Elcometer 110 Operating Instructions Manual

Brand: Elcometer

Model: 110

Type: Operating Instructions Manual

English

Elcometer 110

P.A.T.T.I.® Pneumatic Adhesion Tester

Operating Instructions

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.

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

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

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

• Recorder jack plug

•CO

2 cartridge 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.

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 CO2 cartridge 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

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

eset

Piston

Piston Pressure (PSIG)

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. CO2 cartridge: Interface for connection to CO2 cartridge.

zero reset recorder output

+ 44 (0)161 371 6000

sales@elcometer.com

www.elcometer.com

air-line in

CO cartridge

Elcometer 110

Serial No

9V dc in

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

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.

Use extreme caution when disconnecting hoses while the system is pressurised

(see page 16).

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).

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

2 cartridge + standard cartridge holder.

• Compressed air supply using optional hose assembly.

•CO

2 cartridge + 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

‘CO2 cartridge’ 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 CO2 cartridge.

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

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.

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 CO2 cartridge is exhausted, dispose of the cartridge,

otherwise retain for future use.

Figure 8. Inserting a non-threaded

cartridge

Figure 9. Inserting a threaded

cartridge

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

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.

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.

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 kΩ resistors and

therefore a measuring instrument with 200 kΩ input impedance or higher must

be used to ensure the reading is within 1% of the display.

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-standard pull stub POTS readings must be adjusted to allow for the 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

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

CO2 Cartridge Holder (models without 9 V input): T11013261

(models with 9 V input): T11019559

CO2 Trigger Inflator (complete kit): T11019558

CO2 Trigger Inflator (trigger valve and body): T11019521

CO2 Trigger 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

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Elcometer 110 Operating Instructions Manual

Elcometer 110 Operating Instructions Manual

Elcometer 110 Operating Instructions Manual

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