Chromium-6 Detection Test Kit - TK11™
Chromium-6
Detection Test Kit - TK11™
for surface contamination, dust particles, coatings and paint layers
Chromium-6 can be harmful to human health and the environment. With this kit you can test the presence of chromium-6 in surface contamination, dust particles, coatings, paint layers or other materials. Using the kit will produce fast, safe and reliable results, that can help you to make sure that your materials are safe and avoid damage claims.
The test kit contains 25 test swabs, a dropper bottle, a test sample, and an English manual. Manuals in other languages and safety data sheets can be downloaded using the QR code provided.
General use of the test kit
With this TK11 Chromium-6 Detection Test Kit, you can easily test if your surface contamination, dust particles, coatings or paint layers contain chromium-6. To carry out the test, rub the moistened end of the swab on the object or material in question. If the swab remains light orange, no chromium-6 is present. If the swab turns red/purple, the object or material contains chromium-6. This change in colour only occurs with chromium-6 (VI), and not with other (harmless) types of chromium such as chromium-3 (III).
Testing of surface contamination and dust particles for chromium-6
Surface contamination or dust particles may occur, for example, when a (metal or stainless steel) surface was brought in contact with a lubricant, grease or anti-seize paste (such as P-37 for stainless steel nuts and bolts) followed by a heat treatment. This will lead to the formation of yellow/greenish calcium chromate (CaCrO4) which contains chromium-6. Dust particles may be the result of processing steps such as welding, grinding or sanding. If this surface contamination or these dust particles contain chromium-6, the test will give a red/purple result. If they do not contain chromium-6, the test will give an orange result. This gives you a simple indication whether your surfaces or dust particles are safe or not.
Example of a stainless steel 304 (A2) bolt and nut with anti-seize paste after heat treatment. The formed yellow/greenish chromate is clearly visible. The TK11™ Chromium-6 Detection Test swab clearly turns red/purple, indicating that chromium-6 is present.
Testing of paint layers for chromium-6
The test kit enables you to test a paint layer (or primer layer) for chromium-6. To carry out the test, make a few incisions into the layer and sand the layer lightly with a clean sandpaper. Moisten the end of the cotton swab with test liquid and rub the cotton swab onto the paint layer. If the layer contains chromium-6, the cotton swab will turn purple. If no chromium-6 is present in the paint layer, the cotton swab will remain yellow/orange.
Testing of other materials
The TK11® Chromium-6 Detection Test Kit can be used on a wide range of materials and components. In addition to metal surfaces and coatings, the TK11® test kit is suitable for testing electrical components, impregnated wood, leather, and insulation materials.
The kit is frequently used for testing insulation materials, such as glass wool and stone wool, that have been in contact with heated chromium-containing alloys. In such cases, chromium-6 compounds may form on the surface of the metal and on the insulation material, which can be detected with the TK11® test kit.
Besides heated stainless steels, the test kit is also suitable for testing heated high‑nickel alloys such as Incoloy® and Inconel®. Because these alloys contain chromium, chromium-6 compounds can form on the surface, especially when they have been in contact with anti‑seize compounds or insulation materials that promote this formation.
Typical industrial applications include aeronautical parts, automotive components, turbo‑engine parts, engine exhaust systems, and many other industrial components.
Orders can only be placed by registered companies.
You will receive our quotation by e-mail within one to two business days. After your acceptance of our quotation, we will ship your order as quickly as possible.
About chromium-6
What is chromium‑6?
Chromium‑6, also called chromium(VI), chrome(VI), Cr(VI), Cr6+ or hexavalent chromium, is a highly toxic form of chromium that can cause cancer.
Where is chromium‑6 found?
Compounds such as chromium(VI) oxide, zinc chromate, lead chromate and strontium chromate contain chromium‑6. These substances have been widely used in the paint and metal industries because they protect metals against corrosion and rust. They are often found in primers and protective coatings on steel and aluminium, for example in trains, aircraft and military vehicles.
Chromium‑6 can also be present on chromium‑containing steel surfaces – such as stainless steel – that have been exposed to high temperatures in combination with certain anti‑seize pastes or insulation materials. As a result, chromium‑6 may occur on components such as gas turbine parts.
Health risks
The main health risks arise when old coatings or paint layers that contain chromium‑6 are processed, for example by sanding, blasting, grinding or welding, or when heated mechanical parts are repaired that have chromium‑6‑containing compounds on their surface. During these activities, fine dust or fumes containing chromium‑6 can be released. These particles can be inhaled or come into contact with the skin and may cause serious health effects, including cancer.
Testing for chromium‑6
It is therefore important to recognise situations where chromium‑6 may be present and to take appropriate protective measures, such as working safely, using personal protective equipment and, where necessary, testing materials for chromium‑6. Our test kits help you quickly determine whether chromium‑6 is present in coatings or on metal surfaces.
More information
For more information about chromium-6, see the links below:
- Wikipedia: Hexavalent chromium
- Wikipedia: Chromate and dichromate
- Possible health risks due to exposure to chromium-6
Disclaimer
Although this product has been compiled with the utmost care, MATinspired B.V. cannot be held liable for damage that results from the use of or contact with the product. This measurement method is only an indication, and MATinspired B.V. is not responsible for the test results.
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