State-of-the-art corrosion test cabinets
Keywords: Corrosion, Testing
The latest range of corrosion test cabinets from Sheen Instruments are said to feature state-of- the-art digital controls and instrumentation, and combines robust and durable grp construction with modern, ergonomic laboratory styling. The range embraces variants for humidity, salt spray and cyclic corrosion testing, with each type available in three sizes: a 120 litres capacity bench-top model, and 450 litres and 1000 litres capacity floor-standing versions(Plates 8 and 9).
Plate 8 The attached photograph shows Sheen 120-litres capacity bench-top salt spray cabinet. This stylish and durable cabinet is ideal for testing small samples or components and, in common with all Sheen corrosion test cabinets, features highly accurate digital controls
Plate 9 The FH 4100 wall thickness gauge
Features common to all Sheen corrosion test cabinets include: a transparent roof/ viewing window, allowing visual inspection of samples under test;removable sample racks, pre-slotted to accept a large number of test panels; a wide range of accessories to facilitate customisation; independent over-pressure and low-water protection devices to ensure safe, unattended continuous testing;and a free spare parts kit. Microprocessor control of temperature/time cycling ensures optimum accuracy and repeatability of test parameters.
The cabinets are stated to comply with most relevant international corrosion test standards. Sheen humidity cabinets claim to create very high humidities (>95 per centRH) at user-adjustable temperatures of up to 55oC and include an internal air circulation fan to ensure that samples are exposed to a uniform environment. Test standards comply with ASTM D2247, BS 3900 Part 2 and DIN 50 017.
The salt spray cabinets are reported to have a large capacity salt solution reservoir for long-term unattended testing, and fully adjustable salt spray fall-out rates. The cabinet air saturator (bubble tower) can be topped up manually or automatically from a pressurised water supply. The test temperature is adjustable from ambient to 50oC. An air purge system allows the corrosive salt spray to be expelled from the test chamber prior to opening.
Sheen cyclic corrosion cabinets combine salt spray testing with condensation humidity testing and air drying, to create a realistic "cocktail" of corrosive atmospheres. The cabinets are fully programmable via the control panel or from a remote computer connected to the integral RS232 communications port. The microprocessor control system has a 10-program memory and the cabinet can perform Prohesion tests (ASTM G85 annex A5) and intermittent tests (ASTM G85 annex A3) as standard.
Full technical specifications of Sheen corrosion test cabinets are available on request. A CD-ROM – Sheen Instruments has recently produced a CD-ROM detailing its comprehensive range of surface coating quality control instruments. Entitled "Keeping a close eye on quality", the CD is freely available on request from the company
Another new product available from Sheen is an easy-to-use, lightweight gauge has been introduced by ElektroPhysik, specifically for the wall thickness measurement of plastic containers and other hollow products made from plastics and rubber, ceramics, glass, wood and non-magnetic metals. The gauge is said to overcome the inadequacies of ultrasonic systems for this type of measurement application.
Available exclusively in the UK from Sheen Instruments, Kingston, Surrey, the"MiniTest FH 4100" gauge works on a magneto-static principle and utilises a small steel ball, which is placed inside the sample to be measured and serves as a reference for the special magnetic measuring probe. The main benefit of this system is that the ball can be moved anywhere within the sample, even into difficult-to-access, irregular or small radius curved areas. Once the ball is in place, the probe is passed smoothly over the outer surface of the sample to detect thin or weak spots.
The FH 4100 system is reported to operate at a rate of up to seven measurements per second and readings are displayed immediately on an LCD screen. The system can store up to 10,000 readings and will provide a complete statistical evaluation, including an histogram.
A V-shaped stand is available to facilitate the measurement of cylindrical objects – bottles and aluminium cans, for example – enabling the sample to be positioned precisely.
The "FH 4100" wall thickness gauge is part of ElektroPhysik's comprehensive"MiniTest" series of thickness measurement instruments, which offers a compete range of inter- changeable probes and data processors for the measurement of non-magnetic coatings of up to 100mm in thickness.
Details available from: Sheen Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8541 4333;Fax: +44 (0) 20 8549 3374; E-mail: info@sheeninstruments.com; Website: http://www.sheeninstruments.com
