Abstract

This document specifies the evaluation procedure of fine bubble elimination for fine bubble dispersion in water. This document is applicable only to fine bubbles without shell.

Status
Published
Publication Date
03-Nov-2026
Current Stage
6060 - International Standard published
Start Date
04-Nov-2026
Completion Date
04-Nov-2026

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ISO 24261-1:2026 - Fine bubble technology — Elimination method for sample characterization — Part 1: Evaluation procedure

Release Date:04-Nov-2026
English language (9 pages)
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ISO 24261-1:2026 is an International Standard from ISO for evaluating how effectively fine bubbles can be eliminated from fine bubble dispersion in water. It applies only to fine bubbles without shell. The document sets out a comparison method for elimination techniques so users can judge whether a treatment removes fine bubbles or mainly changes other particles by aggregation.

What does ISO 24261-1:2026 specify?

ISO 24261-1:2026 specifies the evaluation procedure for fine bubble elimination from fine bubble dispersion in water. It is organized into scope, normative references, terms and definitions, requirements, environment, evaluation of elimination efficiency, and test report sections, followed by two informative annexes.

AnnexWhat it covers
Annex ASimulations of the fine bubble elimination process, including example concentration changes and reduction-rate behavior
Annex BDecrease of concentration caused by fine bubble elimination and aggregation, with figures showing number-based and volume-based analysis

For a reader, the key point is that this part is about evaluation, not generation. It tells you how to compare elimination methods and how to report the result in a way that supports technical review or laboratory work.

What are the key requirements of ISO 24261-1:2026?

ISO 24261-1:2026 focuses on how to prepare the sample, choose instruments, control the environment, and calculate elimination efficiency. The method is designed to separate true fine bubble removal from changes caused by contamination or particle aggregation.

  • Sample preparation, clause 4.1 - The fine bubble dispersion to be evaluated shall be generated by cleaned fine bubble generating systems using pure water and pure gas such as air, nitrogen and oxygen. The dispersion shall not contain stabilizing agents. In practice, this means the sample must not introduce additives that could change the elimination result. If accuracy is especially important, Grade 1 water according to ISO 3696 is recommended.

  • Measuring instruments, clause 4.2 - The chosen instruments shall cover the relevant concentration and size ranges for both fine bubbles and contaminants. The document notes that dilution may be used if the concentration is above the measuring range, and another instrument may be needed for larger aggregates. In practice, the instrument set must match the sample size range, not just the bubbles.

  • Environment, clause 5 - Air cleanliness, ambient temperature, and atmospheric pressure shall be controlled to support stable measurements. ISO Class 7 air cleanliness according to ISO 14644-1 is recommended when measurement accuracy is very important. In practice, this reduces contamination and variability during generation and measurement.

  • Reduction rates, clause 6.2 - The elimination efficiency should be evaluated using both a number reduction rate and a volume reduction rate. These compare the concentration index before and after elimination in specified size ranges. In practice, users need both views because one alone can hide aggregation effects.

  • Aggregation check, clause 6.3 - A decrease in number concentration of small particles is not enough to prove fine bubble elimination. The standard requires checking the larger size range with volume concentration to confirm whether contaminants have aggregated. In practice, this prevents a false conclusion that bubbles were removed when particles only clumped together.

  • Evaluation procedure, clause 6.4 - The method requires uniform dispersion, measurement before elimination, elimination, homogenization, repeat measurement, calculation of both reduction rates, and final efficiency judgement. The procedure also asks the user to check whether the elimination system itself generates particles or fine bubbles. In practice, this is the main workflow for comparing techniques under the same conditions.

  • Test reporting, clause 7 - The report should state the reduction rates, size ranges, elimination technique, efficiency, measurement reliability statement, and the document number, together with the gas and liquid media, environmental conditions, date and time, instrument identification, operator identification, and location. In practice, this makes results traceable and easier to compare.

What terms does ISO 24261-1:2026 define?

Clause 3 defines the main terms used in the document, and the method relies on the following key expressions.

  • Elimination of fine bubbles - The process for decreasing the concentration index of fine bubbles.
  • Fine bubble dispersion (FBD) - A liquid that contains fine bubbles.
  • Number concentration index - The count-based concentration measure used to calculate the number reduction rate.
  • Volume concentration index - The volume-based concentration measure used to calculate the volume reduction rate and to check aggregation.
  • Number reduction rate - The percentage decrease in number concentration after the elimination process.
  • Volume reduction rate - The percentage decrease in volume concentration after the elimination process.

Who uses ISO 24261-1:2026?

ISO 24261-1:2026 is used by laboratories, researchers, and technical teams working on fine bubble technology. The introduction links it to cleaning, water treatment, agriculture, aquaculture, and biomedical applications.

It is useful for people comparing elimination techniques, validating sample-characterization methods, and checking whether a fine bubble generation system leaves a usable blank solution for background measurements. Quality and accreditation teams can also use it to structure reporting and confirm that measurements are repeatable and traceable.

What changed in ISO 24261-1:2026 from the previous edition?

ISO 24261-1:2026 is the second edition and it cancels and replaces ISO 24261-1:2020. The changes stated in the document are:

  • in 7.1, item f) was added: “Number of this document”
  • in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2, the unit “million/ml” was revised to “×10⁶ particles/ml”

Which standards are used with ISO 24261-1:2026?

StandardWhat it contributes
ISO 20480-1The normative reference for terminology used in the document
ISO 3696Water purity grading, used as a recommendation when measurement accuracy is important
ISO 14644-1Cleanroom air cleanliness classification, used as a recommended environmental condition
ISO 20298-1:2018Source of the definition of fine bubble dispersion (FBD)
ISO/TR 23015Measurement technique matrix for characterization of fine bubbles, cited for measurement techniques
ISO 20480-2Background on categorization of fine bubble attributes
ISO 21910-1Off-line evaluation of size index for microbubbles

What does the ISO 24261-1:2026 document contain?

ISO 24261-1:2026 contains the evaluation procedure, the reporting items, and the technical basis for judging elimination efficiency. Clause 6 includes the formulas for number and volume reduction rates, plus a step-by-step evaluation sequence. Figure 1 shows the size ranges used for the two reduction-rate calculations.

Annex A gives worked examples and simulations of elimination behavior, including an example reduction-rate table and figures showing bubble-peak decrease and particle aggregation. Annex B explains, with figures, how fine bubble elimination and aggregation affect number concentration and volume concentration differently.

Relations

Effective Date
30-May-2026

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ISO 24261-1:2026 - Fine bubble technology — Elimination method for sample characterization — Part 1: Evaluation procedure

Release Date:04-Nov-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 24261-1:2026 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Fine bubble technology — Elimination method for sample characterization — Part 1: Evaluation procedure". This standard covers: This document specifies the evaluation procedure of fine bubble elimination for fine bubble dispersion in water. This document is applicable only to fine bubbles without shell.

This document specifies the evaluation procedure of fine bubble elimination for fine bubble dispersion in water. This document is applicable only to fine bubbles without shell.

ISO 24261-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.060.60 - Examination of physical properties of water. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO 24261-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 24261-1:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ISO 24261-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


International
Standard
ISO 24261-1
Second edition
Fine bubble technology —
2026-11
Elimination method for sample
characterization —
Part 1:
Evaluation procedure
Technologie des fines bulles — Méthode d'élimination pour la
caractérisation de l'échantillon —
Partie 1: Mode opératoire d'évaluation
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved.
This ISO publication is protected by copyright and is owned by ISO and/or its licensors.
The content of this ISO publication is provided under licence, not sold. Use is subject to the applicable licence terms issued by ISO,
an ISO member body, or an authorized third-party distributor.
Except as required for implementation or expressly permitted by a separate licence, no part of this ISO publication may be
reproduced, distributed, modified, used, or made available in any form or by any means – electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, scanning, recording, or posting on internal or external digital platforms.
Any use beyond the scope of the granted rights is prohibited and may result in legal action.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 1
4.1 Sample .1
4.2 Measuring instruments .2
5 Environment . 2
6 Evaluation of fine bubble elimination efficiency . 2
6.1 General .2
6.2 Reduction rate .2
6.3 Confirmation of contaminants aggregation .3
6.4 Evaluation procedure of fine bubble elimination .3
7 Test report . 4
7.1 Report of the testing results.4
7.2 Report of the testing conditions .4
Annex A (informative) Simulations of fine bubble elimination process . 5
Annex B (informative) Decrease of concentration caused by fine bubble elimination and
aggregation . 7
Bibliography . 9

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 281 Fine bubble technology.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 24261-1:2020), of which it constitutes a minor
revision.
The changes are as follows:
— in 7.1, the following list item was added "f)  Number of this document";
— in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2, the unit "million/ml" was revised to "×10⁶ particles/ml".
A list of all parts in the ISO 24261 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
Fine bubble technology has recently seen growth in its application to markets in cleaning, water treatment,
agriculture, and aquaculture as well as biomedical fields. Now, methods are required to evaluate the
generation systems. Characteristics like number concentration index and the size index of fine bubbles are
especially indispensable for those evaluations.
Furthermore, fine bubble dispersion water may contain other solid and liquid particles. Due to this concern,
it may be impossible to evaluate the characteristics of fine bubbles. Therefore, a method to address the
presence of other particles is urgently needed.
There are several measurement methods widely used to evaluate the number concentration index and the
size index of particles. However, there are few methods to distinguish bubbles in fine bubble dispersions
from other particles.
This issue can be resolved, using the phenomenon by which the bubbles can be eliminated without any
residues after dissolution and flotation. If a method that eliminates fine bubbles in specific size range is
known, it is possible to distinguish fine bubbles from other solid and liquid particles. The eliminated particles
can be fine bubbles. A solution in which fine bubbles are not present or have been almost completely removed
can be used as a blank solution for background measurements. Standardizing elimination techniques and
evaluation methods are required as fine bubble elimination techniques will continue to develop further.
This document is intended to specify the evaluation method for elimination efficiency of fine bubbles from
fine bubble dispersions in water.
A standard method to evaluate fine bubble elimination efficiency enables easy and clear comparison among
several techniques and presents optimal conditions for respective elimination techniques.

v
International Standard ISO 24261-1:2026(en)
Fine bubble technology — Elimination method for sample
characterization —
Part 1:
Evaluation procedure
1 Scope
This document specifies the evaluation procedure of fine bubble elimination for fine bubble dispersion in
water. This document is applicable only to fine bubbles without shell.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 20480-1, Fine bubble technology — General principles for usage and measurement of fine bubbles — Part 1:
Terminology
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 20480-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
elimination of fine bubbles
process for the decrease of concentration index of fine bubbles
3.2
fine bubble dispersion
FBD
liquid which contains fine bubbles
[SOURCE: ISO 20298-1:2018, 3.1]
4 Requirements
4.1 Sample
The fine bubble dispersion to be evaluated shall be generated by cleaned fine bubble generating systems
using pure water and pure gas such as air, nitrogen and oxygen.
The purity level of water and gas depends on the sample whose size and concentration indices of fine
bubbles should be evaluated because fine bubble elimination is one of the evaluating process for specified

samples. So, the purity level cannot be generally determined as measurement condition for evaluations of
the elimination efficiency.
The fine bubble dispersion shall not contain stabilizing agents.
If the measurement accuracy of size and concentration indices is very important (e.g. for accreditation
purposes), a water purity level of Grade 1 according to ISO 3696 is recommended for the water used for
generation of FBD.
4.2 Measuring instruments
When the measuring instruments are selected for evaluating fine bubble elimination for FBD in water
the following parameters about concentration and size range shall be confirmed, which depends on the
characteristics of the sample to be evaluated:
a) Total number concentration and/or total volume concentration including fine bubbles and contaminants
such as solid particles and liquid particles can be measured. Water diluent can be used for diluting the
FBD in water when the concentration is over the measuring range.
b) Total size range including fine bubb
...