CINRG CS-APC-22M: The Next-Generation Particle Counter for In-House Laboratories

Particle counting is an essential part of oil condition monitoring and machinery health analysis. For in-house laboratories currently relying on portable particle counters such as the Beckman PODS, Hiac Royco 8000a, MP Filtra LPA, or the Diagnetics DCA, upgrading to an advanced solution can significantly improve the accuracy, reliability, and versatility of your testing. Enter the CINRG CS-APC-22M — an automated particle counter that is transforming the way labs handle contamination analysis in lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other samples.

When we started the company, CINRG was dedicated to producing instrumentation solely for the oil-analysis industry. Our ambition was to make instrumentation that could be put directly into production in an OA lab, with low solvent usage, low sample-volume requirements, low consumable costs, and low cost of ownership — all coupled with high levels of automation. We've succeeded in that goal, and when we developed the small-format CS-APC-22M to complement our large-format CS-APC-3, we set out to produce a lower-cost instrument with the same capabilities for use in commercial satellite labs. We didn't expect to penetrate the on-site laboratory market, but were pleasantly surprised when we did. As a number of on-site particle-counting OEMs exit the market, several laboratories have been caught with no on-going support for their instruments. CINRG is glad the CS-APC-22M is there to fill the gap.

A step ahead in precision: ASTM D7647 compliance

One of the standout features of the CS-APC-22M is its compliance with ASTM D7647, a methodology designed to address challenges that traditional particle counters often face. Labs working with fluids containing water, soft particles (varnish precursors, foam inhibitors, friction modifiers) have long struggled with accurate particle counts. The CS-APC-22M overcomes these challenges by masking interferences that skew results (for more information, see my blog on Ghost Particles).

Traditional particle counters often overestimate particle counts in such complex fluids, leading to unnecessary alarms or maintenance interventions. The CS-APC-22M uses ASTM D7647, in which samples are diluted with a masking solvent prior to particle counting. The instrument automatically performs the dilution — so you can trust the data you're collecting and respond only to legitimate contamination issues.

Why in-house labs should make the switch

For labs already equipped with portable systems like the Beckman PODS or Hiac Royco models, switching to the CS-APC-22M offers numerous advantages:

1. Automation for efficiency. The CS-APC-22M eliminates manual handling required in many portable systems — reducing operator intervention and the risk of human error. Automated workflows let your team focus on analysis instead of troubleshooting inconsistent readings.
2. Accuracy across challenging fluids. Whether you're analyzing samples with water content, varnish precursors, or certain additives, the CS-APC-22M ensures precise particle counts by accounting for these complexities. Reduces false positives. The instrument can run particle counting on oils, water/glycol FRFs, fuels, transformer fluids, PE aviation hydraulic fluids, and many other oil-analysis samples.
3. Enhanced reporting and integration. Unlike older portable models, the CS-APC-22M integrates seamlessly with modern Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and provides enhanced data reporting — improving record-keeping and enabling faster decision-making.
4. On-site calibration. CINRG APCs are the only laser particle counters that can be calibrated on-site by your own technicians. CINRG provides a low-cost calibration hardware kit and CINStan calibration fluids (including the CS-CINSTAN-CFK kit), a calibration SOP, and an automated Excel spreadsheet so your technicians can perform yearly calibrations on-site — for higher autonomy and lower total cost of ownership.
5. Calibration fluids. CINRG manufactures calibration, verification, and process-control fluids, so you don't have to worry about not having the fluids necessary to calibrate and validate your particle counter (see our CINStan line of products).
6. Future-proof design. As regulations and testing methodologies evolve, having a system built to align with ASTM standards keeps your lab ahead of the curve. The CS-APC-22M is a forward-looking investment in laboratory technology.

For in-house laboratories looking to upgrade their particle counting capabilities, the CINRG CS-APC-22M is a game-changer. By addressing the common pitfalls of traditional systems — particularly samples containing water, insoluble material, and anti-foaming additives — it provides unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Its automation and adherence to ASTM D7647 establish it as a best-in-class choice for labs aiming to optimize operations and ensure actionable insights.

If your lab is ready to move beyond portable systems like the Beckman PODS or Hiac Royco 8000a, it's time to explore the CS-APC-22M. With this powerful tool in your arsenal, you'll elevate your fluid analysis to a whole new level of precision and confidence.