How a Salt Spray Chamber Works: Testing Corrosion Resistance Explained

Effective Lab’s Salt Spray Chamber checks the corrosion resistance properties of paint, powder-coated and plated items. Salt Spray Testing is one of the best methods to check the life of painting, coating and plating, such as powder coating, zinc plating, nut and bolts, nickel and chrome plating. This chamber also checks the CED coating Phosphate surfaces, Alloy plating, Electroplated chromium, copper, tin etc. Effective lab India is one of the best manufacturers of salt spray chamber for corrosion testing industries. Our lab-testing corrosion chamber is specially designed according to ASTM B117, ISO 9227, JIS Z 2371, ASTM G85 standards etc.

These instruments are usually made from corrosion-resistant materials such as Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic(FRP) or stainless steel to withstand the harsh testing environment and prevent contamination of the test specimens. Which is very effective and works for a long time. In this chamber we create a salty environment with the help of compressed air and salt solution Solution ratio will be 95 parts of DM water and 5 parts of NACL (98% lab grade).

Salt Spray Chamber Works

Specimen Preparation:

• The test specimens are cleaned and prepared according to the specific test requirements and then placed inside the chamber on specially designed racks.

Salt Solution Preparation:

• A salt solution, typically a mixture of sodium chloride (NaCl) and water, is prepared. The concentration is usually around 5% NaCl, and the solution’s pH is adjusted to between 6.5 and 7.2.

1. Fog Generation:

• The salt solution is pumped into a nozzle system where it is atomized using compressed air. This creates a fine mist or fog of saltwater droplets that fills the chamber.

Environmental Control:

• The test maintains the chamber at a specific temperature, usually 35°C (95°F), to simulate a marine environment. It also controls humidity to ensure consistent test conditions.
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Continuous Exposure:

• Expose the specimens to the salt fog continuously for a set period, which can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the test standards and material requirements. The exposure period simulates long-term corrosion effects.

Monitoring and Regulation:

• The chamber is equipped with sensors and control systems to continuously monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and salt fog concentration. This ensures a stable and reproducible testing environment.

Post-Test Evaluation:

• After exposure, remove the specimens from the chamber and examine them for signs of corrosion, such as rust, blistering, or other surface defects. Evaluate the extent of corrosion against predefined criteria.

Key Features of Effective Lab India’s Salt Spray Chambers

• Robust Construction: Built with high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure durability and longevity.
• Precision Control: Advanced control systems for accurately regulating temperature, humidity, and salt fog concentration.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive interface for easy setup, operation, and monitoring of tests.
• Compliance with Standards: Designed to meet international standards like ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and JIS Z 2371.
• Data Logging: Integrated data logging systems to record and analyze test conditions and results.

Effective Lab India’s Salt Spray Chamber are essential tools for automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries, where materials and coatings must withstand harsh corrosive environments to ensure product reliability and longevity.

Test Standards Compliance

The Salt Spray / Fog Test Chamber by Effective Lab India complies with several international test standards, ensuring versatility and reliability across various industries. These standards include:

• ASTM B117 (Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus)
• ISO 9227 (Corrosion Tests in Artificial Atmospheres – Salt Spray Tests)
• JIS Z 2371 (Salt Spray Testing Method)
• IEC 60068-2-11 (Environmental Testing – Test Ka: Salt Mist)

What is the Salt Spray Test?

The Salt Spray Test is a laboratory test that evaluates the corrosion resistance of metals and coatings. Perform this test using a machine called a Salt Spray Chamber. It includes subjecting test specimens, under carefully monitored conditions, to a salt spray or salt fog environment for a predetermined amount of time. This test is crucial in sectors where materials face severe environmental conditions, such as the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries, as these conditions can accelerate corrosion.

Manufacturers can evaluate how long-lasting and corrosion-resistant their goods and coatings are by using the salt spray test results.

How many test methods are in the SST Chamber?

When it comes to corrosion testing methods, salt spray testing is the most common method. These tests guarantee material longevity, lower maintenance costs, and assure safety. A salt spray chamber simulates the effects of corrosion on test samples by spraying them with a salt solution. This aids in assessing the resilience and longevity of materials. Various industries use this technique to check the durability of products.

It involves exposing test samples to a salt-laden (dense) mist or fog in a controlled environment for a certain period. The main objective of this test is to simulate or accelerate the effects of corrosive environment exposure on materials or coatings.

Test methods are

There are three types of test methods used in salt spray testing according to standards like ASTM B117.

• Acetic Acid Salt Spray Test: Material for testing, Chromium Plating, and Cadmium Plating on Zinc and Steel.
• 5% Neutral Salt Spray Test: Material for testing, Platings, and coatings on metallic parts.
• CASS( Copper Accelerated Salt Spray Test): Material for testing, Decorative Copper Nickel chrome plating, Zinc die castings, Anodized Aluminium.

In SST, a 5% solution of NaCl creates salt fog in the salt spray test machine. Place the sample inside the salt spray fog chamber and monitor any changes.

History of Salt Spray Tester

Researchers developed the first testing method in 1910. It was not standardized for 30 years until the release of ASTM B117. in 1939. The earliest standard varies significantly in which the level of salt is 20%. This concentration of salt was high and it causes problems in accurate test results. Later, researchers discovered that reducing the salt concentration to 5% would accelerate the test results without any negative drawbacks. As a result, in 1954, the ASTM standard revised the concentration to 5% NaCl.

Parts required for Salt Spray Test

The following parts can be salt spray tested.

• ED coating parts
• Painted Parts
• Phosphate Parts
• Powder Coating Parts
• Zinc Plating and Zinc Alloy Platings

Preparation of solution for SST

Preparing a solution for SST is carried out in a very easy method. All you have to do is just take fresh DM water add 5% NaCl in the water and mix it well.

Most importantly, check the pH of the DM water before dissolving in the NaCl.

Parameters required for Salt Spray testing

Conducting a salt spray test requires the following parameters.

• pH: 6.5-7.2
• Temperature of test chamber: 35+-1degree
• Spray Pressure: 0.7-1.8kg/cm2
• Temperature of saturated tank: 47+-1degree
• Fog Collection: 0.85-2.0ml/h for 80cm2.

Importance of Using a Salt Spray Chamber

The Salt Spray Test Chamber plays a critical role in product development and quality assurance. By simulating harsh environmental conditions, it helps in:

• Enhancing Product Durability: Identifying and mitigating potential weaknesses in materials and coatings.
• Meeting Industry Standards: Ensuring products comply with international standards for corrosion resistance.
• Improving Customer Satisfaction: Delivering reliable and long-lasting products to end-users.

Applications

The Salt Spray Chamber finds applications across various industries, including:

• Automotive: Testing the corrosion resistance of automotive components like body panels, fasteners, and exhaust systems.
• Aerospace: Evaluating the durability of aircraft parts and coatings exposed to corrosive environments.
• Electronics: Ensuring the longevity and reliability of electronic devices and components.
• Coatings and Paints: Assessing the protective capabilities of different coatings and paint systems.
• Marine: Testing materials and components used in marine environments for resistance to saltwater corrosion.

What is the Salt Spray Test Chamber Price in India?

The pricing of the salt spray test chamber varies differently. There are several manufacturers which offer several prices for this instrument. This price ranges from country to country. In every country, the price should be different. In India, the general pricing of the Salt Spray Test Chamber starts from 1.78 Lakhs INR to 4.87 Lakhs INR.

About the Manufacturer – Effective Lab IndiaEffective Lab India is a renowned name in the field of testing and measurement equipment. With a commitment to innovation and quality, the company designs and manufactures state-of-the-art testing machines that cater to diverse industrial needs. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction have positioned them as leaders in the industry.

Effective Lab India offers the Salt Spray Test Chambers at a competitive price, reflecting its advanced features and superior build quality. For detailed pricing information and to request a quote tailored to your needs, please contact us.