How to Operate a Cass Cum Salt Spray Chamber Effectively

by: Effective Lab India /Salt Spray Chamber / Updated at: 2025-02-26 09:11:11

A salt spray test is an important method for evaluating the test material and corrosion resistance to coating. A Cass Cum Salt Spray Chamber manufactured by Effective Lab India is widely used in industries such as the automotive industry, aerospace, paint & coating, and metal treatment. This article offers a comprehensive guide to effectively operate Cass Cum Salt Spray Chamber.

What is a Cass Cum Salt Spray Chamber?

A CASS Cum Salt Spray Test Chamber is a special corrosion testing equipment that imitates a very corrosive environment using the fog of salt solution. It is mainly used to test chromate coatings, painted surfaces, and metal materials for rust resistance.


Salt Spray Chamber Working Principle

The Concept of Corrosion Testing

When metals come into contact with oxygen and moisture, corrosion results. This process is accelerated by exposing materials to a controlled, high-humidity, saltwater environment in a salt spray chamber.

How the Salt Mist Environment is Created

A saline solution (usually 5% NaCl)  is atomized into fine gauze particles.

  • The chamber maintains a stable temperature (35 °C for NSS, 50 °C for CASS test).
  • The air pressure also ensures the distribution of salt mist.
  • Test samples are placed at 20° inclination for uniform exposure.

Salt Spray Chamber Parts

Key Components:

  1. Test Chamber - A corrosion-resistant chamber where the test is performed.
  2. Salt Solution Reservoir - Stores the prepared salt solution.
  3. Air Compressor and Regulator - Ensures correct atomization of the saline solution.
  4. Temperature Control System - The chamber maintains the temperature according to standards.
  5. Specimen Rack - Holds the test samples at a suitable angle.
  6. Exhaust System - Prevents the production of excessive salt and ensures proper ventilation.
  7. Pneumatically Operated Canopy - Enables a smooth opening and closing of the chamber, and reduces manual efforts.
  8. Fiber Reinforced Body - Ensures durability and resistance to corrosion or rust particles.
  9. HMI-Based Touch Screen - A user-friendly operation with an interface containing an intuitive interface.
  10. Hour Meter - Tracks the total operational hours for maintenance planning.
  11. Air Purge - Eliminates remaining salt from the chamber before opening, ensuring safety.
  12. Castor Wheels with Lock - Provides easy mobility while ensuring stability during testing.
  13. Online Fog Collection Unit - Measures and monitors the fog deposition rate in real-time.

Technical Specifications and Features

  • Material: High-quality FRP or PP construction for corrosion resistance.
  • Temperature Control: Built-in PID Temperature Controller
  • Salt Concentration: Usually a 5% NACL solution for neutral salt spray (NSS) tests.
  • pH Control: PH between 6.5 and 7.2 for NSS tests; PH 3.1–3.3 for CASS tests.
  • Standards Compliance: ASTM B117, ISO 9227, JIS Z 2371, and more.
  • Display: HMI-based touch screen 7 "TFT LCD color screen
  • Chamber Temp. Range: Ambient to 60º 
  • Test Chamber Temperature Range: 49ºC ± 2ºC
  • Chamber Temperature Least Count: 0.1ºC
  • Chamber Temperature Repeatability: ± 1ºC 
  • Air Saturator Temperature Range: Ambient to 65ºC
  • Air Saturator Temperature Least Count: 0.1ºC
  • Air Saturator Temperature Repeatability: ± 2ºC
  • Power: 220V, Single phase, 50 Hz, 15 A
  • Timer(Hour meter): 6 digits
  • Test Air Pressure: 0.7Kg/cm² - 1.7Kg/cm²
  • Air Regulator: 0 to 30 psi

Highlights

  • Air Saturator Water Level Low Alarm: Yes
  • Fog Collection Funnel: 1
  • Air Purge: Auto/Manual 
  • Air Saturator Auto Refilling: Yes
  • Material: Fiber Glass
  • Over Temperature Alarm: Yes
  • Reservoir Float Valve: Yes

Salt Spray Test Procedure

1. Preparing test samples

  • Clean and dry the test samples.
  • Apply markings (if necessary) to track corrosion progress.

2. Setting Up the Chamber

  • Make sure all components are functional.
  • Place samples on the sample rack at an angle of 20 degrees.

3. Preparing the Salt Solution

  • Dissolve 5% NaCl in distilled water.
  • Adjust the pH level according to the test standard.

4. Operating the Chamber

  • Fill the salt solution reservoir.
  • Set chamber temperature and moisture.
  • Start the fog generation air compressor.
  • Start the test and monitor the situation from time to time.

5. Monitoring and Maintaining Test Conditions

  • Check the pH level every 24 hours.
  • Make sure the salt mist is evenly distributed.
  • Prevent additional condensation building inside the chamber.

6. Evaluating the Results

  • Observer samples after the test period.
  • Compare the corrosion level with industry standards.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. The chamber does not maintain the temperature

  • Check the temperature control settings.
  • Observe the heating system for malfunction.

2. Salt spray distribution problems

  • Make sure the air compressor works properly.
  • Clean the nozzle to prevent clogging.

3. Excessive Condensation Inside the Chamber

  • Make sure the output system works properly.

4. Unstable pH Levels

  • Use NaCl and distilled water.
  • Calibrate the pH meter regularly.

Safety Precautions and Maintenance

 

  • Wear gloves and eye protection when handling salt solutions.
  • Clean the chamber after each test to prevent salt buildup.
  • Observe air compressors and heaters regularly to ensure optimum performance.

Conclusion

When evaluating the ability of coatings and materials to withstand corrosion, a Salt Spray Chamber is an essential tool. Achieving accurate and dependable findings requires proper operation, maintenance, and adherence to testing guidelines. You can extend the life and effectiveness of your cass cum salt spray chamber by adhering to the recommendations made in this article.

FAQs

1. How long does a typical salt spray test take?

Depending on material specifications, The test duration varies from 24 hours to 1000+ hours.

2. Can I reuse the salt solution?

No, a fresh solution should be prepared for each test to maintain accuracy.

3. How often should I clean the chamber?

It should be cleaned after every test to prevent salt deposits.

4. What industries use salt spray testing?

Industries like automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction rely on it for quality assurance.

5. Does Effective Lab India manufacture these chambers?

Yes, Effective Lab India is a leading manufacturer of high-quality salt spray chambers.