CINStan Particle Counter Calibration Fluids

They serve three different jobs in a quality system. The Calibration Kit (CS-CINSTAN-CFK) is a single-use kit for the annual sizing-calibration of an optical particle counter under ISO 11171:2022. The Verification Fluids (CS-CINSTAN-VF) are used as a one-shot verification check at the start of a measurement campaign — confirming the existing calibration is still valid. The Process Control Standards (CS-CINSTAN-PCS) are run repeatedly during routine production batches and trended against upper/lower control limits to confirm day-to-day instrument performance. Calibration validates accuracy; verification confirms it; process control monitors statistical control.

Yes. All CINSTAN fluids are NIST SRM 2806d traceable and prepared in accordance with ISO 11171:2022. Each shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis traceable to NIST. Certified concentrations are provided for the 4, 6, 14, and 21µm(c) particle sizes. CINRG was a participating laboratory in the NIST interlaboratory study certifying SRM 2806e and 2806f, which positions CINSTAN as a directly NIST-traceable secondary standard going forward.

CINRG’s recommended cadence is one PCS at the start of every sample batch and one at the end. Some labs add a mid-batch PCS for runs over 50 samples, or run a PCS automatically after every N samples by suffixing those samples with the PCS prefix in the batch file. Limits are typically set per the ASTM D7647 repeatability statement in the 4, 6, and 14µm channels.

Yes. CINSTAN is a NIST SRM 2806d-traceable secondary standard prepared per ISO 11171:2022 — that’s the universal calibration standard for optical particle counters in oil-analysis labs, regardless of instrument manufacturer. Customers running PAMAS, KLOTZ, Hiac, or other instruments use CINSTAN as a cost-effective alternative to NIST-direct primary fluid (which costs roughly four times as much for an equivalent kit).

The 2806d calibration fluid, PCS, and VF all have a 24-month shelf life from production date with a minimum 12 months remaining when received by the customer. The PSL40/60/80 monosphere blends have a shorter 90-day shelf life from production with a minimum 60 days remaining. CINSTAN Super Clean Fluid (SCF) has no expiry. Production dates are printed on each bottle.

The two blends cover the larger calibration channels (38µm and 70µm) on different instrument calibration tables. Polystyrene-latex (PSL) monospheres are used because they are unaffected by the SRM 2806 transitions — their certification is independent of MTD test dust. Choose the blend that matches your instrument’s calibration channels: PSL40/60/80 for instruments calibrated at those sizes, PSL40/70/100 for instruments calibrated at those sizes. CINRG’s CS-APC line uses PSL40/60/80.

Yes. The Calibration Kit, Process Control Standards, and Verification Fluids are available through the CINRG online shop. For volume orders, freight to international destinations, or first-time buyers needing custom shipping documentation, contact CINRG directly — the team can quote, provide certificates of analysis in advance, and coordinate hazardous-goods shipping where applicable.

You should re-calibrate to NIST SRM 2806d. ISO 11171:2022 discontinued µm(b) reporting entirely — all reporting is now in µm(c). The 2015 SRM 2806b transition produced certified counts 40–75% higher than the prior 2806a, which inflated apparent particle counts industry-wide; the 2022 revision standardized everything back to µm(c) sizing. CINSTAN ships traceable to 2806d, the current primary, so re-calibrating with a CS-CINSTAN-CFK Calibration Kit puts your instrument on the current standard.