State-of-the-art corrosion test cabinets

Citation

(2002), "State-of-the-art corrosion test cabinets", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849cad.009

State-of-the-art corrosion test cabinets

State-of-the-art corrosion test cabinets

Keywords: Corrosion, Testing

The latest range of corrosion test cabinets from Sheen Instruments is 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 1,000-litres capacity floor-standing versions.

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 cent RH) at user-adjustable temperatures of up to 55°C 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 50°C. 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 ten-program memory and the cabinet can perform prohesion tests (ASTM G85 annexe A5) and intermittent tests (ASTM G85 annexe A3) as standard.

Full technical specifications of Sheen corrosion test cabinets are available on request. 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.

Details available from: Sheen Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8541 4333; Fax: +44 (0) 20 8549 3374; E-mail: info@sheeninstruments.com; Web site: www.sheeninstruments.com