Dirt count is the numerical estimation of the cleanliness of paper and paperboard in terms of the frequency of dirt, specks or marks.
Methods for measuring dirt specks, residual ink particles and shives use a dirt estimation chart on which particles of different sizes are represented. The number and size of particles are compared with the estimation chart and reported as the equivalent black area in mm²/m².
Dirt count can be used in the assessment of tissue papers, de-inked pulps, packaging test liners and folding boxboard.
Standards and accreditation
Our testing is performed to Tappi T437. Other test methods include British standard and International standard BS ISO 5350 and BS EN ISO 15755, Tappi T213, T563 and T537 and DIN 54362
Talk to our experts about your paper, board or pulp material and the cleanliness or dirt count requirements you need to evaluate.
