Elcometer 138 User manual

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User Guide
Bresle Salt Kits
Elcometer 138
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CONTENTS
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Section
Page
1
Overview
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2
Box Contents
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3
Test Procedure: ISO 8502-6 / ISO 8502-9
en-4
4
Test Procedure: US Navy PPI 63101-000
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5
Technical Specification
en-10
6
Spares & Accessories
en-13
7
Legal Notices & Regulatory Information
en-14
APPENDIX A: Using the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter or Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter
A1
Caution
en-16
A2
Fitting and Replacing the Batteries
en-1 6
A3
The Controls and Display
en-17
A4
Electrode Surface Treatment Procedure
en-19
A5
Calibration Procedure
en-19
A6
Taking a Reading
en-20
A7
After Measurement
en-21
A8
Care and Maintenance
en-21
For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the original English language version.
A Material Safety Data Sheet for the Elcometer 138 Standard 84μS/cm Calibration Solution is available to download via our website:
http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_138_84uScm_Calibration_Solution.pdf
© Elcometer Limited 2009-2019. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a retrieval system
or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without
the prior written permission of Elcometer Limited.

1 OVERVIEW
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The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Kits provide all the materials and
equipment required to determine the surface chloride contamination
level.
Chloride salts are extracted from the surface using the Bresle Patch
method and the chloride content of the test solution is measured
a
using the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter or Elcometer 138
a
Conductivity Meter supplied.
These instructions incorporate two test methods:
Ÿ ISO 8502-6 / ISO8502-9
The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Kits can also be used in accordance with ISO 8502-11; AS 3894.6-A and
SSPC Guide 15.
b
For IMO PSPC , the surface salts should be measured and recorded. The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt
Kits can be used for this.
Note: The Elcometer 138 meters measure aqueous solutions. They are NOT designed to measure solids, organic solvents,
surfactant, oil, adhesive, alcohol, strong acids (pH: 0 to 2) or strong alkalis (pH: 12 to 14). The life of the sensor will be
extremely short if these substances are measured.
Ÿ US NAVY PPI 63101-000 (Rev 27)
a Model supplied dependent on kit ordered.
b International Maritime Organisation, Performance Standard for Protective Coatings.

Kit Contents
Sales Part Number
E138-1
E138-1-CM
E138-1C
E138-1C-CM
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter & Sensor
ü
ü
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter & Sensor
ü
ü
Elcometer 135B Bresle Patch, Pack of 25
ü
ü
Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 25
ü
ü
Calibration Solution 84µS/cm; 250ml (8.45 fl oz)
with Certificate
ü
ü
ü
ü
Conditioning Solution; 14ml (0.47 fl oz)
ü
ü
ü
ü
Bottle of Pure Distilled Water; 250ml (8.5 fl oz)
ü
ü
ü
ü
Syringes, 5ml (0.17 fl oz); x3
ü
ü
ü
ü
Needles (Blunt); x3
ü
ü
ü
ü
Plastic Beaker; 30ml (1 fl oz)
ü
ü
ü
ü
CR2032 Lithium Batteries; x2
(supplied fitted to the Elcometer 138)
ü
ü
ü
ü
Transit Case
ü
ü
ü
ü
User Guide
ü
ü
ü
ü
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2 BOX CONTENTS

2 Apply the patch to the surface pressing firmly around the perimeter of the
patch to ensure a complete seal. If using the Elcometer 135C Bresle Test
Patch, remove the clear protective film cover using the orange tab.
3 As the test is extremely sensitive, clean latex or nitrile gloves should be
worn during the extraction of soluble salts to prevent contamination of the
surface.
4 If necessary, any air can be evacuated into the syringe and allowed to stay above the
water in the syringe. Take care not to re-insert the air during steps 6 and 7.
5 Inject the pure water into the patch. Do not remove the needle.
1 Remove the printed protective backing and foam centre from the Bresle
patch.
3 Fill a syringe with 3ml of pure water.
3.2 TEST PROCEDURE
4 Insert the syringe into the patch through the spongy foam perimeter at an
angle of approximately 30° to the test surface so that it passes through the
foam into the compartment formed by the elastomer film and the test
surface. If the patch is positioned in a difficult position bend the needle as
required.
2 Calibrate the Elcometer 138 Meter, see Appendix A Section A5 on
page en-19.
1 If using the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter, press the MEAS button to set
the measurement mode to ISO.
3.1 BEFORE YOU START
3 : 8502-6 / 8502-9TEST PROCEDURE ISO ISO
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c
6 During a suitable period of time , without removing the needle, suck
d
and re-inject the solution at least four times .
8 Analyse the solution using the Elcometer 138 Meter, see Section 3.4
on page en- . Inject the sample directly into the sensor cell. Rinse the 6
sensor cell several times with the solution to be measured before
taking the reading.
7 At the end of the period, extract as much solution as possible and
d
remove the syringe from the patch .
4 See Appendix A on page en-15 for further instructions on using the Elcometer 138
Meters.
1 Record the temperature of the solution.
2 Remove the patch from the surface and clean the surface. If
required, any adhesive residue from the patch left on the test surface
can be removed by wiping with a cloth moistened with a suitable
solvent. Ensure that the solvent will not damage the surface before
use.
3.3 AFTER TEST
3 Rinse all components of the test kit, other than the patch, in fresh,
pure water. The components can then be used again.
3 : 8502-6 / 8502-9 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE ISO ISO
d During steps 6 and 7, it is essential that no solution is lost. If any solution is lost, the test shall be rejected.
c On un-pitted blast-cleaned areas, a period of 10 minutes has been found to be satisfactory, though this time should be agreed by the interested parties.
1
2
3
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3 : 8502-6 / 8502-9 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE ISO ISO
e 2
Based on an area of 12.5cm and a volume of 3ml.
e
Surface Density of Salts: Factors
ISO Salt Mix
IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI
Reading
2
mg/m
µg/cm2
2
mg/m
µg/cm2
µS/cm
x1.2
x0.12
x1.1
x0.11
The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter measures the conductivity of the sample but displays the surface
density of salts. The measured conductivity is converted to surface density of salts using the ISO Salt
Mix or IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI conversion factors shown in the table below, dependent on the
measurement mode selected.
Multiply the reading displayed by one of the ISO Salt Mix or IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI conversion
factors shown in the table below.
3.4 CALCULATING THE SURFACE DENSITY OF SALTS
USING THE ELCOMETER 138 BRESLE SALT METER
USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER
Note: ISO 8502-9 allows for the measurement of the pure water before testing and then the subtraction of that value from that
obtained in section 3.2 step 8.
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4 : 63101-000TEST PROCEDURE US NAVY PPI
4.2 TEST PROCEDURE
1 If using the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter, press the MEAS button to set the measurement mode
to ISO.
1 Remove the printed protective backing and foam centre from the Bresle patch.
3 Fill a syringe with 3ml of pure water.
4.1 BEFORE YOU START
Measurements are to be made randomly over the prepared surface. Five measurements should be taken
2 2 2 2
every 90m (1000ft ). Five measurements should be taken for areas less than 90m (1000ft ).
2 Apply the patch to the surface pressing firmly around the perimeter of the patch to ensure a
complete seal. If using the Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, remove the clear protective film cover
using the orange tab.
2 Calibrate the Elcometer 138 Meter, see Appendix A Section A5 on page en-19.
4 The US Navy PPI 63101-000 pass / fail criteria is based on the conductivity of the test sample. The Elcometer 138
Bresle Salt Meter measures the conductivity of the sample but displays the surface density of salts. The measured
conductivity is converted to surface density of salts using the ISO Salt Mix or IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI conversion
factors, dependent on the measurement mode selected. See Section 4.4 on page en-9 for an explanation of how to use
the displayed surface density of salts reading to calculate the conductivity of the test sample.
3 As the test is extremely sensitive, clean latex or nitrile gloves should be worn during the extraction of
soluble salts to prevent contamination of the surface.
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4 Insert the syringe into the patch through the spongy foam perimeter and inject 1.5ml of pure water
into the patch. Do not remove the syringe.
5 With the syringe still in the patch, reposition the needle and evacuate any air in the patch.
7 Remove the syringe from the patch.
9 Insert the syringe into the patch through the spongy foam perimeter and extract the solution from the
patch.
8 Rub the surface of the patch gently for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the water to dissolve surface
contaminants.
10 Analyse the solution using the Elcometer 138 Meter, see Section 4 on page en- . Inject the 4. 9
sample directly into the sensor cell. Rinse the sensor cell several times with the solution to be
measured before taking the reading.
4 See Appendix A on page en-15 for further instructions on using the Elcometer 138 Meters.
6 Once the air has been removed, inject the remaining 1.5ml of pure water.
4 : 63101-000 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE US NAVY PPI
1
2
3
4
5
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4 : 63101-000 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE US NAVY PPI
Note: The charts produced by the US Navy for the calculation of chloride levels are not required for this test method. Please
contact Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier if you require a copy of these charts.
Simply record the displayed value.
The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter measures the conductivity of the sample but displays the surface
density of salts. The measured conductivity is converted to surface density of salts using the ISO Salt
Mix or IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI conversion factors, dependent on the measurement mode selected.
USING THE ELCOMETER 138 BRESLE SALT METER
USING THE ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER
2 Remove the patch from the surface and clean the surface. If required, any adhesive residue from
the patch left on the test surface can be removed by wiping with a cloth moistened with a suitable
solvent. Ensure that the solvent will not damage the surface before use.
3 Rinse all components of the test kit, other than the patch, in fresh, pure water. The components can
then be used again.
For non-immersed applications, conductivity due to soluble salts shall not exceed 70µS/cm.
4.4 PASS / FAIL CRITERIA
When working in accordance with US Navy PPI 63101-000, the pass / fail criteria is based on the
conductivity of the test sample.
4.3 AFTER TEST
1 Record the temperature of the solution.
For immersed applications, conductivity due to soluble salts (total ionic) shall not exceed 30µS/cm.
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4 : 63101-000 (continued)TEST PROCEDURE US NAVY PPI
To calculate the conductivity, divide the reading displayed by one of the factors shown in the table below:
e 2
Based on an area of 12.5cm and a volume of 3ml.
5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
5.1 ELCOMETER 138 BRESLE SALT KITS
Kit Dimensions
393 x 331 x 95mm (15.5 x 13 x 3.7")
Kit Weight
1.4kg (3lb 1oz)
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5.2 BRESLE PATCH
Patch Size
5cm x 5cm
Test Area
2
12.5cm
Sample Volume
3ml
e
Surface Density of Salts Reading
e
Conductivity Value (µS/cm)
ISO Salt Mix
IMO PSPC equivalent NaCI
2
mg/m
Divide by 1.2
Divide by 1.1
µg/cm2
Divide by 0.12
Divide by 0.11

5.3 ELCOMETER 138 BRESLE SALT METER
Measurement Principle
2 Electrode Bioplar AC
Measurement Mode
ISO, IMO, Temperature
Minimum Sample Volume
0.12ml
ISO Mode
IMO Mode
Measurement Range
2
0 - 2399µg/cm
2
0 - 2199µg/cm
Conversion Factor
2
µS/cm to µg/cm : 0.12
2
µS/cm to mg/m : 1.2
2
µS/cm to µg/cm : 0.11
2
µS/cm to mg/m : 1.1
Resolution
2 2
240 - 2399µg/cm : 1µg/cm
2 2
0 - 239.9µg/cm : 0.1µg/cm
2 2
220 - 2199µg/cm : 1µg/cm
2 2
0 - 219.9µg/cm : 0.1µg/cm
Accuracy
±2% of full scale (for each range)
Operating Temperature
5°C to 40°C (41°F to 105°F)
Operating Humidity
85% or less relative humidity (no condensation)
Battery Type
2 x CR2032 lithium
Battery Life
Approximately 200 hours continuous use
without backlight
Dimensions
164 x 29 x 20mm (6.5 x 1.1 x 0.79")
Weight
50g (1.76 oz) - including sensor and batteries
5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION (continued)
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5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION (continued)
5.4 ELCOMETER 138 CONDUCTIVITY METER
Measurement Principle
2 Electrode Bioplar AC
Measurement Mode
Conductivity, Temperature
Minimum Sample Volume
0.12ml
Measurement Range
0 - 19.99mS/cm
Resolution
2.00 - 19.99mS/cm : 0.01mS/cm
0 - 1999µS/cm : 1µS/cm
Accuracy
±2% of full scale (for each range)
Operating Temperature
5°C to 40°C (41°F to 105°F)
Operating Humidity
85% or less relative humidity (no condensation)
Battery Type
2 x CR2032 lithium
Battery Life
Approximately 200 hours continuous use
without backlight
Dimensions
164 x 29 x 20mm (6.5 x 1.1 x 0.79")
Weight
50g (1.76 oz) - including sensor and batteries
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6 SPARES & ACCESSORIES
The Elcometer 138 Bresle Kits are supplied complete with all the items required to get started and take
measurements however, over the life of the kit, replacements may be required. The following items are
available from Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier.
6.1 CALIBRATION SOLUTION
Description Part Number
Standard 84μS/cm Calibration Solution: 250ml (8.45fl oz) Bottle T13830629-1
A Material Safety Data Sheet for the Elcometer 138 Standard 84μS/cm Calibration Solution is available to download via our website:
http://www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_138_84uScm_Calibration_Solution.pdf
6.2 BRESLE PATCHES
Description Part Number
Elcometer 135B Bresle Patch, Pack of 25 E135----B
Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 100 E135----C100
Elcometer 135C Bresle Test Patch, Pack of 25 E135----C25
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter E138-CM
Description Part Number
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter E138-BSM
Bottle of Pure Distilled Water; 250ml (8.5 fl oz) T13827259
Syringes, 5ml (0.17 fl oz); x3 T13818517
Replacement Sensor for Elcometer 138 Meter T13830628
6.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Needles (Blunt); x3 T13818518
Plastic Beaker; 30ml (1 fl oz) T13818519
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7 LEGAL NOTICES & REGULATORY INFORMATION
Declaration of Conformity: The Elcometer 138 Meters comply with the requirements of the following EU Directives:
2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances
If the standard solution used for calibration of the meter comes into contact with the skin, wash the skin with fresh water. If the standard
solution comes into contact with eyes, immediately flush the eye with large amounts of fresh water and seek medical advice.
2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/PDFs/Datasheets/Declaration_of_Conformity/English/DoC_138.pdf
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Manchester, M43 6BU.
United Kingdom
All other trademarks acknowledged.
The Declaration of Conformity is available to download via:
This product is Class B, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
CAUTION
The needles supplied for use with these kit are blunt, but care must be exercised when using and disposing of these needles to prevent
accidental needle stick injuries. It is recommended that used needles be disposed of as special waste, and not in landfill.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio-frequency energy which is necessary for
the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class B product: Suitable for use in domestic establishments and in establishments directly connected to a low voltage power supply network which
supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
The Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Kits are packed in a cardboard package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive
manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority for further guidance.
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Using the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter or
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter
APPENDIX A
Section
Page
A1
Caution
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A2
Fitting and Replacing the Batteries
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A3
The Controls and Display
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A4
Electrode Surface Treatment Procedure
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A5
Calibration Procedure
en-19
A6
Taking a Reading
en-20
A7
After Measurement
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A8
Care and Maintenance
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Please refer to the Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter or Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter User Guide for full instructions.

Ÿ Do not drop the meter.
Ÿ Do not exert undue force on the sensor.
Ÿ Never apply undue force when opening the meter (to change the batteries or sensor).
Ÿ Do not subject the meter to high temperature or humidity.
Ÿ Although the product is waterproof, avoid immersing it completely. If the meter is accidentally
dropped in water, take it out and remove the moisture.
Ÿ Do not allow utensils (tweezers, pipette, etc) to touch sensor cell.
Ÿ Do not measure samples hotter than 40°C (105°F)
Ÿ Do not allow contact with solvents.
A1: CAUTION
Battery
Battery
Clip
A2: FITTING AND REPLACING THE BATTERIES
The Elcometer 138 Meters use dry cell batteries only and are supplied with two CR2032 lithium batteries
fitted with an isolation strip. Remove the isolation strip before first use.
1 Place batteries in battery clips ensuring correct polarity.
To fit or replace the batteries:
When the battery voltage becomes low, the low battery
warning indicator will flash. Replace both batteries
immediately.
Note: Lithium batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult your local
Environmental Authority for information on disposal in your region. Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
2 To reassemble the meter, slide the sensor onto the body
of the meter and push the body and sensor together
gently until sensor retaining clip engages.
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The Elcometer 138 Meters are operated using 3 buttons and display readings and other information on
the LCD screen.
A3: THE CONTROLS AND DISPLAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ELCOMETER 138 METER OVERVIEW
1
Measurement Cell
Place a liquid sample in this cell to measure it with the
electrode located on the bottom of the cell.
2
Protection Cover
Protects the measurement cell and flat sensor in
storage.
3
Lithium Batteries
CR2032 x 2
4
MEAS Button
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter: ISO or IMO;
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter: EC
View the temperature of the measuring environment.
Switches from calibration mode to measurement
mode.
Sets the measurement mode:
5
ON/OFF Button
Turns the meter On / Off.
6
Strap Eyelet
A strap can be attached here.
7
CAL Button
Starts calibration procedure.
8
Waterproof Gasket
Makes the meter waterproof.
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A3: THE CONTROLS AND DISPLAY (continued)
DISPLAY INDICATORS
9
Stability Icon
Illuminates when measured value is stabilised.
10
MEAS Icon
Illuminates when in measurement mode.
11
CAL Icon
Flashes during calibration and illuminates steadily
when calibration is finished.
12
Temperature
Alarm Icon
Flashes when the measuring environment
temperature does not meet the specified operating
temperature of 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 105°F).
13
Battery Alarm
Icon
Illuminates when the batteries are low and need to
be replaced.
14
Measurement
Units
2
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter: µg/cm
The default setting is:
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter: µS/cm
15
Measured Value
Displays the surface density of salts calculated
using the measured conductivity of the sample.
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter:
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter:
Displays the measured conductivity of the sample
16
Measurement
Mode Selected
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter only:
The surface density of salts is calculated using the
ISO Salt Mix (ISO Mode) or IMO PSPC (IMO
Mode) equivalent NaCI conversion factors, see
Section 3.4 on page en-6 for further details.
MEAS
IMO
ISO
CAL BATT
°C
2
µg/cm
000.0
J
910 11 12 13
14
15
16
MEAS
EC
CAL BATT
°C
µS/cm
0000
J
910 11 12 13
14
15
Elcometer 138 Bresle Salt Meter Display
Elcometer 138 Conductivity Meter Display
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1 Put some drops of the conditioning solution into the measurement cell.
2 Leave for approximately 10 minutes.
3 Clean the measurement cell with running water.
4 Wash the measurement cell with standard solution.
When using the sensor for the first time or again after several weeks of disuse, perform the electrode
surface treatment procedure as follows:
5 Perform the calibration procedure, see Section A5 below.
A4: ELECTRODE SURFACE TREATMENT PROCEDURE
CAL
CAL
Button
Cover
Protection
Cell
Electrode
Appropriate Too Little
A5: CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1 Press the ON/OFF button to switch the meter on.
2 Press the CAL button until appears on the display.
3 Open the protection cover and place some drops of the 84µS/cm standard solution supplied into the
measurement cell avoiding the inclusion of bubbles. Washing the sensor with standard solution
beforehand may provide more accurate calibration.
4Bubbles in the solution may cause the measurement to be inaccurate.
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