What is Kesternich Test?

19 July 2022

Corrosion testing using Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) moisture condensation is known as the Kesternich test. The test was developed by Wilhelm Kesternich back in 1951. The test was mainly developed to re-create and simulate acidic rain consequences on products and materials. Coatings and galvanized surfaces can be damaged by acidic industrial pollutants and acid rain. The Kesternich test reproduces industrial exposure to chemicals and acid rain to determine the corrosion resistance of coatings and substrates.

Automatic Dosing Kesternich Chamber
Automatic Dosing Kesternich Chamber
Figure 1 - Example of Automatic Dosing Kesternich Chamber Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kesternich_test

The Kesternich test method are defined in various standards, these include:

  • ISO 22479 which replace the DIN EN ISO 6988 and ISO 3231.
  • DIN 50018
  • ASTM G87

Test Standards

When it comes to testing, at Engineering Edge we utilize the requirements set out in DIN 50018 standard - Sulfur dioxide corrosion testing in a saturated atmosphere. It is based on the corrosion test requirements defined in DIN 50018


Test Duration

Typically, a 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 or 20 cycles of 24 h each shall be performed. The test is often terminated if an unacceptable degree of corrosion has been reached or if the appearance or function of the test

Test Condition Table 1 - Test Condition

Quote the source – Extract from DIN 50018

Expression of Results

The determined mass loss is given in g / m2 as a function of the total area exposed to corrosion. The average should be (125 ± 25) g / m2 and the individual values should not deviate more than 20% from the average.


What can Kesternich test do to help for Quality Control & Assurance?

The Kesternich test simulates the acid rain phenomenon to show the quality of corrosion resistant materials. In industries where materials are expected to corrode, Kesternich tests identify the condition of the material or coating, how the coating withstands corrosion when exposed to acid rain, and the factors that contribute to the corrosion of the material. For instance, the Kesternich test is widely used in the construction industry, mainly because mild steel or steel is exposed to acid rain and wind, causing corrosion and failure.

To maintain quality control and assurance, our experts at Engineering Edge always perform Kesternich tests to verify how fasteners can maintain corrosion resistance, extend material life, reduce the possibility of structural corrosion-related failures, and Identify the appropriate materials that will adversely improve the reliability of the corrosion resistant fasteners used your project.

CORROSHIELD® HD Coating - Microstructure
CORROSHIELD® CS Coating - Microstructure
CORROSHIELD® SR Coating - Microstructure
CORROSHIELD® OC Coating - Microstructure



CORROSHIELD® Outdoor Coating Resistance Guide

CORROSHIELD® Outdoor Coating Resistance Guide



CORROSHIELD® Coating Performance

CORROSHIELD® coatings are an effective coating technology that will help reduce corrosion related failure in the various industries where fasteners are being used. The fasteners are coated with a unique coating that provides excellent corrosion resistance for carbon steel fasteners. These specially coated fasteners are ideal for outdoor use where structures are exposed to contamination from both natural and industrial environments. CORROSHIELD® fasteners enable the user to have multiple layers of chemically treated fasteners that will significantly extend the life of carbon steel fasteners.

Engineering Edge strives to provide only the best fasteners for applications in the oil and gas, construction, and industrial manufacturing industries. We have been producing, researching, and developing since 1989 a range of corrosion resistance fasteners. Below is a list of our industry-wide performing offerings:

Engineering Edge offers four types of coating options suitable for variable environmental conditions.To prevent deterioration of the steel surface, this unique coating method is mainly composed of zinc and aluminum. There are far more advantages over traditional electroplating, dip spin coating and even mechanical plating. Corrosion resistance of fasteners is very important as it provides integrity and security to other system components. Corrosion of iron fasteners can lead to premature deterioration and damage to the structure. CORROSHIELD® coatings are also recommended for non-essential interior applications. This coating was developed with the aim of providing additional protection at a very competitive cost to our clients.


Conclusion

The importance of a very good and proper coating system needs to be fully analyzed. The coating provides active protection against corrosion in many areas, ensuring long-lasting trouble, loss, and injury-free operation. According to a study conducted by National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), the United State spends $ 108.6 billion on organic and metal coatings. According to the same study, 50% of all corrosion costs are preventable and 85% are related to coatings. These numbers underscore the importance of ensuring the quality of the applied coating. A Kesternich test that describes the behavior of fasteners when exposed to sulfur dioxide. If the fastener has good corrosion resistance, it can be used industrially, which not only improves the quality assurance of the material, but also improves the plating performance and reduce the overall cost of corrosion resistant material used to counteract the anticipated corrosion failures.

Engineering Edge ensures that all fasteners undergo extensive research and testing. Each fastener passes the most detailed quality tests, exceeds expectations and meets the minimum number of years before it becomes structurally unreliable due to premature corrosion. We have various products such as:

All our products, TAPPERMAN®, DYNO®, and CORROSHIELD®,are tested and documented in accordance with the ISO 16228 Standard, ensuring excellence across our entire screw range. Stay connected with our latest innovations and product features by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. If you like to listen to interesting industrial how-tos and whys, listen to our podcast! Questions or inquiries? Reach out via our Contact Us page, and our experts will promptly assist you.