| TestProducts.com - HygroMaster Concrete Sleeve Instructions
This method can be used
to carry out the ASTM F2170-02 Standard
test method for determining relative humidity in floor slabs using IN SITU
probes.
Protimeter Concrete Humidity Probe Installation
GE
Protimeter depth-selectable humidity sleeves are designed for use with the
Protimeter Hygrostick humidity probe. They can be used in combination with the
Protimeter Hygromaster, MMS instrument and with the Protimeter Humilog
monitoring system. Humidity sleeves improve and simplify the process of
measuring the moisture level of solid walls, floors and structures in terms of
equilibrium relative humidity (ERH). They are placed into pre-drilled clearance
holes in the material under investigation. |
Humidity Sleeve
Features and Components
 The
humidity sleeve is an impervious plastic tube of 12mm (15/32”)
nominal diameter and 70mm (2¾”) overall length with a flange and sealing cap at
one end. The tube is split into four sections separated by sealing rings. Each
section has two recessed areas that can be "knocked out" to create windows
through which air can circulate. Isolated humidity readings can be taken at four
specific depths (15, 30, 45 and 60mm) below the surface by
knocking out only the windows in the
appropriate section. The humidity sleeve tool is used to knock out the windows
and to drive the sleeve fully into the pre-drilled clearance holes. The
tool should always be used for this purpose to ensure that the sleeve is not
damaged during placement. |
Humidity Sleeve
Placement Procedure
Drill clearance holes at the measurement
points using a 12mm (15/32”) drill bit to a depth of 85mm (3¼”) or more.
Remove all waste material from the holes.
Insert the sleeve tool into the sleeve as shown and drive the sleeve into the
clearance hole using a hammer. When placed correctly the underside of the sleeve
flange should be touching the surface. Please note: ASTM F-2170-02 requires 3
sleeves test for the first 1000 square feet and at least 1 sleeve
for every 1000 square feet thereafter.
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Taking Measurements in Humidity Sleeves
1. Push the Hygrostick into the humidity sleeve as shown and
place the yellow protective cap on the connector.
Note: Remove the tapered grey seal
from Hygrostick before insertion.
2. To ensure that moisture equilibrium conditions
are reached within the sleeve, allow at least 72 hours to pass before taking a
humidity reading.
3. Connect the Hygrostick to a Protimeter Hygromaster or Protimeter MMS (HygroSticks can be connected directly to
these instruments, it is preferable to use the Hygrostick extension lead, part
no BLD5802).
4. Observe and record the readings then remove the
Hygrostick from the
humidity sleeve. If further future testing is needed, replace the sleeve cap.
When re testing allow at least 24 hours after Hygrostick insertion before taking
readings.
Alternative method.
Cap the humidity sleeve for at least 72 hours after installation. Insert the
Hygrostick probe and wait 2 hours, observe the reading every 15 minutes until
less the a 0.2% RH change has occurred
Ambient conditions: Please note ASTM F2170-02 requires the ambient conditions above
the slab should be at service temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours
before testing is carried out. It is also required that the instrumentation
should be within 5°
F of the building service temperature to ensure fast and reliable readings.
Avoid leaving instruments in hot/cold climates (ie vehicles).
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Prior to placement of the humidity sleeves, the
actual test area shall be clean and free of all foreign substances. All residual
adhesives, curing compounds, sealers, paints, floor coverings, etc. shall be removed.
Removal shall be accomplished using approved OSHA work practices. For removal of
existing resilient floorings or residual adhesive, strictly observe Notes 1-3.
NOTE 1—Warning: Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw,
beadblast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring,
backing, lining felt, or asphaltic cut-back adhesives. These products may
contain either asbestos fibers or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust.
Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by
individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious
bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product contains non-asbestos
material, presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the
material be tested to determine asbestos content. RFCI’s recommended work
practices are a defined set of instructions addressed to the task of removing
all resilient floor covering structures whether or not they contain asbestos.
When RFCI’s recommended work practices are followed, resilient floor covering
structures that contain (or are presumed to contain) asbestos can be removed in
a manner that will comply with the current occupational exposure to asbestos
standard’s permissible exposure limits (PEL) issued by the Occupational Safety
and Health Administrations (OSHA).
NOTE 2—Various federal, state, and local
government agencies have regulations covering the removal of asbestos-containing
material. If considering the removal of resilient floor covering or asphaltic
cut-back adhesive that contains or is presumed to contain asbestos, review and
comply with the applicable regulations.
NOTE 3—Certain paints may contain lead. Exposure to excessive amounts of
lead dust presents a health hazard. Refer to applicable federal, state, and
local laws and “Lead-based Paint: Interim Guidelines for Hazard
Identification and Abatement in Public and Indian Housing”5 regarding: (1)
appropriate methods for identifying lead-based paint and removing of such
paint, and (2)
any licensing, certification, and training requirements for persons
performing lead abatement work. (Use only qualified of certified lead
abatement contractors to remove lead-based paint.) |
