SSPC-Guide 24
March 12, 2018
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
TECHNOLOGY GUIDE NO. 24
Soluble Salt Testing Frequency and Locations on New Steel Surfaces
1. Scope
1.1 This guide is intended to assist owners and specifiers
to determine the location of test sites and frequency of testing
for measuring the amount of soluble salt on:
• Uncoated steel surfaces prior to the first application
of a protective coating.
• Shop coated steel (primer, pre-construction primer)
that will subsequently receive additional coats to
complete a coating system.
1.2 Maintenance coating projects or surfaces with
a complete manufactured coating system installed are
outside the scope of this guide. The guide does not
replace nor endorse any of the various test kits/methods
commercially available for the measurement of soluble
salts (see SSPC-Guide 15). It is not intended for use when
determining acceptance criteria for test values of soluble salt
contamination.
1.3 Units of Measure: This standard provides both U.S.
Customary units and IEEE/ASTM SI 10(1), “American National
Standard for Metric Practice” International System Units
(SI) units. The measurements are not exact equivalents;
therefore, each system must be used independently of the
other, without combining in any way. This guide uses U.S.
Customary units and provides the SI conversions shown in
parentheses for information only.
2. Definitions
Component: A distinct individual item such as a length
of pipe, a fabricated pipe spool, or a structural steel shape
(e.g. plates, angles, channels, beams, columns, etc.)
New Steel: Steel that has never been placed in service.
Structure: A unit composed of one or more connected
steel members comprising a bridge, tank, ship, etc. It is
possible for a single steel shape (beam, angle, tee, pipe,
channel, etc.) to be considered a structure.
Unit: For new construction, a “unit” is considered to be
a batch of individual lengths of pipe, a batch of structural
components, a batch of plate, or a series of identical
fabricated structures such as joists or built-up columns, as
defined by the owner.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
(1)
phone int+1-610-832-9500. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website
<http://www.astm.org>
This guide, developed by the SSPC C.2.12, Salt Testing Location Committee, was first
issued in March, 2018.
1
3. Establishing Baseline [Background]
Measurement
A test extraction and analysis should be performed to
establish any contribution to actual test values that the testing
procedures, techniques, and/or extraction fluid might have
on the results. This baseline value should be subtracted from
the actual test results to determine the level of contamination
on the surface tested.
The baseline extraction should be performed on
a smooth surface, such as a plate of unmarred glass,
thoroughly washed with distilled water and dried immediately
before performing the extraction. The baseline extraction
and analysis should be performed using the same extraction
and analysis procedures, equipment, and materials intended
for the actual inspection, including the following:
• A representative sample of the extraction fluid that will
be used for testing
• All test equipment that comes into contact with the
extraction fluid
• The prescribed extraction and measurement procedures
and techniques
A baseline value should be determined:
• At the start of work
• Whenever there is a change in the extraction
process
• Whenever there is a change in the extraction fluid
or equipment
• Whenever a new batch of consumables that contact
the extraction fluid (patches, swabs, syringes, vials,
etc.) are used
• Whenever repeated washing fails to reduce values
below established acceptance criteria
• Whenever test values exceed the established
acceptance criteria and the test itself is in question .
4. Considerations for Determining the Location of
Measurements and Test Frequencies
4.1 GENERAL
4.1.1 Salt contamination is normally not uniformly
distributed over all surfaces of a component, structure or unit
for the following reasons:
• The initial contamination may be limited to surfaces
directly exposed to the contamination source while
other surfaces are shielded from the source of
contamination.
SSPC-Guide 24
March 12, 2018

• Contamination initially deposited in one location on each selected tubular component at the locations
can be diluted and/or transferred to other surfaces indicated. Two tests should be performed approximately [~]
by subsequent exposure to rain or condensation. 30 cm (~ 1 ft) from each end of the pipe or tubular component
• Water running or dripping from a contaminated as shown in Figure 1.
surface can collect or pool at points where salts a. On one end, tests should be made at 0 and 90
may accumulate and concentrate as the water degrees (i.e. Test 1 and 2 of Figure 1).
evaporates. b. On the other end, tests should be made at 180 and
270 degrees (i.e. Tests 3 and 4 of Figure 1).
4.1.2 The number of tests performed and their locations
should be sufficient to identify portions of a component, 4.2.2 Structural Steel Unit Components (UC)
unit, or structure that are contaminated, and to establish the
4.2.2.1 “I-Shaped” Components: A minimum of
extent of the contaminated area. The location of test areas
eight tests should be conducted on a set of two individual
and the minimum number of tests required should take the
“I-shaped” structural steel components, four tests on each
following into consideration:
individual piece. Test the first piece at locations on the inside
of flanges ~ 30 cm (~ 1 ft) from each end of the structural
a. Configuration/complexity of the structure or
member (Figure 2A, Tests 1, 2, 5, and 6). Test the second
component, including:
piece of the set at locations on the center of the outside
• Surfaces readily exposed to contamination.
flange surfaces and in the center of the web (Figure 2B,
• Surfaces shielded from contamination.
locations 3, 4, 7, and 8).
• Surfaces readily flushed by rain or washing.
• Surfaces possibly contaminated but not readily
On one end of the structural steel component shown
flushed by rain or washing
in Figure 2A, test areas should be located on the upper left
b. Locations where water can collect, puddle, and
side of the top of the bottom flange (Test 1) and on the lower
concentrate contamination.
right side of the top flange (Test 6). At the opposite end of the
c. Pronounced localized differences in condition of
beam, test areas should be located on the upper left side of
the surface of a component or structure including
the bottom flange (Test 2) and on the lower right side of the
texture (rough areas) and the degree of corrosion
top flange (Test 5). Test areas should be located as close to
(areas more heavily corroded).
the intersection of flange and the web as is practical for the
d. Environments encountered during shipping,
test method being used.
storage and erection
At the middle of the structural steel component shown in
e. Changes in orientation that may occur during
Figure 2B, test areas should be located on each side of the
shipping, transportation, storage and lay down, and
web (Tests 7 & 8), on the top of the top flange (Test 3) and
erection/installation.
on the bottom of the bottom flange (Test 4).
4.2 LOCATION AND NUMBER OF TEST SITES: The
4.2.2.2 Other Shapes: A minimum of four tests should
descriptions and diagrams that follow establish the location
be conducted on other structural shapes (angles, channels).
and number of tests that should be performed on individual
Two tests should be performed ~ 30 cm (~1 ft) from each
components of differing shape and complexity. Additional
end of the structural shape, alternating sides on either end
tests should be made at areas exhibiting greater amounts
so that all four sides of the channel or angle are tested once.
of corrosion or a rougher surface finish than is typical for the
The extraction area should be as close to an inside corner or
batch of components.
joint as practical for the test method used.
4.2.1 Straight Pipe Lengths and Other Tubular
Components: A minimum of four tests should be conducted 4.2.3 Tanks, Vessels and Equipment (TVE)

4.2.3.1 A minimum of six tests should be conducted on

Test 1 tanks, vessels and equipment as follows:
Test 4 • One exposed surface on the top of the structure
(Test 1);
Test 2 • One location on the bottom of the structure or on
the top of a horizontal flange surface of a skirt,
saddle, or leg (Test 2)

Test 3 4.2.3.2 To the extent possible, tests should be performed

at locations indicating the following anomalous conditions:
Figure 1. Location of test sites on exterior of pipe. Hollow • On or near welds (Test 3)
oval indicates site located on the back exterior of the pipe as
viewed from this perspective.

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March 12, 2018

Test 6

Test 3
Test 8
Test 5

Test 1

Test 4
Test 7
Test 2

Figure 2A Figure 2B

Locations of test sites on I-shaped components.

Hollow ovals indicate sites that would not be visible if the I-beam were opaque.

Test 1
Test 1

Test 5 Test 6
(with rusting) (with rusting)
Test 2 Test 1

Test 4
Test 4

Test 3 Test 2 Test 5

Test 3 Test 2 (with rusting)

Test 3

Figure 3. Test locations on channel or angle.

Hollow ovals indicate sites that would not be visible if the
channel or angle were opaque.
Test 4

• Areas where water running off the structure

collects, including horizontal surfaces, corners, and
the underside of nozzles (Test 4) Test 6 Test 2

• Areas exhibiting greater amounts of corrosion than (with rusting)

the rest of the structure (Tests 5 and 6)
4.2.4 Assembled Structures (AS)
4.2.4.1 When soluble salt testing is specified for new
structures and fabrications of assembled structural steel and/
or tubular components, such as equipment skid packages
and large complex structures, the minimum number of
tests and the surfaces to be tested should be conducted as
detailed below.
4.2.4.2 Testing for soluble surface salts should be
performed at locations that are representative of the surface
as a whole. However, surfaces tested may also include the
following:
1. Areas of apparent contamination
2. Areas of corrosion, particularly areas exhibiting
more significant corrosion than other areas of the
structure
3. Rough, textured areas such as areas of pitting or
metal loss
4. Areas adjacent to or at welds
Figure 4. Examples of test site locations on tanks or
vessels.
5. Areas where water run-off collects
6. Stagnant areas such as horizontal surfaces and
corners where environmental dirt collects
4.3 FREQUENCY AND SAMPLING FOR TESTING
4.3.1 Pipe Lengths, Tubular Components, Structural
Components: Testing for the presence of soluble salts on a
surface is conducted upon completion of surface preparation
and immediately prior to coating the prepared surfaces. The
test method for detecting soluble salts and the acceptance
criteria are normally requirements of the project specification.
The number of individual lengths of pipe, tubular
components, or structural components (sets of two) selected
for testing from a group or “batch” of pieces are shown in
the table below. A batch consists of pieces that are prepared
in an identical manner and are being painted at the same
time prior to installation or assembly. The individual pieces
selected for testing should be representative of the whole.
The table shows the number of pieces required for testing

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SSPC-Guide 24
March 12, 2018

for the initial batch and a lesser number for subsequent tests
provided:
• All test values are within the established acceptance
criteria.
• There is no change in surface preparation methods
and materials.
• No salt remediation is performed.
The number and location of tests on each component
should be according to Section 4.2 for the type of component
being painted.
If the method(s) of surface preparation change, or
remediation of salts was performed, the test frequency is the
same as the initial batch. If the concentration of soluble salts
in any test location exceeds the established acceptance
criteria, the extent of the affected area should be determined
by additional testing, salt removal performed, and the
affected area retested. Coating can proceed only if the test
results are acceptable.
4.3.2 Assembled Flat Structures (e.g., tank walls,
roofs, and floors, ship hulls, etc.): Testing for the presence
of soluble salts on a surface is conducted upon completion
of surface preparation and immediately prior to coating the
prepared surfaces. The test method for detecting soluble
salts and the acceptance criteria are normally requirements
of the project specification.
For surfaces that are prepared in an identical manner
and are being painted at the same time, the following table
shows the number of individual locations that should be tested
based on the total surface area being painted at a given time.
The number of tests required for subsequent surfaces to be
painted is based on the results from the previous tests. If the
method(s) of surface preparation change, or remediation of
salts was performed, the test frequency is the same as the
initial testing. For best results, follow the recommendations
of Section 4.2 for the number and location of the tests on
each component. The test method for detecting soluble salts
and the acceptance criteria are normally determined by the
project specification. If the concentration of soluble salts in
any test location exceeds the established acceptance criteria
the extent of the affected area should be determined by
additional testing, salt removal performed, and the affected
area retested. Coating can proceed only if the test results
are acceptable.

TABLE 1

TEST FREQUENCY FOR PIPE LENGTHS, TUBULAR COMPONENTS, AND STRUCTURAL

COMPONENTS HAVING IDENTICAL SURFACE PREPARATION AND COATING REQUIREMENTS
WITHIN A SINGLE PROJECT

Number of components* to test from subsequent batches with identical surface

Total number of
preparation
components with Number of components*
identical SP being to test from the “initial
If all tests of the previous If any test of the previous If salt remediation was
coated at the same batch”
batch are ≤75% of the batch is ≥75% of the required for the previous
time
acceptance criteria acceptance criteria batch
1 to 5 2 1 2 2
6 to 20 4 2 4 4
21 to 50 7 3 7 7
> 50 10 4 10 10

* Consists of a set of two individual pieces for structural components.

TABLE 2

TEST FREQUENCY FOR ASSEMBLED FLAT STRUCTURES HAVING IDENTICAL SURFACE

PREPARATION AND COATING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN A SINGLE PROJECT

Number of locations to test on subsequent surfaces

Number of with identical surface preparation
Total area of surface with identical SP locations to be
being coated at the same time tested for initial If all previous test If any of the previous If salt remediation was
testing results are ≤75% of tests is ≥75% of the required for any tested
the acceptance criteria acceptance criteria area
<1,000 ft2 or (<~100 m2 ) 2 1 2 2

1,001 to 4,000 ft2 (> ~100 to >400 m2 ) 4 2 4 4

4,001 to 10,000 ft2 (> ~ 401 to 1000 m2 ) 8 3 8 8

>10,000 ft2 (> ~ 1000 m2 ) 12 4 12 12

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TABLE 3

TEST FREQUENCY FOR ASSEMBLED STRUCTURES HAVING IDENTICAL SURFACE PREPARATION

AND COATING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN A SINGLE PROJECT

Total number of Number of components Number of components tested from subsequent batches with identical surface
components with to be tested as the “initial preparation
identical SP being batch”
If all tests of the previous If any test of the previous If salt remediation was
coated at the same
batch are ≤75% of the batch is ≥75% of the required in the previous
time
acceptance criteria acceptance criteria batch
1 to 5 2 1 2 2
6 to 20 4 2 4 4
21 to 50 7 3 7 7
>50 10 4 10 10
* Consists of a set of two individual pieces for structural components.

4.3.3 Assembled Structures: Testing for the presence
of soluble salts on a surface is conducted upon completion
of surface preparation and immediately prior to coating the
prepared surfaces. The test method for detecting soluble
salts and the acceptance criteria are normally requirements
of the project specification.
For surfaces that are prepared in an identical manner
and that are being painted at the same time, Table 3 shows
the number of individual locations that should be tested
based on the total surface area being painted at a given time.
The number of tests required for subsequent surfaces to be
painted is based on the results from the previous tests. If
the method(s) of surface preparation change, or remediation
of salts was performed, the test frequency is the same as
the initial testing. The number and location of the tests on
each component should be according to Section 4.2. The
test method for detecting soluble salts and the acceptance
criteria are normally requirements of the project specification.
If the concentration of soluble salts in any test location
exceeds the established acceptance criteria, the extent of
the affected area should be determined by additional testing,
salt removal performed, and the affected area retested.
Coating can proceed only if the test results are acceptable.
5. Disclaimer
of a standard as defined by SSPC. A guide differs from a
standard in that it is (a) a set of instructions or organized
information based on a consensus of best industry practice,
and (b) a set of directions provided to aid in preparing one’s
own modified specifications.
SSPC guides are intended to provide consensus
recommendations for best industry practice. They are not
written as requirements that may be cited in a contract.
However, specifiers may incorporate information from an
SSPC guide into project-specific contract requirements.
5.2 While every precaution is taken to ensure that
all information furnished in SSPC guides 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 described herein, or
of the guide itself.
5.3 This guide does not attempt to address problems
concerning safety and health associated with its use. The
user of this guide, as well as the user of all products or
practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring
compliance with all applicable governmental regulations.

5.1 This guide has been developed through a consensus

review process by SSPC: The Society for Protective
Coatings. It is designed to describe, review, or analyze new
or improved technology and does not meet the definition

Copyright © 2018
SSPC standards, guides, and technical reports are copyrighted world-
wide by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. Any photocopying,
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