SSPC-PA 2

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness

with Magnetic Gages

The Society for Protective Coatings

SSPC Publication No. 97-02
ISBN 1-889060-07-0

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

DISCLAIMER
This standard has been developed
in accordance with voluntary consensus proceduresby SSPC Advisory Committeesand
is believed to represent good current practice.
All SSPC specifications, guides and recommendations are monitored
and revised
as practices improve,
and suggestions for revision are welcome.
Other methods, materials, and specifications may
be equally
effective or superior. SSPC is not responsible for the application,
interpretation, or administrationof its specifications, guides and
recommendations. Moreover,SSPC does not issue interpretations of its specifications, guides or recommendations; and no
person is authorized to issuean interpretation ofanSSPC
specification,guideorrecommendationonbehalf
of SSPC.
SSPC specifically disclaims
responsibilityforthe useor misuse of
its specifications, guides and recommendations. The supplying of
details aboutpatented formulations, treatments, or processesis
not to be regarded as conveying any right permitting
or
the user
of this guideto use or sell any patented invention. When
it is
known
that the subject matter of the text is covered by patent, such
patents are reflected in the text.

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright 1997 by
SSPC
The Society for Protective Coatings
(fomlerly Steel Structures Painting Council)
40 24th St., 6th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

All rights reserved

This documentor any part thereof may not be reproduced in
any form without the written permissionof the publisher.

Printed in U.S.A.

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

SSPC-PA 2
June 1,1996

SSPC

PAINT APPLICATION STANDARD NO. 2

Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness with Magnetic
Gages
1. Scope

pressure on the coated surface during the entire measuring

operation. Electronic circuitry is used to convert a reference
signal into coating thickness. (See 8.1 .)

1.1 GENERAL: This standard describes the proceduresto

measure the thickness of a dry film of a nonmagnetic coating
applied on a magnetic substrate using commercially available
magnetic gages. These procedures are intended to supplement
manufacturers instructions for the manual operation of the
gages and are not intended to replace them.

2.3 USE OF STANDARD: This document contains the

following:

1.2 The procedures for calibration and measurement are

described for two types of gages: pull-off gages (Type 1) and
constant pressure probe gages (Type 2).

Required number of measurementsfor conformance to a

thickness specification (Section 5).

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Calibration, verification and measurement procedures

(Section 4).

Notes on gage principles and various factors affecting

thickness measurement (Section 8).

1.3 The standard defines a procedure to determine if the

film thickness over an extended area conforms to the minimum
and the maximum levels specified.

A numerical example of thickness measurement over an

extended area (Appendix 1).
A numerical example of verification of the calibration of
Type 2 gages using plastic shims (Appendix 2).

2. Description and Use

2.1 DEFINITIONS:

3. ReferenceStandards

2.1.1 Gage Reading: A single reading at one point.

3.1 The documents andstandards referenced in this standard are listed in Section 3.4 and form a part of this standard.

2.1.2 Spot Measurement: The average of at least three

gage readings made within a 1.5 inch (4 cm) diameter circle.

3.2 The latest issue, revision or amendment of the referenced documents in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
govern unless otherwise specified.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF GAGES:

2.2.1 Gage Types: The gage type is determined by the
specific magnetic properties employed in measuring the thickness and is not determined by the mode of data readout, .e.
digital or analog. This standard does not covergages that
measure the effect of eddy currents produced in the substrate.

3.3 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any of

the cited documents and this standard, the requirements of this
standard shall prevail.
3.4 NATIONAL INSTITUTEOF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY (N1ST)STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS.
(See
Section 8.15.)

2.2.2 Type l-Pull-Off Gages: In pull-off gages, a permanent magnet is brought into direct contact with the coated
surface and a calibrated scale measures the force necessaryto
pull the magnet from the surface. Less force is required to
remove the magnet from a thick coating. The scale is nonlinear.

4. Calibration, Verification and Measurement

Procedures

Type 1 A- A magnet is attached to one end of a pivoting

balance arm. This assembly is connected to a calibrated
helical spring. By rotating a dial, the spring increases the
force on the magnet and pulls it from the surface. The
Type 1A gages are commonly called banana gages.

4.1 GENERAL
4.1.1 Access to Bare Substrate: All gages are affected to
some degree by
substrate conditions such as roughness,shape,
thickness and composition. To correct for this effect, access to
the uncoated substrate is recommended. Another option is to
use separate uncoated reference panels with similar roughness, shape, thickness and composition. (See Sections 8.3 to
8.9.) These would be used as the bare substrate in the procedures of Sections 4.2 and 4.3. Reference panels shall be of
sufficient size to preclude edge effects. (See Section 8.7.)
Measurements on the bare substrate can be taken before

Type 1B - A magnet is mounted directly or indirectly to a

coil spring. The spring acts perpendicularly to the surface
to pull off the magnet. The Type 1B gages are commonly
called pencil gages.
2.2.3 Type 2-Constant Pressure Probe Gages: A constant pressure probe gage uses a probe which exerts a constant

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

June 1, 1996

the coating is applied or by masking off small representative

areas during painting. If the coating has already been applied
to the entire surface, small areas of coating may be removedand
later patched. Do not allow the removal process to alter the
condition of the substrate. Paint strippers should be used in
order to retain the profile.
4.1.2 Spot Measurement: Repeatedgage readings,even
at points close together, may differ due to small surface irregularities of the coating and the substrate. Therefore, a minimum
of three (3) gage readings shall be made for each spot measurement of either the substrate or the coating. For each new gage
reading, move the probe to a new location within the 1.5 inch (4
cm) diameter circle defining the spot. Discard any unusually
high or low gage reading that cannot be repeated consistently.
Take the average of the acceptable gage readings as the spot
measurement.
4.2 CALIBRATION, VERIFICATION ANDMEASUREMENT:
TYPE 1-PULL-OFF GAGES
4.2.1 For Type 1 gages, use test blocks bearing calibrated
non-magnetic coatings that are traceable to a suitable national
standard. (See Section 8.15.) The standards must be large
enough to exceed the critical mass of steel needed to satisfy the
magnetic field of the Type 1 (pull-off) magnets. Shims of plastic
or of non-magnetic metals which are acceptable for calibration
of Type 2 (constant pressure probe) gages should not be used
for calibration of the Type 1 gages. (See Section 8.1.1 .) If the
manufacturer's instructions are in conflict with this standard by
allowing the use of plastic or other nonmagnetic shims for the
calibration of a Type 1 gage, the contracting parties must both
be notified of this fact and agree on a method of calibration.
If proprietary thickness standards are to be used, agreement between contracting parties should be reached prior to
starting the job.
4.2.2 Using the Type 1 (pull-off) gage, measure the thickness of a series of calibration standards covering ?heexpected
range of coating thickness. To guard against measuringwith an
inaccurate gage, recheck the gage at the beginning and the end
of each work shift with one or more of the standards. During the
work shift, if the gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings, its calibration should be rechecked. If deemed
appropriate by the contracting parties, initial agreement can be
reached on the details and frequency of verification or calibration. Record the calibration data and the method used to verify
the calibration. If the gage is found to be out ofcalibration at the
end of the work shift, all measurements made since the last
calibration are suspect.
4.2.3 When the gage no longer agrees with the standard,
check the probe for cleanliness. If dirty, clean as described in
Section 8.5.1. If the gage still does not agree with the standard,
the gage is in need of repair or replacement. Some gages can
be adjusted to read accurately in a given range. Adjust the gage
to read correctly on a given standard. Then check the gage on
standards of higher and lower thicknesses to establish the range

overwhich the gage is accurate. All Type 1 gages have

nonlinear scales and any adjusting feature is linear in nature.
Therefore, only a given segment of the scale can be accurate
after adjustment.
4.2.4 Measure the bare substrate at a number of spots to
obtain a representative average value. This average value is the
base metal reading (BMR). Note the gage is not to be calibrated
on the bare substrate.
4.2.5 Measure the dry coating at the number of spots
specified in Section 5.
4.2.6 Subtract the base metal reading from the gage reading to obtain the thickness of the coating.
4.3 CALIBRATION, VERIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT:
TYPE 2"CONSTANT PRESSURE PROBE GAGES
4.3.1 Different manufacturersof Type 2 (constant pressure
probe) gages follow different methods
of calibration or adjustment.
Calibrate the gage according
to manufacturer's instructions.
4.3.2 With a properly calibrated gage, measure the dry
coating as specified. (See Section 4.1.2.)
4.3.3 Verifythecalibration of the gage at the beginning and
the end of each work shift with one or more of the standards.
(See Appendix 2). During the work shift, if the gage is dropped
or suspected of giving erroneous readings, its calibration should
be rechecked. If deemed appropriate by the contracting parties,
initial agreement can be reached on the details and frequency of
verification or calibration. Record the calibration data and the
method used to verify the calibration. If the gage is found to be
out of calibration at the end of the workshift, all measurements
made since the last calibration are suspect.

5. RequiredNumber of Measurements for

Conformance toa Thickness Specification
5.1 NUMBER OF MEASUREMENTS: Make five (5)separate spot measurements (average of the gage readings, see
Section 4.1.2) spaced randomly over each 1O m2(1O0 ft2) area
to be measured. If the contracting parties agree, more than five
(5) spot measurements may be taken in a given area. (See
Section 5.3.) The five spot measurements shall be made for
each 1O m2 (1O0 ft2) of area as follows:
5.1.1 For structures not exceeding 30 m2(300 ft2) in area,
each 1O m2 (1O0 fi2) area shall be measured.
5.1.2 For structures not exceeding 100 m2 (1,000 ft2) in
area, three 1O m2(1O0 ft2)areas shall be randomly selected and
measured.
5.1.3 For structures exceeding 1O0 m2(1,000 ft2) in area,
the first 1O0 mz(1,000ft2)shall be measured as stated in Section
5.1.2 and for each additional 100 m2 (1,000 ft2) of area or
increment thereof, one 10 m2 (100 f t 2 ) area shall be randomly
selected and measured.
--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

2Document
23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

SSPC-PA 2
June 1.1996

5.1.4 If the dry film thickness for any 1O m2 (1O0 ft2) area
(see Sections 5.1.2 and 5.1.3) is not in compliance with the
requirements of Sections 5.2.1 and 5.2.2, then additional measurements must be made to isolate the non-conforming area.

8. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this standard.
8.1 PRINCIPLES OF THE MAGNETIC GAGE: Each of
these gages can senseand indicate only the distance between
the magnetic surface of the steel and the small rounded tip of the
magnet or probe that restson the top
surface of the coating. This
measured distance, from the top surface of the coating, must be
corrected for the thickness of any extraneous films or other
interfering conditions on the surface
of the steel. Such correction
is described in Section 4.2 for Type 1 gages and manufacturers
instructions for Type 2 gages.

5.2 SPECIFYING THICKNESS: Both a maximum and a

minimum thickness should be specified for the coating. If a
maximum thickness value is not explicitly specified, the specified thickness shall be the minimum.
5.2.1 Minimum Thickness: The average of the spot
measurements for each 10 m2 (100 ft2) area shall not be less
than the specified minimum thickness. No single spot measurement in any 10 m2 (100 f i 2 ) area shall be less than 80% of the
specified minimum thickness. Any gagereading may under-run
by a greater amount. If the average of the spot measurements
for a given 1O m2(1O0 ft2) area meets or exceeds the specified
minimum thickness, but one or more spot measurements is less
than 80% of the specified minimum thickness, additional measurements may be made to define the non-conforming area.
(See Appendix 1.)

8.1.1 Type 1 (pull-off)gages useacalibratedspring mechanism to measure the force needed to pull a small permanent
magnetfrom the surface of thecoated steel. The magneticforce
holding the magnet to the surface varies inversely as a nonlinear function of the distance between magnet and steel, .e.,
the thickness of the dry coating (plus any other films present).
The Type 1A banana gages use a helical spring to pull a
small permanent magnet from the surface. Internal balancing
mechanisms in most banana gages compensate for horizontal,
vertical and overhead positions so that there is no need to
recalibrate when changing orientation.
In a Type 16 pencil gage, a calibrated coil spring measures the force necessaryto pull the permanent magnet from the
surface. Because of gravitational effects, these gages must be
recalibrated when the orientation of the surface changes; e.g.,
a gage calibrated on a horizontal surface will not be accurate
when measuring a vertical surface. Some gages have three
separate indicators which compensate for horizontal, vertical
and overhead positions. Type 1B gages are generally not as
precise as Type 1A gages.
Normally, Type 1 gages are not adjusted or reset for each
new series of measurements.
Shims of sheet plastic or ofnon-magnetic metals, which are
permissible for calibrating Type 2 (constant pressure probe)
gages, should not be used for calibration of Type 1 gages. Such
shims are usually fairly rigid and curved and do not lie perfectly
flat, even on a smooth steel test surface. Near the pull-off point
of the calibration measurementswith any Type 1 gage, the shim
frequently springs back from the steel surface, raising the
magnet too soon and causing erroneous calibration readings.

5.2.2 Maximum Thickness: The average of the spot

measurements for each 10 m2 (100 ft2) area shall not be more
than the specified maximum thickness. Nosingle spot measurement in any 1O m2(100 ft2)area shall be morethan 120% of the
specified maximum thickness. Any gage reading may over-run
by a greater amount. If the average of the spot measurements
for a given 1O m2(1O0 ft2)area meets or falls below the specified
maximum thickness, but one or more spot measurements is
more than 120% i the specified maximum thickness, additional
measurements may be made to define the non-conforming
area. Manufacturers literature may be consulted to determine
if higher maximum thickness readings are allowable under
specific circumstances.
5.3 Other size areas or number of spot measurements may
be specified in the procurement documents as appropriate for
the size and shape of the structure to be measured.

6. Accuracy
6.1 To qualify under this standard, a gage must have an
accuracy at least within +IO%. Forthicknesses less than 25 pm
(1 mil), the gage must have an accuracy at least within e . 5 pm
(0.1 mil).

8.1.2 Type 2 (constant pressure probe) gages operate on

two different magnetic principles. Some Type 2 gages use a
permanent magnet. Whenthe magnet is brought near steel, the
magnetic flux density within the magnet is increased. By
measuring this change in flux density,which varies inversely to
the distance between the magnet and the steel substrate, the
coating thickness can be determined. Hall elements and magnet resistance elements are the most common ways to measure
magnetic flux density. However, the response of these elements is temperature dependent, so temperature compensation
is required.
of electromagnetic
Other Type2 gages operate on the principle

7. Disclaimer
7.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
as accurate, complete and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the
use of any materials, coatings or methods specified therein, or
of the specification or standard itself.

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

SSPC-PA 2
June 1,1996

S T D - S S P C PA 2-ENGL l 7 7 b W 8 b 2 7 9 4 0 0 0 0 4 b b b 8 5 2

induction. A coil containing a soft iron rod is energized with an

AC current thereby producing a changing magnetic field at the
probe. As with a permanent magnet, the magnetic flux density
within the rod increases when the probe is brought near the steel
substrate. This change is easy to detect by using a second coil.
The output of the second coil isrelated to coating thickness and
this relationship can be determined experimentally.

8.8 PROXlMlTY TO OTHERMASS OFSTEEL: The older

two-pole Type 2 gages with permanent magnets are sensitive to
the presence of another mass of steel close to the body of the
gage. This effect may extend as much as three inches (7.6 cm)
from an inside angle.
8.9 CURVATURE OF STEEL SURFACE: Magnetic gage
readings may be affected by surface curvature. If the curvature
is appreciable, valid measurements may still be obtained by
calibrating or adjusting the gage on a similarly curved surface.

8.2 REPEATABILITY: Magnetic gages are necessarily

sensitive to very small irregularities of the coating surface or of
the steel surface directly below the probe center. Repeated
gage readings on a rough surface, even at points very close
together, frequently differconsiderably, particularlyfor thin films
over a rough surface with a high profile.

8.10 TILT OF PROBE: All of the magnets or probes must

be held perpendicular to the coated surface to produce valid
measurements.
8.11 OTHER MAGNETICFIELDS: Strong magnetic fields,
such as those from welding equipment or nearby power lines,
may interfere with operation of the gages. Also, residual
magnetism in the steel substrate may affect gage readings.
With fixed probe two-pole gages in such cases, it is recommended that the readings before and after reversing the pole
positions be averaged. Other gages may require demagnetization of the steel.

8.3 ZERO SETTING: Type 1 magnetic gages should not

be adjusted or set at the scale zero (O) with the gage applied to
either a rough or a smooth uncoated steel surface.
8.4 ROUGHNESS OF THESTEEL SURFACE: If the steel
surface is smooth and even, its surface plane is the effective
magnetic surface. If the steel is roughened, as by blast cleaning,
the apparent or effective magnetic surface that the gage
senses is an imaginary plane located between the peaks and
valleys of the surface profile. With a correctly calibrated and
adjusted Type 2 gage, the reading obtained indicates the coating thickness above this imaginary plane. (See Section 4.3.) If
a Type 1 gage is used, the coating thickness is obtained by
subtracting the base metal reading. (See Section 4.2.)

8.12 EXTREMES OFTEMPERATURE: Most of the magnetic gages operate satisfactorily at 4C and 49C (40F and
120F). Somegagesfunction well at much highertemperatures.
However, if such temperature extremes are met in the field, the
gage might well be checked with at least one reference standard
after both the standard and the gage are brought to the same
ambient temperature. Most electronic gages compensate for
temperature differences among the gage, probe and surface.

8.5 DIRTY, TACKY OR SOFT FILMS: The surface of the

coating and the probe of the gage must be free from dust, grease
and other foreign matter in order to obtain close contact of the
probe with the coating and also to avoid adhesion of the magnet.
The accuracy of the measurement will be affected if the coating
is tacky or excessively soft. Tacky coating films also cause
unwanted adhesion of the magnet. Unusually soft films may be
dented by the pressure of the probe. Soft or tacky films can
sometimes be measured satisfactorily by putting a shim on the
film, measuring total thickness of coating plus shim and subtracting shim thickness.

8.13 VIBRATION: The accuracy of the Type 1 (pull-off)

gages is affected by traffic, machinery, concussions, etc. When
these gages are set up for
calibration or measurement of coating
films, there should be no apparent vibration.

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

8.14 VARIATION IN THICKNESS 80% OF MINIMUM/

120% OF MAXIMUM: In any measurement there is a certain
level of uncertainty. Two inspectors using the same gage will not
necessarily record the exact same number for a given spot
measurement using the same 4 cm (1.5 in) diameter circle. To
allow for this natural fluctuation, an individual spot measurement is permitted to be below the specified minimum thickness
as long as other spots in the 1O m2(1O0 ft2)area are high enough
to make the average thickness meet or exceed the specified
minimum thickness. Similar reasoning applies to maximum
thickness. The 80% of specified minimum and 120% of specified maximum allow for
the tolerance of the gage and calibration
standards and for variations in the substrate.

8.5.1 Ordinary dirt and grease can be removed from a

probe by wiping with a soft cloth. Magnetic particles adhering to
the probe can be removed using an adhesive backed tape. Any
adhesive residue left on the probe must then be removed.
8.6ALLOY STEEL SUBSTRATES: Differences among
most mild low-carbon steels will not significantly effect magnetic
gage readings. For higher alloy steels, the gage response
should bechecked. In any event, the gage should be recalibrated
on the same steel over which the coating has been applied.

8.15 Polished metal calibration standards are manufactured by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST). The chrome plated panels are flat smooth steel 2.86 x
2.86 cm (1.125 x 1.125 in) in size. Examples of some NIST
standards are:

8.7 PROXIMITY TO EDGES: Magnetic gages are sensitive to geometrical discontinuities of the steel, such as holes,
corners or edges. Thesensitivityto
edgeeffectsand
discontinuities varies from gage to gage. Measurementscloser
than 2.5 cm (1 in) from the discontinuity may not be valid unless
the gage is calibrated specifically for that location.
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

SSPC-PA 2
June 1, 1996

Suppose this structure is 30 m2 (300ft2) in area. Mentally

divide the surface
into three equal parts,each beingabout 1O m2

Certified Coating Thickness Calibration Standards

Nonmagnetic Coatingon Steel

(100 ft2).

80,225,lo00 pm (3,9,40
mil)

Part A - 10 m2 (100 ft2)

Part B - 10 m2 (100 ft2)
Part C - 10 m2 (100 ft2)

48,140,505,800 pm (2,5.5,20,31mil)
40,80, 140, 205 pm (1.6, 3, 5.5,8 mil)
Single standards from 3 pm (0.1 mil)
to 62 pm (2.4 mil)

First, measure thecoatingthicknesson

Part A. This
8.16 CORRECTING LOW OR HIGH THICKNESS: The
involves at least 15 readings of the thicknessgage (SeeFigure
contracting parties should agree
upon the method of correcting
AI.). Assume the specification calls for 64 pm (2.5 mils)
film thicknesses that are above the maximum or below the
minimum thickness. The average thickness for area A is then
minimum specification. This method may be specified in the
the average of the five spot measurements made on area A,
procurementdocuments,mayfollowmanufacturer's
instrucnamely 66 pm (2.6mils).
tions or maybe a compromise reached afterthe non-conforming
Spot 1 64 pm 2.5 mils
area is discovered.
Spot
2
76
3.0
3
53
2.1
spot
Appendix 1"Numerical Example of Average
3.0
Spot 4 76
Thickness Measurement
spot 5 B
2.3
66 pm 2.6 mils
Avg.
The following numericalexample is presented as an illustration of Section 5. (See JPCL, Vol. 4, No. 5, May 1987.)

FIGURE A l
Part "A" of Structure (Area Approx.10 m2 [lo0 W)
GAGE READINGS

/"

spot 2

spot 1

2.0

0
O

Avg 2.5

3.6

t-2.6
2.7
"
Avg 3.0

H
1.5 in

9ft
Avg 2.1

spot 4

-/3.2
~
O

spot 5

2.6

a-

Avg 3.0

2.8

2.6

4H
Avg
2.3
Avg 2.3

11 ft

5
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.

--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

SRM 1358 Setof 3

SRM 1359 Set of 4
SRM 1362a Set of 4
SRM 1331a to 1339a

June 1,1996

The average,66 pm, exceeds the specified minimum of 64

pm and thus satisfies the specification. However it must be
decided if the lowest spotmeasurement, 53 pm, is within 80%
of the specified minimum thickness. Eighty percentof 64 pmis
51 pm (0.80 x 64 = 51). Although 53 pm isbelow the specified
minimum, it is still within 80 percent
of it, so the specificationis
satisfied. [The average, 2.6 mils, exceeds the specified minimum of 2.5 mils andthus satisfies thespecification. However it
must be decided if the lowest spot measurement, 2.1 mils, is
within 80%of the specifiedminimum thickness. Eighty percent
of 2.5 mils is 2.0 mils (0.80 x 2.5 = 2.0). Although 2.1 mils is
below the specifiedminimum, it is still within 80 percent of it, so
the specification is satisfied.]
There are individual gage readings
of 38 pmat spot 5 and
46 pm at spot 3, both of which areclearly less than 51 pm. This
is allowed becauseonly the average of the three readings(.e.,
the spot measurement) must
be greaterthan orequal to 51 pm.
[There are individual
gage readings of 1.5mils atspot 5 and1.8
mils at spot 3,both of which are clearlyless than 2.0 mils. This
is allowed becauseonly the averageof the three readings(.e.,
the spot measurement) must be greater than or equal to 2.0
mils.]
Since the structure used
in this example is about 30 m2(300
ft2), theprocedure usedto measure the film thickness of part A
must be applied to both part B and part C. Themeasured
thickness of part B must exceed the 64 pm(2.5mils) specified
minimum as must thethickness of part C.
To monitorthe thickness of this entire 30 m2 (300 ft2)
structure, at least 45 individual gage readings must be taken,
from which15 spot measurementsare calculated. Thefive spot
measurements from each1O m2(1O0 ft2)part of the structureare
used to calculate the thickness
of that part.

to within
The thicknessof a plastic shim is typically accurate

f5%. Aftercalibration according to manufacturer's instructions,

the gage is probably accurate to within +5% also. Therefore, for
the gage to be in agreement with the shim, the average thick+lo% of the shim's
ness measured by
the gage should be within
thickness. Ifthe average thicknessmeasured on the 51 pm (2.0
mil) shim is 56 pm (2.2 mils), the gageis in agreement with the
shim because 56is within f10% of 51 (2.2 is within 10% of 2.0).
Similarly, if the average thickness of the 254 pm(10.0 mil)
(11.O mils), the gage calibration
shim is measured to be 279 pm
is verified because 279 is within +IO% of 254 (11.0 is within
f l 0% of 10.0).
In summary, if the average measurement of the 51 pm (2
mil) shim is between 46and 56 pm (1.8 and 2.2 mils), and if the
average measurementof the 254 pm (10.0 mil) shim is between
229 and 279 pm (9.0and 11.O mils), the calibrationis verified.
Checkthatanothershim
of intermediate thickness,for
example 127pm (5.0 mils), is also withinf l O % . If the calibration
is verified on both the high and the
low shims, it is almost always
verified on the intermediate value shim.
to adjust
NOTE: With some gagesit may be more practical
the gage at theintermediate thickness(e.g., 127 pm shim) first
and then verify that the gage also reads the high and the low
shims correctly.

Appendix 2"Example of Verification of the

Calibration of Type 2 GagesUsingPlastic
Shims
This example describes
a methodto check if a Type 2 gage
is properly calibrated.
Suppose the coatingthickness is specified at 100 pm (4.0
mils). TheType 2 constant pressure probe
gage being used has
been calibrated accordingto the manufacturer's recommendation. Now its calibration over blastcleanedsteel mustbe
verified. A test coupon which
had been blast cleaned during
the
time the structure was blasted andhas aprofile representative
of that under the coating is available. After selecting a 50 Fm
(2.0 mil) and a 250 pm (10.0 mil) plastic shim, proceed to take
thickness readings ofthe shimslyingonthe
bare blasted
surface.
Because of the randomizednature of ablastcleaned
surface, repeated readings may exhibit significant variation.
Thus, make atleast 10 measurements on each shim and
record
their averages.There is no needto keep trackof each individual
reading. Many gageswill compute the average for you.
--`,,,,,,`,```,,,`,,````,`````,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings

Document provided by IHS Licensee=BP Amoco/5928366101, User=, 03/25/2003

23:31:33 MST Questions or comments about this message: please call the Document
Policy Management Group at 1-800-451-1584.