the possibility of leaving tape residues. Prolonged
7.1.2 Background Color—For ease of distinguishing light
contact of the tape to the surface develops stronger bonding
particles from the background, slides colored Green No. 14062
and a higher probability for tape residues to be left on the
or Magenta Red No. 21158 in accordance with Federal
surface.
Standard 595 may be used. Other background colors may be
8.1.3 Apply the tape to a clean slide as described in 8.2.2.
used if corresponding accuracy is achieved.
The color of the filter slide must be specified because the
7.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape, nominal 19-mm (0.75-in.)
number of translucent and contrasting particles detected will
wide clear film backing with a transparent adhesive.Tape to be
vary depending on the background medium.
supplied on a plastic roll.
8.1.4 The outside edges, 6 mm (0.25 in.), should not be
7.2.1 Tape flexibility should be sufficient to allow taping of
used. This is the area most likely to be contaminated during
areas with 90° angles.
tape manufacture, handling, and shipping. The static charges
7.2.2 Tape backing and adhesive should be clear, smooth,
onthetapemaydrawcontaminantstotheareafromoutsidethe
free of tape bubbles, flow lines, and imperfections that would
test area.
interfere with the counting of particles.
8.1.5 Excessive pressure in applying tape may crush the
7.3 Nonlinting Gloves, specially cleaned having a revers-
particles.
ible thumb.
8.2 Preparation of the Test Specimen:
7.4 Microscope Staining Jar or Dish.
8.2.1 Prepare a 12-mm (0.5-in.) tab of the free end of the
7.5 Acetone—The acetone must be filtered to eliminate
tape. Remove a minimum of 125 mm (5.0 in.) under tension to
particles over 5.0 µm in length and should have no more than
prevent buckling and apply to one end of the surface. Press a
10-ppm nonvolatile residue; HPLC grade acetone meets this
10-cm (4-in.) length firmly to the surface. There should be no
requirement.
creasesorfolds.Nonlintingglovesmustbeworntopreventthe
7.6 Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)—The IPA must be filtered to
introduction of skin particles into the sample.
eliminate particles over 5.0 µm in length and should have no
8.2.2 Immediately after applying the tape to the surface, lift
more than 10-ppm nonvolatile residue; HPLC grade IPAmeets
the tape from one end using an even force. The tape must be
this requirement.
kept taut during the removal.Apply the tape to the clean glass
7.7 Acrylic Mounting Medium —Low-viscosity (;0.6-
counting slide using the same technique described in 8.2.1
Pa·sor ;60-centipoise)mountingmediumwillallowforquick
8.3 The next step is to dissolve the tape backing. The
flow with a minimum of air bubbles.
materials needed are a suitable solvent and a container to hold
7.8 Hexane—The hexane must be filtered to eliminate
it and the microscope slide while the tape backing dissolves.A
particles over 5.0 µm in length and should have no more than
microscope staining jar or dish is a good choice for the
10-ppm nonvolatile residue; HPLC grade hexane meets this
container, as it will keep the slides separated and allows for
requirement.
complete immersion. Acetone dissolves acetate tape backing
7.9 Xylene—The xylene must be filtered to e
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