Acidic Atmosphere MIL-STD-810 Method 518 is used to evaluate protective coatings and materials resistance to corrosive atmospheres. It is applicable for equipment that will be stored or operated in acidic atmospheres during its lifecycle. This would include urban and industrial area environmental conditions or equipment that will be mounted near exhausts.
Considerations for Acidic Atmosphere Testing
Acidic Atmosphere testing is one of several tests in MIL-STD-810 that could degrade finishes and coatings of test items. This method should not be performed on units that have had or will have testing for Sand and Dust, or method 509 Salt Fog/Corrosive Environments. Acidic Atmosphere should be conducted after Fungus, or Humidity testing.
This test method should be conducted at qualified test laboratories. It should not be performed in a salt fog chamber because sulfur dioxide which is used in this testing may permanently contaminate the chamber for any future salt fog tests.
When preparing to conduct this test it is important to remember that the acids used in this testing are harmful to humans and clothing. For standard testing, chemicals used are sulfuric acid and nitric acid. The relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be referenced prior to testing and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used, to ensure safety of personnel.
Test Duration and Severity
Two severity levels are provided in this test procedure. For cases in which the Life Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP) indicates infrequent exposure, the test item is to be subjected to 3 separate 2-hour spraying exposures with a 22-hour storage period after each spraying. For more frequent expected exposures, 4 spraying exposures, each for 2-hours with 7 days storage after each spraying should be performed.
The second, more severe test, is representative of a 10-year natural exposure in a moist environment with industrial pollution. For environments such as installations near exhaust pipes or ship funnel exhausts the test is representative of shorter natural exposures.
Detailed Environmental Test Plan Templates
CVG Strategy offers EZ Test Plan Templates for MIL-STD environmental (climatic/dynamic) and EMI/EMC test documentation. Our Detailed Environmental Test Plans (DETP)s are written as specified in Department of Defense standard MIL-STD-810 Task 405. They are available for specific applications such as Ground Mobile, Ground Stationary, and Shipboard Controlled, Shipboard Uncontrolled, and Aircraft Military.
These DETPs include appropriate methods, (such as Acidic Atmosphere MIL-STD-810 Method 518) addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets for collection of required data. Profile (LCEP).
Our Electromagnetic Interference Test Plans are written as specified in MIL-STD-461. They contain the test methodology, addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets. These plans are available for procedures listed in MIL-STD-461 and are also available for MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, and MIL-STD-1399-300.
Custom Test Plans are also available for applications not covered in the EZ Test Plan offerings. These plans can be written for any number of applications and their relevant standards.
MIL-STD-810 Training Classes
CVG Strategy MIL-STD-810 classes will provide you with the ability to develop and conduct an environmental test program. Our two-day course not only provides you with valuable information about climatic and dynamic test methods but also includes training in the methodology to correctly apply test tailoring relevant to the test item’s expected life cycle.
This course is available online or onsite. Ample time is available for questions and comments so that participants are encouraged to keep engaged. Check here for our online Training Registration Schedule.
Put CVG Strategy’s Experience to Work for You
Companies of all sizes, from start up to established product developers, face challenges in product test and evaluation. This can particularly be the case when a product is developed for a new market sector or expanding sales internationally.
Properly tested products prevent costly product recalls, product redesign, and product liability. They maintain customer satisfaction and keep your company’s reputation in good standing. Contact CVG Strategy to see how our services can assist your engineering team with Acidic Atmosphere MIL-STD-810 Method 518 or any other MIL-STD-810 test and evaluation concern.