Alpha Tool.Com.HK Limited Moisture Test Kit User Manual

							Part No: MTK005 Version 1
103 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 • 800-648-7229 • Fax: 800-286-01 14
www.alpha-tools.com
Alpha® Moisture Test Kit
Instruction Manual
MANUAL  
						

							2
Table of CoNTeNTs
 
Introduction ........................................................................\
......... 3
ASTM F 1869 Protocol Checklist For Conducting   
   The Calcium Chloride Test  ...................................................... 3
Quantative Test Method for Determining Moisture   
   Vapor Emission Rate (ASTM F 1869)  .....................................4
  Purpose  ........................................................................\
..... 4
  Contents ........................................................................\
.... 4
  Required Tools  .................................................................. 4
  Applicable Standards  ........................................................ 4
  Preparation  ........................................................................\
 5
Test Instructions ........................................................................\
.. 6
Calculations  ........................................................................\
........ 8
Bias & Precision of the Test  ........................................................ 9
Health and Safety  ....................................................................... 9
Limited Warranty & Terms of Sale  ..............................................9
Concrete Moisture Vapor Emission Log Sheet  .........................10  
						

							3
INTroduCTIoN
Thank you for purchasing the alpha® Moisture Test Kit, a calcium chloride test for 
determining if the concrete slab is suitable for floor covering or polymer coating 
installations.
The test works by absorbing moisture in a vapor form that is exiting the slab’s 
surface due to natural environmental factors over a period of time. 
The test measures an approximate 70 square inches area of concrete surface for 
60 to 72 hours, then a simple calculation is followed that determines the volume 
of the vapor emission. 
The Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) is the equivalent weight of water (if 
the gas turned into liquid) that emits from 1,000 square feet of concrete surface 
area in 24 hours time.
 
  CauTIoN!
To ensure correct use, read this Instruction Manual and the product’s Limited 
Warranty and Terms of sales prior to use of this product. The use of the product 
implies that the Buyer and User agrees to Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty and 
Terms of sale.  Keep this manual in a place where operators can access it easily 
whenever necessary!
asTM f 1869 ProT oCol CHeCKlIsT for CoNduCTING 
THe CalCIuM CHlorIde TesT
before starting the test, make sure the following conditions are met: 
1.  Provide the number of test kits required.
Install 3 test kits for areas up to 1,000 sq. ft or smaller, add 1 test kit for each 
additional 1,000 sq. ft. area thereafter. 
2.  Ensure interior environment is conditioned correctly before performing 
tests. 
a properly conditioned building interior has a temperature between 65 to \
85 
degrees F. with a relative humidity of 40 to 60 % for at least 48 hours before 
the test begins and remains consistent throughout the testing period of 60 to 
72 hours. Record values on log sheet.   
						

							4
3.  Clean the concrete surface of any foreign substances. 
 A foreign substance can be floor covering, adhesive residue, epoxy coating, 
paint, curing and sealing compounds, waxes, dirt or oil stains, or any other 
material residue on the slab surface. Remove concrete contaminants by shot 
blasting, abrasive grinding wheel or diamond cup wheel. The use of wire brushes 
or razor scraping may not be suitable for achieving a clean, open concrete slab 
surface. 
4.  Prepare test area and schedule testing. 
  ASTM requires that a minimum of 20 x 20 inches of concrete surface area be 
cleaned for each test (as described above) and allowed to remain open for at 
least 24 hours before setting the calcium chloride test. once the test is placed, 
it must remain undisturbed for a period of 60 to 72 hours. Always plan carefully 
in advance of testing to ensure open time after preparation and exposure time 
during the testing period will allow for proper placement and retrieval. 
QuaNTIT aTIVe TesT MeTHod for deTerMINING MoIsTure 
V aPor eMIssIoN ra Te (asTM f 1869)
►PurPose:
alpha
® Moisture Test Kit is designed to quantitatively measure the rate of moisture 
vapor emission.
►CoNTeNTs:
Each test kit consists of one cylindrical container filled with anhydrous calcium 
chloride and one transparent plastic dome with pre-installed sealant aro\
und the 
perimeter. 
►reQuIred T ools: (NoT INCluded)
Surface grinder with vacuum mount, safety goggles, dust respirator, protective 
gloves, cloth rags, utility knife, scale capable of measuring to nearest 0.1 gram 
and duct tape.
►aPPlICable sT aNdards:
A person using this test kit shall strictly follow the instructions given in the latest 
asTM f 1869 published by  american society for Testing & Materials. The copies    
						

							5
of asTM documents can be obtained from  american society for Testing and Ma-
terials. 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Tel: 610-832-9585 
Fax: 610-832-9555. The documents may also be purchased on the internet from 
www.astm.org.
►PreP araTIoN:
1.   Survey Job Site Conditions - Verify environmental controls are operational. 
The building temperature and humidity should be representative of what it 
would be during normal use. The temperature should be between 65 to 85 
degree and the relative humidity between 40% and 60% for a minimum of 48 
hours prior to conducting tests.
2.  schedule  accordingly - The tests need to remain undisturbed for a minimum of 
60 hours and a maximum 72 hours. On the first day preparation will take place 
and on the following day the tests will be set and retrieved in 60 to 72 hours.
3.  Test Location & Frequency - Place tests throughout the area with some in the 
middle of the building, at the perimeter, over cracks and joints and especially 
in areas of potential moisture. The tests should be performed at a rate \
of three 
tests for the first 1,000 square feet and one test for each additional 1,000 sq feet.
You need to keep track of the following for your records:
 
1.  location of the tests 
2.  Test number 
3.  ambient room temperature 
4.  ambient humidity 
5.  start date/end date 
6.  start time/end time 
7.  Exposure time (15-minute increments) 
8.  start weight/ending weight 
9.  Weight gain 
10.  Note any unusual occurrences or damage to kit 
11.  results of test 
12.  Flooring manufacturer’s moisture limits for materials to be installed. 
13.  Moisture testing can be done with relative accuracy; however, if one is to stray 
from the test methods, your test could produce faulty results.    
						

							6
TesT INsTruCTIoNs
The following testing procedure is brief and is not meant to replace the\
 most current 
ASTM standards. Therefore, the User must get acquainted with the applicable 
current asTM standard and osHa  safety regulations prior to using this test kit.
sTeP 1
Remove any foreign objects such as overspray, curing 
compound and sealers from the concrete surface using 
mechanical devices such as a grinder (photo shows 
alpha
® Ecogrinder with dust carriage attached). Remove 
dust from the concrete surface to insure proper adhesion 
of the sealant. Strictly follow guidelines given by Occupa-
tional safety & Health  administration (osHa). 
sTeP 2
Weigh the container with the vi-
nyl tape seal at the test location 
immediately prior to initiating the 
test (W1).
Note:  b e sure the scale is set to grams, ounce scales will  not work for this test. 
Weigh to the nearest 0.1 gram and note this initial weight on the top of \
the container 
label using felt tip pen or permanent marker as well as the time and date the test 
was started (T1).
sTeP 3
Remove  the sealing tape from 
the plastic container. Make sure 
the tape does not get dirty or 
lost since it will be needed to 
reseal the container at the end 
of the test. 
Note:  for best results, stick the tape on the outer wall of 
the dome unit to keep it safe.     
						

							7
sTeP 4
Peel off the paper protective backing from the black seal-
ant that is around the dome and discard. Make sure the 
sealant material does not contact objects or clothing as it 
is very sticky and intended to provide a secure, longlasting 
seal to the concrete throughout the duration of the test.
sTeP 5
Carefully remove the lid from the container that holds 
the calcium chloride crystals.  do not spill the crystals.  
It is easiest to turn it over and place it under the dish as  
shown.  It may also be secured to the top of the dome or 
any other location as long as it is stored safely for reuse.
sTeP 6 
Install the test kit on the concrete floor.  First, place the 
open calcium chloride container on the concrete floor.  
Make sure the crystals are relatively level.  If any crystals 
are spilled the test can be invalid.
STEP 7
Next, immediately place the dome unit over the center of the dish.  Press firmly 
along the edges of the sealant material to securely bond 
the unit to the floor. To test for an airtight seal, press 
firmly on the center of the cover. The cover should resist 
pressure, if properly sealed. 
a llow the test kit to remain undisturbed for a period of 60 
to 72 hours. Note the ambient temperature and humidity 
at the test area.    
						

							8
sTeP 8
After 60 to 72 hours, remove the dome with a razor. Retrieve the dish with the 
calcium chloride and immediately place the lid back on and reseal using saved 
vinyl tape.  Re-weigh the container on the same gram scale used at the start of 
the test.  record weight, date and time (W2) (T2).
Note the weight as final weight (W2). Do not spill any of the calcium chloride 
crystals from the container. If any crystals are spilled, the test must be rerun with 
a new test kit. 
CalCula TIoNs
1. Determine the Exposure Time in hours. 
Exposure time in hours: T = T2 - T1(Time = End Time - Start Time)
2.  determine the weight gain of calcium chloride. 
Weight gain in grams; ∆W = W2-W1
(Weight  Change = End Weight - Start Weight)
 
Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (pounds/1000 sq. ft/24 hours)
Moisture Vapor Emission Rate = 120 x ∆W
              T
alpha Professional Tools
® also provides on-line calculator at www.alpha-tools.
com/mcalc.aspx.    
						

							9
bIas & PreCIsIoN of THe TesT
Follow guide lines provided by the latest ASTM. Our experience indicates that 
the test results may vary with environmental and seasonal changes. The test 
determines the rate of moisture vapor emission at the time of the test only. It does 
not predict future moisture vapor emission rate or the performance of the flooring 
material. The test performed at the same location at a different time ma\
y produce 
different results. 
HealTH aNd  safeTY
The chemical product included in this kit contains Calcium Chloride  anhydrous 
(CaCl2).  a Material safety data sheet for Calcium Chloride is enclosed with the 
test kits. Please read it carefully. dispose of used product in accordance with local, 
state or federal regulations. Keep children & pets away from the test kit and test 
area. do not inhale or ingest this product. In case of emergency, contact nearest 
hospital and nearest Poison Control Center. National Poison Center’s phone 
number is 1-800-222-1222.
lIMITed W arraNTY & TerMs of sale
a lpha Professional Tools
® sole responsibility and liability under this warranty shall be 
to supply replacement test kit for any test kit items warranted hereunde\
r shown to 
be defective in manufacturing. Since the use of the test kit is beyond our control we 
can not accept damage in excess of the purchase price of this product. Store the test 
kit in a dry place and use it within 1 year from receiving. Alpha Professional Tools
® 
makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to its products. Defects 
in materials caused by misuse, mishandling, improper storage, improper a\
pplication, 
improper combination with product of others, or any other failure to str\
ictly follow 
alpha Professional Tools
® guidance and latest  asTM standards are not warranted 
under any circumstances.  alpha Professional Tools® shall not be responsible for 
direct, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages arising from the use 
of the test kit regardless of the cause.  buyer and u ser assume all liabilities for 
any loss, damage or injury to persons or property arising out of, connected with 
or resulting form the use of  alpha Professional Tools
® products, either alone or 
in combinations with other products. b y use of this product the buyer and user 
accept the limited Warranty and Terms of s ale. any dispute against the  alpha 
Professional Tools
® or its Employees or agents or successors shall be resolved 
by a binding arbitration in accordance with the  american  arbitration  association in 
Oakland, Bergen County, New Jersey, United States of America.    
						

							10
CoNCreTe MoIsTure VaPor eMIssIoN loG sHeeT
report date:  _________________  site location:__________________________________________
Test Conducted by:______________________________Phone: ____________________________
sTarTING da Te of TesT:_________________  eNdING da Te of TesT __________________
building Temperature: ______________________  building Temperature:  _____________________ 
  
Relative Humidity: __________________________  Relative Humidity:________________________
    
  sT arT of TesT  eNd of TesT    Wt Gain Total MVer
Test #  location  weight time weight  time in grams    hours Pounds
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
________  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______
_______  _________________  ______ _____ ______  _____ ________   _____ _______