Elcometer 110 User manual

English
Elcometer 110
P.A.T.T.I.®Pneumatic Adhesion Tester
Operating Instructions

R
English
This product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
The product is Class B, Group 1 ISM equipmetn according to
CISPR 11.
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.
Class B products are 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.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited.
The Elcometer 110 P.A.T.T.I.®and its use are protected under US Patent No.
4567758
P.A.T.T.I.®is a registered trademark of SEMicro Division, M.E. Engineering Inc.
P.A.T.T.I.®is an acronym for Pneumatic Adhesion Tensile Testing Instrument
Araldite is a registered trademark of Ciba-Geigy plc
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2008/2010.
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.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via
www.elcometer.com.
Doc.No. TMA-0187 Issue 06
Text with Cover No: 4858

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your tester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Basic principle of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 The control module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 The piston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Safety precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Preparing for a test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Attaching the pull stub to the coating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Preparing the control module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 Pressurising the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4 Preparing the piston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5 Pull off test procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.1 Pull off test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.2 After the test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6 Recording the Pull Off Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7 Piston burst pressure to POTS conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10 Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11 Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
12 Related equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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hank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion
Tester. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of
inspection equipment for coatings and concrete.
Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through
application to post application inspection.
The Elcometer 110 is a world beating product. With the purchase of this product
you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of
Elcometer. For more information visit our website at www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT YOUR TESTER
The Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion Tester is a simple-to-use instrument
for measuring the bond strength between a coating and a substrate.
The tester uses a pneumatically operated piston to apply a tensile force along
the axis of a pull stub which has been glued to the coating. The tester measures
the pressure in the piston during the test and records the pressure at the point
of coating failure or at the point when the test is stopped.
The values obtained provide a quantitative measure of the strength of the bond
between a coating and its substrate or the strength of an adhesive.
1.1 Standards
The Elcometer 110 can be used in accordance with the following National and
International Standards:
• ASTM D 4541
• AS/NZS 1580.480.5
• ISO 16276-1
1.2 What the box contains
• Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion Tester control module
• Connection hose
• Adhesive masks, x 25
• Cut-off rings, x 25
• Talcum powder
• Carry case
• PP3 battery
T

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• Recorder jack plug
•CO
2cartridge holder
• Adhesive, 1 pack
• Piston selection card and conversion chart
• Operating instructions
Note : Pistons are not supplied as standard and must be ordered
separately. See “Accessories and spare parts” on page 18
Figure 1. Elcometer 110 kit of parts
The Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion Tester is packed in a cardboard and
foam package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of in an
environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority
for further guidance.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion
Tester please take some time to read these Operating Instructions. Do not
hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you have any
questions.

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2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 Basic principle of operation
An aluminium pull stub is glued to the test surface. When the glue has fully
cured, a pulling piston is attached to the pull stub (Figure 2).
A reservoir inside the control module is pressurised by a CO2cartridge or by a
compressed air line.
The control module is connected to the pulling piston by a hose.
The control module applies increasing pressure to the pull stub until it becomes
detached from the test surface or until the test is stopped.
The control module registers the maximum pressure (psig) attained and this
value can be converted to bond strength (POTS) - see “Piston burst pressure
to POTS conversion” on page 17
Figure 2. Principle of operation

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2.2 The control module
Front panel
All functions of your tester are controlled from the front panel of the control
module (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Control module - front panel
1. Run (Push): Push button to start a test.
2. Supply pressure: Analogue pressure gauge displaying the pressure of the
compressed air line connected to the air line input at the rear of the control
module, or the pressure remaining in the internal reservoir. When operating
using the internal reservoir, the supply pressure will slowly decrease during
a test.
3. Rate: Rotate to adjust rate at which the piston pressure increases during a
test.
4. Piston pressure (psig): Digital pressure gauge displaying the pressure
inside the piston. Piston pressure will start at zero and slowly increase
during a test.
5. Piston: Outlet for piston connecting hose.
6. Reset: Push button to reset digital piston pressure gauge to zero.
7. On/Off/On: Rotate to switch the instrument on or off.
100.0
Run (Push)
Rate
Supply Pressure
PATTI
Off
On
On
R eset
Piston
Piston Pressure (PSIG)
1
2
6
5
4
73

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Back panel (Figure 4)
Figure 4. Control module - back panel
1. Zero reset: Press the Reset button on the front panel and then, if
necessary, rotate Zero reset on the back panel to set the digital piston
pressure gauge to zero.
2. Battery compartment: Insert one 9 V PP3 battery.
3. 9 V dc in: Inlet for optional external 9 V power supply
4. Recorder output: Electrical interface for monitoring or recording of
pressure during a test.
5. Air-line in: Interface for connection to compressed air line or optional
trigger operated inflator.
6. CO2cartridge: Interface for connection to CO2cartridge.
zero reset recorder output
+ 44 (0)161 371 6000
[e-mail]
www.elcometer.com
air-line in
CO cartridge
2
Elcometer 110
Serial No
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9V dc in
1
2
6
4
3
5

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2.3 The piston
Standard pistons
Figure 5. Standard piston components, pull stub and hoses
F20 Piston
The F20 piston (Figure 6) differs from the standard pistons as it has two piston
gaskets. The compressed air supply to each of the gaskets can be switched on
or off, therefore allowing the piston to be used as:
• an F8 piston (air supply to inner gasket only)
• an F12 piston (air supply to outer gasket only)
• or as an F20 piston (air supply to inner and outer gaskets)
To switch off the air
supply to a gasket,
remove the gasket to
reveal the tapped hole
in the piston housing.
Insert into this hole one
of the two screws with
O-ring supplied with
your piston and tighten
gently.
Reaction
plate
Piston
gasket
Piston
housing
Pull stub
Piston hose
Connecting
hose
Figure 6. F20 Piston

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2.4 Power supply
Your Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion Tester is powered by a single 9 V dry
cell battery or direct from the mains electricity using the optional external power
supply.
• To fit the battery, slide open the battery compartment at the rear of the
tester and insert the battery taking care to observe the correct polarity. Slide
the battery compartment closed when you are finished.
If appears on the display, change the battery.
• Plug the optional power supply into the mains outlet and connect the lead to
the socket marked ‘9 V DC in’ on the rear of the control module. There is no
need to remove the battery while the tester is powered from the mains.
3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN CARRYING OUT PULL OFF
TESTS.
Due to the high pressures utilised (up to 100 psi), pieces of the test sample or
apparatus may fragment, and consequently, safety precautions should be
followed at all times.
The control module should be as far removed as possible from the surface
under test (i.e. the full length of the connecting hose).
Pull off may occur at any pressure level. At pull off point the piston (with the pull
stub attached) will be forced upwards from the test surface. Consequently,
while waiting for pull off to occur you must not lean over, or place any part of
your body over, the test surface.
When releasing pressure from the system (see page 16), ensure that your face
is not over the piston.
Useextremecautionwhendisconnecting hoses whilethe system is pressurised
(see page 16).

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4 PREPARING FOR A TEST
4.1 Attaching the pull stub to the coating
These instructions describe the use of Araldite epoxy resin to attach the pull
stub to the coating. Use of other adhesives may require different surface
preparations and/or application techniques. Please refer to the relevant
manufacturers recommended procedures.
1. To ensure good adhesion, the pull stub and test surface must be clean and
free from debris and contaminants e.g. skin oils etc. Any recognised
method for cleaning and degreasing aluminium may be used. Apply an
adhesive mask to each test surface.
2. Mix the epoxy. Apply to the blast cleaned end of the pull stub and some to
the middle of the mask, press it into the roughened surface of the pull stub
to fill the voids.
Note: Ensure no epoxy gets onto the threaded part of the pull stub.
3. Press the epoxied end of the pull stub to the epoxied area of the test
surface guide the pull stub to the centre of the adhesive mask and maintain
pressure for approximately 1 minute.
Figure 7. Attaching a pull stub to the coating
DO NOT rotate or tilt the pull stub in relation to the test surface as this will
create voids in the epoxy. If this does happen, remove the pull stub
immediately, remove all residual adhesive, restore the blast cleaned
(roughened) surface and re-attach the pull stub to the test surface.
4. Allow the epoxy to fully cure (24 hours at room temperature).

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4.2 Preparing the control module
1. Attach the connecting hose to the piston outlet on the front panel of the
control module.
2. Switch the instrument on by rotating the Off/On control.
3. Reset the instrument; press and hold the Reset button, then release.
4. Bleed any residual pressure in the connecting hose by pressing the stem in
the centre of the connector carefully. Then push Reset, and at the same
time turn the Zero Reset spindle on the back panel of the control module
until the digital piston pressure gauge reads 00.0. Release Reset.
4.3 Pressurising the system
The system must be pressurised before it can be used. When the system is fully
pressurised (170 psig), sufficient gas is available for 5 tests using the F4 piston
at a maximum pressure of 100 psig.
The system can be pressurised using any of the following techniques:
•CO
2cartridge + standard cartridge holder.
• Compressed air supply using optional hose assembly.
•CO
2cartridge + optional trigger inflator.
4.3.1 Pressurising using the standard cartridge holder
1. Fit the cartridge into the cartridge holder and screw it into the inlet marked
‘CO2cartridge’ on the rear panel of the control module until resistance is
felt.
2. Continue screwing the cartridge holder until the cartridge is pierced and the
gas is heard to flow into the control module.
The analogue supply pressure gauge will indicate the pressure. Excess
pressure (above 170 psig) will escape through the relief valve inside the
control module; the analogue meter reading should drop to approximately
170 psig.
3. Unscrew the cartridge holder and dispose of the empty CO2cartridge.
4.3.2 Pressurising using a compressed air supply
The system can be pressurised from an external compressed air supply
(compressed air line, compressor, bottle, etc). Ensure that the maximum
pressure of the supply is regulated to a maximum of approximately 100 psig.
1. Use the optional connecting hose assembly (part number T11013455 - see
“Accessories and spare parts” on page 18) to connect the compressed air

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supply to the inlet marked ‘air-line in’ on the rear panel of the control
module.
2. Open the compressed air supply valve to pressurise the control module.
The analogue supply pressure gauge will indicate the pressure.
The compressed air supply can be left connected to the control module
during testing.
3. When you have finished testing, close the compressed air supply valve and
remove from the inlet at the rear of the control module.

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4.3.3 Pressurising using the trigger inflator (optional item)
The trigger inflator is available as an optional accessory - see “Accessories and
spare parts” on page 18.
1. Non-threaded cartridges:
Unscrew and remove the handle
of the trigger inflator and insert
the cartridge into the handle with
the narrow end up. Screw the
handle slowly onto the body of
the trigger inflator until the
cartridge begins to make contact
with the puncture pin. Without
depressing the trigger, quickly
and firmly continue to screw the
handle to puncture and then seal
the cartridge (Figure 8).
Threaded cartridges: Unscrew
and remove the handle of the
trigger inflator. Screw the
cartridge slowly into the valve
body until the cartridge begins to
make contact with the puncture
pin. Without depressing the
trigger, quickly and firmly
continue to screw the cartridge
to puncture and then seal the
cartridge (Figure 9).
2. Screw the outlet of the trigger
inflator onto the inlet marked ‘air-
line in’ on the rear panel of the
control module.
3. Depress the trigger of the inflator to pressurise the control module.
The analogue supply pressure gauge will indicate the pressure. Excess
pressure (above 170 psig) will escape through the relief valve inside the
control module; the analogue meter reading should drop to approximately
170 psig.
4. Unscrew the outlet of the trigger inflator from the inlet at the rear of the
control module. If the CO2cartridge is exhausted, dispose of the cartridge,
otherwise retain for future use.
Figure 8. Inserting a non-threaded
cartridge
Figure 9. Inserting a threaded
cartridge

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4.4 Preparing the piston
1. Rotate the Rate control on the front panel of the control module to 0.005.
Note: The closed position is 0.000. Do not overtighten the Rate control as
this may damage the valve inside the control module.
2. The run rate can be adjusted finely if required, by turning the Rate control
by small increments.
To apply a tensile force increasing at a constant rate of less than 1 N/mm2
per second (150 psi/s), but to reach full force in less than 100 seconds, the
run rate should be adjusted to be within the times shown in Table 1. This
should be done with the appropriate piston attached.
3. Press and hold Reset to reset the digital meter to 00.0. The time taken to
reset is relative to the time taken for maximum pressure to be reached in
step 2 above.
4. Attach the piston hose to the valve on the connecting hose (Figure 5).
5. Remove the black reaction plate (removing the pull stub from the centre of
the piston) to expose the gasket and then press the Run button.
6. The piston gasket must be pushed out using less than 3 psig. If not, remove
the piston gasket from the piston housing being careful not to scratch the
vertical walls of the piston housing. Wash the gasket with detergent and
water solution. Wipe dry and lubricate the gasket and piston housing with a
light coating of pure talcum powder.
7. Replace the gasket into the piston housing carefully; the concave surface
must face into the housing.
Table 1: Recommended run rate for 12.7 mm (½") diameter pull stub
Piston Maximum time to reach 50 psi
(seconds)
Minimum time to
reach 50 psi
(seconds)
F1 50 2
F2 50 3.5
F4 50 7
F8 50 14
F12 50 21
F16 50 28
F20 50 35

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5 PULL OFF TEST PROCEDURE
Before you start a test, the adhesive between the pull stub and the coating must
be cured. Prepare the instrument and piston - see “Preparing for a test” on
page 9.
5.1 Pull off test
If the adhesion need only be tested to a specified pull off tensile strength
(POTS), the pressure must be determined by the burst pressure (BP) to POTS
Conversion Table - see “Piston burst pressure to POTS conversion” on page 17
The test is only successful if pull-off does not occur up to and including the
specified POTS.
For best accuracy a piston that pulls off at a high burst pressure (greater than
60 psi) should be selected.
1. Ensure the metal protection washer inside the piston body is in place.
2. With the felt-coated side downwards, place the selected piston over the pull
stub.
Figure 10. A test in progress
3. Thread the reaction plate onto the pull stub until light contact is made with
the piston. Note this orientation.

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4. Unscrew the reaction plate through 90° from the point of contact. This will
allow gasket sealing and alignment of the reaction plate perpendicular to
the pull stub axis.
5. The digital piston pressure gauge should read 00.0. If not, adjust the zero
setting by holding in Reset and at the same time turning the Zero reset
control on the back panel of the control module. Then release Reset.
6. Press and hold Run until the piston assembly (with attached pull stub)
detaches from the surface (pull-off point), or 100 psig is attained.
7. Release Run.
5.1.1 If pull-off has occurred
1. Using extreme caution, unscrew the connector hose from the piston
assembly and bleed any residual pressure by pressing the stem in the
centre of the hose valve fitting.
2. Unscrew the reaction plate from the piston and remove the pull stub.
3. Record the maximum pressure as indicated on the digital piston pressure
gauge (using correct mathematical rounding), the piston size and nature of
failure.
4. Convert the pressure reading to adhesion strength by referring to the
appropriate Piston Burst Pressure to POTS Conversion Tables.
If you want to carry out further tests, ensure the system is still correctly setup
(Section 4) and then repeat Section 5.1.
If the pressure on the analogue meter has dropped below 100 psi it is advisable
to re-pressurise the system (Section 4.3) before attempting further pull off tests.
5.1.2 If pull-off has not occurred
If pull-off is required and maximum pressure does not detach the pull stub, it
indicates either:-
• Too small a piston has been used. Disconnect the connecting hose from the
piston hose, remove the reaction plate and then remove the piston from the
pull stub.
Ensure the system is correctly setup (Section 4) and then repeat Section
5.1 using the next largest F piston.
• There is insufficient pressure in the system. Repressurise the system and
repeat Section 5.1.

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5.2 After the test
It is safe to leave the system pressurised between pull off tests. However, if the
instrument is to be transported, or left unused for a long period of time, it is
advisable to shut down (depressurise) the system.
1. If using a regulated gas supply, close the main valve on the supply.
2. If pull-off has not occurred, disconnect the connecting hose from the piston
hose, remove the reaction plate and then remove the piston from the pull
stub.
3. Reconnect the piston hose connector to the connecting hose to allow the
system to vent.
4. Open the Rate control on the front panel of the control module (turn it anti-
clockwise) to increase the speed of venting.
5. Press and hold Run until the analogue pressure gauge reads 0. Pressure
will vent from the piston causing the piston gasket to extrude.
6. Disconnect the connecting hose from both the piston assembly and the
control module.
7. Turn the instrument off to conserve battery life.
6 RECORDING THE PULL OFF TEST
Your tester includes an interface (recorder output) at the rear of the control
module which allows the pressure during a test to be monitored or recorded.
To use this facility, insert the 3.5 mm jack plug (included) into the recorder
output terminal on the back of the control module and connect it to your Chart
Recorder. This will record the pressure used during the test, but does not record
the displayed pull off point value.
Note: The tip of the 3.5 mm Jack Plug is positive and the case is negative.
The output ranges from 0 mV DC to 100 mV DC for 0 psi to 100 psi pressure.
The control module output is a differential signal via 2 x 1 kΩresistors and
therefore a measuring instrument with 200 kΩinput impedance or higher must
be used to ensure the reading is within 1% of the display.

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7 PISTON BURST PRESSURE TO POTS CONVERSION
POTS = Pull Off Tensile Strength (psi or N/mm²)
BP = Burst Pressure (psig) (digital piston pressure gauge reading)
Each piston is supplied with a Burst Pressure to Pull Off Tensile Strength
Conversion Table for a Standard Pull Stub of 12.7 mm (½") diameter.
Using the Conversion Tables
When using a BP to POTS Conversion Table, a burst pressure of 55 psig from
the digital piston pressure gauge converts to a POTS reading on the Table
where row 50 and column 5 intersect.
Non-Standard Pull Stub POTS
Non-standardpull stub POTS readings must beadjusted to allow forthe change
in the pull stub area. To do this, divide the POTS reading by the non-standard
pull stub area; then multiply this figure by the standard pull stub area.
Note: Standard Pull Stub area is 126.7 mm² (0.196 square inches). The
Standard Pull Stub diameter is 12.7 mm (½").
8 STORAGE
This instrument uses a Liquid Crystal Display. If it is heated above 50°C (120°F)
it may be damaged. For instance, this can happen if it is left in a parked car in
strong sunlight.
Remove the battery from the instrument if it is to remain unused for a long
period of time. This will prevent damage to the instrument in the event of
malfunction of the battery.
9 MAINTENANCE
The Elcometer 110 Pneumatic Adhesion Tester is designed to give many years
reliable service under normal operating and storage conditions.
A traceable Calibration Certificate can be supplied after any repairs are carried
out. If a Calibration Certificate is required, please notify us when returning the
instrument.
The tester does not contain any user-serviceable components. In the unlikely
event of a fault, the Elcometer 110 should be returned to your local Elcometer
supplier or directly to Elcometer. The warranty will be invalidated if the
instrument has been opened. Details of Elcometer offices around the world are
given on the outside cover of these operating instructions. Alternatively visit the
Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com

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10 ACCESSORIES AND SPARE PARTS
The following replacement and optional items are available from your local
supplier or direct from Elcometer:
Piston assembly, F1 (0 - 500 psi): T11013400
Piston assembly, F2 (0 - 1000 psi): T11013401
Piston assembly, F4 (0 - 2000 psi): T11013402
Piston assembly, F8 (0 - 4000 psi): T11013403
Piston assembly, F16 (0 - 8000 psi): T11013404
Piston assembly, F20 (0 - 10000 psi): T11013405
Piston gasket, F1: T11013390
Piston gasket, F2: T11013391
Piston gasket, F4: T11013392
Piston gasket, F8: T11013393
Piston gasket, F16: T11013394
Piston gasket, F20 (set of 2): T11013395
Pull stub, 12.7 mm (½") diameter, pack of 25: T11013388
Adhesive Mask, pack of 25: T11013389
Pull stub cutter, 12.7 mm (½") diameter: T11014019
CO2Cartridge Holder (models without 9 V input): T11013261
(models with 9 V input): T11019559
CO2Trigger Inflator (complete kit): T11019558
CO2Trigger Inflator (trigger valve and body): T11019521
CO2Trigger Inflator (replacement connecting hose):T11019519
Connecting hose extension (2 m): T11013454
Compressed air supply hose assembly: T11013455
Connection hose (control module to piston): T11013446
Pure talcum powder: T11013451
Carry case: T11013457
Araldite: T99912906
External power supply, UK, 240 V AC 50 Hz: T99699911
EUR, 220 V AC 50 Hz: T99699912
US, 110 V AC 60 Hz: T99699913