Alpha Industries MTK005 User Manual

MANUAL

Alpha® Moisture Test Kit

Instruction Manual

Part No: MTK005

Version 1

103 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 • 800-648-7229 • Fax: [phone]

www.alpha-tools.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................3

ASTM F 1869 Protocol Checklist For Conducting

The Calcium Chloride Test ......................................................3

Quantative Test Method for Determining Moisture

Vapor Emission Rate (ASTM F 1869) .....................................4

Purpose .............................................................................4

Contents ............................................................................4

Required Tools ..................................................................4

Applicable Standards ........................................................4

Preparation ........................................................................5

Test Instructions..........................................................................6

Calculations ................................................................................8

Bias & Precision of the Test ........................................................9

Health and Safety .......................................................................9

Limited Warranty & Terms of Sale ..............................................9

Concrete Moisture Vapor Emission Log Sheet .........................10

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Alpha® Moisture Test Kit, a calcium chloride test for

determining if the concrete slab is suitable for oor covering or polymer coating

installations.

The test works by absorbing moisture in a vapor form that is exiting the slab’s
surface due to natural environmental factors over a period of time.

The test measures an approximate 70 square inches area of concrete surface for
60 to 72 hours, then a simple calculation is followed that determines the volume
of the vapor emission.

The Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) is the equivalent weight of water (if
the gas turned into liquid) that emits from 1,000 square feet of concrete surface

area in 24 hours time.

To ensure correct use, read this Instruction Manual and the product’s Limited

Warranty and Terms of Sales prior to use of this product. The use of the product

implies that the Buyer and User agrees to Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty and

Terms of Sale. Keep this manual in a place where operators can access it easily

whenever necessary!

CAUTION!

ASTM F 1869 PROTOCOL CHECKLIST FOR CONDUCTING
THE CALCIUM CHLORIDE TEST

Before starting the test, make sure the following conditions are met:

1. Provide the number of test kits required.

Install 3 test kits for areas up to 1,000 sq. ft or smaller, add 1 test kit for each
additional 1,000 sq. ft. area thereafter.

2. Ensure interior environment is conditioned correctly before performing
tests.

A properly conditioned building interior has a temperature between 65 to 85

degrees F. with a relative humidity of 40 to 60 % for at least 48 hours before

the test begins and remains consistent throughout the testing period of 60 to

72 hours. Record values on log sheet.

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3. Clean the concrete surface of any foreign substances.

A foreign substance can be oor covering, adhesive residue, epoxy coating,

paint, curing and sealing compounds, waxes, dirt or oil stains, or any other
material residue on the slab surface. Remove concrete contaminants by shot
blasting, abrasive grinding wheel or diamond cup wheel. The use of wire brushes
or razor scraping may not be suitable for achieving a clean, open concrete slab

surface.

4. Prepare test area and schedule testing.

ASTM requires that a minimum of 20 x 20 inches of concrete surface area be

cleaned for each test (as described above) and allowed to remain open for at

least 24 hours before setting the calcium chloride test. Once the test is placed,

it must remain undisturbed for a period of 60 to 72 hours. Always plan carefully
in advance of testing to ensure open time after preparation and exposure time
during the testing period will allow for proper placement and retrieval.

QUANTITATIVE TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING MOISTURE
VAPOR EMISSION RATE (ASTM F 1869)

►PURPOSE:

®

Moisture Test Kit is designed to quantitatively measure the rate of moisture

Alpha

vapor emission.

►CONTENTS:
Each test kit consists of one cylindrical container lled with anhydrous calcium

chloride and one transparent plastic dome with pre-installed sealant around the
perimeter.

►REQUIRED TOOLS: (NOT INCLUDED)
Surface grinder with vacuum mount, safety goggles, dust respirator, protective

gloves, cloth rags, utility knife, scale capable of measuring to nearest 0.1 gram

and duct tape.

►APPLICABLE STANDARDS:
A person using this test kit shall strictly follow the instructions given in the latest

ASTM F 1869 published by American Society for Testing & Materials. The copies

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