WEBER REILLY TEST

SOLUBLE SALTS TEST KIT

Soluble Iron Salts i.e. Ferrous Chloride and Ferrous Sulphate are found in the bottom of
the corrosion pits of badly corroded steel. As these salts are soluble in water they can
cause osmotic blistering of coatings and must therefore be removed prior to painting.
The test kit identifies the presence of soluble salts on abrasive blast cleaned steel.

WEBER REILLY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

This method of determining the concentration of soluble ferrous salts was developed
by two well known paint chemists who worked on an ISO (International Standards
Organisation) Committee from 1985 – 1987.

METHOD

When the indicator is sprayed on freshly abraded steel (Minimum to SA 2½ of ISO 8501
– 1 Standard) it will react with soluble iron salts by turning different shades of pink.

The higher the concentration the darker the colour.

A colour card is provided as a guideline to the concentration present.

PREPARATION OF “INDICATOR” LIQUID

1. The kit consists of:

a) 200ml Bottle of “indicator” liquid (sealed to keep dry)

b) 100ml Bottle of solvent for cleaning
c) 250ml Plastic Spray Bottle
d) Colour Card
e) Instructions

2. Shake the bottle of “indicator” well, (5 minutes) to ensure adequate dispersion.

3. Transfer the contents of the “indicator” liquid to the spray bottle.

NB
1. ENSURE THAT ALL CONTENTS ARE DRY
2. DO NOT ALLOWE WATER TO CONTAMINATE THE “INDICATOR” LIQUID

1
TESTING FOR SOLUBLE SALTS

1. Spray (by squeezing the trigger of the plastic bottle) an area of 5cm x 5cm to
cover with an even coating.

2. After a short time the patch will dry and if soluble salts are present a pink
colour will develop.

3. Compare the shade of the pink to the colour card to assess the concentration
of soluble salts.

4. After use return the contents to the 200ml “indicator” liquid bottle and seal
tightly (re-tape to keep dry). Use the solvent to rinse the spray bottle and to
clean the nozzle.

REMOVAL OF SOLUBLE SALTS

Soluble salts can be removed by:

1. High pressure water blasting

2. Wet abrasive blasting
3. Dry abrasive blasting – with fine abrasive
4. Combinations of all three methods can also be used

After drying, the surface should be retested for soluble salts using the “indicator” as
above.

VERY IMPORTANT WARNING

• CONTAINS METHYL ALCOHOL (Which on its own is very poisonous)
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
• TOXIC BY INHALATION AND / OR IF SWALLOWED (See below)
• ONLY USE IN WELL VENTILATED CONDITIONS
• KEEP CONTAINER TIGHTLY CLOSED
• KEEP AWAY FROM SOURCES OF IGNITION – NO SMOKING
• AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN
• IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR IF YOU FEEL UNWELL, SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE
IMMEDIATELY

NB
1. IF SWALLOWED GIVE PERSON AS MUCH WATER AS THEY CAN DRINKA ND
IMMEDIATELY TAKE THEM TO THE EMERGENCY WARD OF A HOSPITAL.
2. IF ACCIDENTALLY INHALED KEEP PERSON IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND
PHONE A DOCTOR.