Understanding the Basics of ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chambers
According to ASTM International, ASTM B117, in and of itself, is not a test specification. Rather, it outlines the standard practice for operating salt spray (fog) apparatus. ASTM B117 is a document establishing the parameters and requirements for operating a salt spray test chamber. It specifies how to create and maintain the salt fog test environment so that results can be achieved consistently from lab to lab and chamber to chamber.
What is an ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chamber?
An ASTM B117 salt spray test chamber is a specialized laboratory environment used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metals in simulated outdoor environments. In other words, it’s a space where corrosion testing is conducted. Salt spray testing is a common method used to predict the corrosion rates of metals in outdoor environments such as seawater, chlorides, and/or other outdoor elements.
Salt spray testing is also used as a screening method to determine whether a material is sufficiently corrosion-resistant for a specific application or not. Salt spray testing is conducted in salt spray chambers using a salt spray solution, which is typically made up of water, sodium chloride (common table salt), and sodium sulfate. The salt spray test is the most common way to screen materials for outdoor corrosion resistance.
The purpose of the ASTM B117 salt spray test is to provide information about the corrosion resistance of materials in outdoor environments. ASTM B117 tests are used to predict the corrosion rates of metals in outdoor environments such as seawater, chlorides, and/or other outdoor elements.
ASTM B117 is used as a screening method to determine whether a material is sufficiently corrosion-resistant for a specific application or not. The salt spray test is the most common way to screen materials for outdoor corrosion resistance. The test provides a quantitative measure of the corrosion rates of materials in outdoor environments. The rates are determined by the amount of corrosion that occurs during a specific period of time under controlled laboratory conditions.
The Procedure for Conducting the ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test
The ASTM B117 salt spray test procedure involves flooding a test chamber with salt fog to create a test environment and then cycling the chamber between a wet phase and a dry phase. During the wet phase, the chamber is flooded with a salt solution. During the dry phase, the salt solution is drained and the air is cycled in the chamber. To ensure a consistent testing environment, the process parameters and testing conditions outlined in ASTM B117 must be adhered to and followed precisely. The duration of the wet phase and the dry phase depends on the test being conducted. The test is considered complete when the desired amount of corrosion has occurred. Corrosion is typically measured by noting the weight loss of the tested specimen, which is exposed to the salt fog during the test.
The Advantages of Using an ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chamber
The ASTM B117 salt spray test chamber comes with many advantages.
First, it is a highly controlled environment. The test chamber is a totally standardized, closed environment with a consistent concentration of test atmospheres, temperatures, and humidity levels. By using a standardized test environment, results are consistent and reliable.
Second, it is a quantitative test. The amount of corrosion that occurs during the test can be measured and calculated.
Third, it is an accurate test. Because the testing conditions are so controlled, it is possible to predict with a high degree of accuracy what might happen to the same metal under outdoor conditions.
Fourth, it is a relatively cheap test. The equipment used to create the salt spray test environment is readily available and reasonably priced. Finally, it is a fast test. The test can be completed within a few weeks, depending on the test being conducted.
The Different Types of ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chambers
There are many different types of salt spray test chambers. They vary by size, shape, configuration, and environment. The chambers can be horizontal, vertical, open, or closed. They can be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials. Some chambers are also designed to simulate other types of conditions such as high temperatures, low temperatures, high pressures, low pressures, or high humidity.
Cubes - The cubes are used to test the corrosion resistance of materials in various corrosive environments. Cubes are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum.
Flasks - Flasks are commonly used for the corrosion testing of metals in high-humidity environments. The flasks are also used to test the resistance of materials to pitting and/or crevice corrosion.
Housings - The housings are used for corrosion testing of materials in high-temperature environments. They are also used to test the resistance of materials to thermal stresses, such as creep or thermal shock.
Tanks - The tanks are commonly used for corrosion testing of materials in low-temperature environments. They are also used to test the resistance of materials to pitting and/or crevice corrosion.
When choosing an ASTM B117 salt spray test chamber, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
First, consider the application of the test. What is being tested? For what purpose? For what types of environments? What conditions? And at what temperatures?
Second, consider the budget for the test. How much does the test cost? How much does the equipment cost? How much does it cost to conduct the test?
Third, consider the space requirements for the test. Do you have enough room to conduct the test? Is there enough room for the equipment?
Fourth, consider the consistency of the test results. Are the results consistent? How consistent are they?
Fifth, consider the duration of the test. How long does the test take to conduct?
Sixth, consider the type of data that is collected.
The Cost of an ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chamber
The cost of an ASTM B117 salt spray test chamber varies greatly depending on the type of equipment used, the size and layout of the chamber, and the materials used to build the chamber. Depending on the size and complexity of the test chamber, a salt spray test chamber can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over a million dollars.
It’s important to note that the equipment used to create the test environment, such as pumps, valves, etc., will be extra and may increase the overall cost of the test chamber. In general, salt spray test chambers are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of corrosion testing methods. This is good news for companies looking to conduct corrosion testing on a budget.
Safety Considerations for ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chambers
When working in an ASTM B117 salt spray test chamber, proper safety precautions must be followed. Prior to entering the test chamber, make sure that the chamber is unplugged and that all electrical circuits are turned off. Wear appropriate protective gear including gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Make sure that the equipment is properly grounded. When leaving the test chamber, unplug the equipment and make sure all circuits are turned off. When cleaning the equipment, make sure all electrical circuits are off and all components are unplugged. When working around the salt fog solution, wear appropriate protective gear including gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Be cautious about the solution. Avoid spilling it and do not allow it to come into contact with yourself, your clothing, or any other objects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test Chamber
When conducting an ASTM B117 salt spray test, there are a few things to avoid to ensure the testing is successful.
Make sure that the equipment used in the test is functioning properly. This includes the pumps, valves, and other equipment used in the creation of the test environment.
Make sure that the test is cycled correctly and that the test parameters outlined in ASTM B117 are adhered to.
Make sure that the samples being tested are prepared correctly.
Be careful when and how you clean the equipment used in the test.
Make sure that the testing duration and sample size are adequate.
Make sure that the results are recorded correctly.
Be careful when removing the samples from the test chamber.
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