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QCT Condensation Tester QCT

The QCT condensation tester uses 100% condensing humidity to simulate rain and dew and is based on the Cleveland Condensing Humidity Cabinet, originally designed by the Cleveland Society for Paint Technology. 

The QCT tester conforms to several standards, including:

  • ASTM D4585, Testing Moisture Resistance of Coatings with Controlled Condensation
  • ISO 6270-1, Paints and Varnishes - Humidity (Continuous Condensation)
  • BS 3900, Part F9, Determination of Resistance to Humidity (Continuous Condensation)

Overview

The QCT Condensation tester uses 100% condensing humidity to simulate and accelerate damage caused by dew on metals, paints, and organic materials. It accelerates natural exposures by increasing moisture temperature.

The user can program the QCT tester to create static, 100% condensing humidity or to cycle between hot condensation and an automatic dry-off system that blows heated air into the test chamber. A combination of wet and dry periods can be programmed using a 24-hour repeating timer, which can split the day into 96 increments of 15 minutes. The cycle options range from the subtle wetness of an almost invisible dew a few degrees above room temperature to a continuous, high-temperature, running condensate.

Featuring corrosion-resistant anodised aluminium construction with a glass-lined water pan with a magnesium anode for cathodic protection, the condensation tester has a sample capacity of 62 Panels at 75mm x 150mm or 48 panels at 100 x 150mm and has a temperature range capability from room temperature to 72°C.

The QCT tester requires only ordinary tap water. This is because the tap water becomes pure distilled water in the process of evaporation from the water pan and condensing onto the specimens. The tester has an automatic water feed that connects to a supply through 6mm plastic tubing, and water consumption is approximately 2 litres per day.

 The tester's innovative design utilises room air cooling to create a temperature differential across the thickness of the specimens. This temperature differential is a necessary element for condensation to occur. It is important to note that the QCT tester fundamentally differs from a typical humidity tester. 

Freezing accelerates some failures. For a freeze/thaw cycle, panels can be manually removed from the QCT while wet and immediately frozen and then reinserted into the tester.  The QCT tester is fast and versatile. It can be used to

  • screen paints for blister resistance over a weekend at 55°C
  • evaluate oil-based rust inhibitors in less than 120 hours at 38°C 
  • rate the effectiveness of mill-applied oils in only a day
  • test surface reactivity of cold-rolled and galvanised steel in hours
  • test wood finishes for blistering, moisture and mould resistance

Easy to use and simple to install, the QCT tester provides instant blister or corrosion testing - just plug it in and add water. The unit can be placed anywhere in your office, lab, or factory. The heat and water vapour produced by the QCT tester is about the same as that produced by one additional person in the room. Also, the test panels on a QCT unit may be inspected as often as you want without altering test conditions. Just remove the panel and put a blank in its place. 

Technical Data

  • Brand
    Q-Lab
  • Capacity
    62 Panels (75x150mm) or 48 Panels (100x150mm)
  • Models Available
    One
  • Electrical
    5A/230V
  • Castors
    Yes

Support

At Thermoline, we strive to supply helpful customer support to ensure that you get the most out of our products. We are committed to providing whatever support our customers need, wherever they are in the world. If you can't find your solution in the below FAQs or Knowledge Base, please contact our friendly support team.

What is a condensation tester?
The QCT condensation tester simulates the damaging effects of outdoor moisture attack by condensing warm water directly onto test specimens. In a few days or weeks, the QCT tester can reproduce the damage due to moisture that occurs over months or years outdoors.
How does the QCT condensation tester work?
It uses 100% condensing humidity to simulate and accelerate damage caused by rain and dew on metals, paints, and organic materials. It accelerates over natural exposures by increasing moisture temperature. The QCT tester replaces water immersion and ordinary (non-condensing) humidity tests.
What are some of the Standards does the QCT conform to?
The QCT tester conforms with several standards, including: ASTM D4585, Testing Moisture Resistance of Coatings with Controlled Condensation ISO 6270-1, Paints and Varnishes - Humidity (Continuous Condensation) BS 3900, Part F9, Determination of Resistance to Humidity (Continuous Condensation)
Where is the QCT tester manufactured?
Along with the entire Q-Lab range, the QCT tester is manufactured in Ohio, USA.