CHLORIDE DETECTOR FOR SURFACE PAINT PREPARATION
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| Overview: | A chloride detector is a quality control device that is used to determine the soluble salt (i.e., chloride) concentration remaining on a prepared substrate. Soluble salts are classified as non-visible surface contaminants since they cannot be observed through a visual examination of a part. If not removed, contaminants can greatly reduce the serviceable life span of protective coatings by causing loss of adhesion, blistering, and corrosion to continue beneath a coating. Once the protective coating fails, degradation of the substrate can occur. Chloride detection devices may be either qualitative or quantitative. A qualitative test confirms whether chloride is present above a given concentration or not. A quantitative test provides the actual concentration. The device successfully demonstrated aboard the USS HUE CITY was the Chlor* Test Chloride Surface Test Kit by CHLOR RID, Inc. This quantitative test can be used on virtually any surface at any angle. The kit contains components that are premeasured to ensure accurate results in parts per million and micrograms per square centimeter. In addition, no temperature correction is needed for 41 to 176 °F. Results occur in approximately two minutes and are determined by reading a color change to identify the chloride level. |
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| Compliance Benefit: |
No specific compliance benefit is directly related to the use of a chloride detection test. However, industry guidelines are being produced for measuring soluble salts. The U.S. Navy has already adopted acceptable levels for several applications, specifically in the area of critical coating areas as defined by NSTM Ch. 631, with its requirement for an acceptable level prior to paint application. Additionally, many coating manufacturers are rewriting surface preparation specifications that require soluble salts to be tested for and limited to certain levels. The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as general guidelines and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved.
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| Materials Compatibility: |
Check the product's MSDS for any restrictions. For instance, in accordance with the MSDS for the Chlor* Test, the CHLOR RID industrial cleaning solution should not be mixed with other chemicals. |
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| Safety and Health: | Some chloride detection tests include an industrial cleaning solution that should be handled with care. Prolonged exposure to the eyes or skin may cause irritation, and proper personal protection equipment (such as gloves and safety glasses) should be worn. In addition, proper safety procedures need to be followed in conjunction with any coating technology. Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to using the tests. |
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| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | The National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence (NDCEE), which is operated by Concurrent Technologies Corporation, was tasked by the U.S. Navy to assess painting/de-painting processes and procedures performed at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, and to identify potential improvements to these types of activities. As part of the assessment, the NDCEE conducted an economic analysis for the paint shop on the combined use of four quality control devices: Chloride Detection Kit, Coating Thickness Indicator, Surface Flaw Check (including 8 hours of training for 10 personnel), and Thermo-Hygrometer. Assumptions:
Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Baseline and Alternative
a Training, safety equipment, and inspection checks on the quality control process. Economic Analysis Summary:
Note: If the device is properly used and surfaces are cleaned properly before painting, the life of the coating could increase significantly and annual painting/labor costs would be reduced tremendously. However, estimates for increasing coating life expectancy and resulting lower maintenance costs were not included to make a more conservative estimate of the savings. |
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| NSN/MSDS: |
*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs. The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example. To return from the MSDS, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Approving Authority: | Appropriate authority for making process changes should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the technology identified herein.
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| Points of Contact: | For more information |
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| Vendors: | This is not meant to represent a complete list, as there may be other suppliers of this type of equipment. CHLOR*RID International Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: |
Concurrent Technologies Corporation. Navy Environmental Leadership Program; Paint/DePaint Task Summary Report (Task 3a). June 15, 2000.
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| Supplemental: | The chloride detection test was demonstrated on a recently stripped surface aboard the USS HUE CITY.
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