Perma™

Rapid Chloride Permeability Testing

Laboratory device for measuring the penetration of chloride in concrete

circuits

Four Measurement Channels

Obtain accurate and reliable data on concrete service-life.

Perma™ | Rapid Chloride Permeability

Flexible Logging Intervals

Customize specific testing times with Perma’s easy-to-use software.

Perma™ | Rapid Chloride Permeability

Customizable Setup

Conveniently set up control keys to easily perform the bulk electrical resistivity test.

SmartBox™  | Wireless Concrete Resistivity

Predict the Service-Life of Concrete Structures

Perma is a laboratory device for measuring the electrical resistance of concrete against the penetration of chloride (RCPT). This data is used to estimate the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete for predicting service life, durability-based design, and durability-based quality control, of concrete structures. Perma is electrically certified for rapid chloride penetrability tests in concrete laboratories. This device is the only RCPT device that has a CSA electrical safety certification mark for use in concrete laboratories.

Applications​

  • Measurement of chloride penetration resistance
  • Bulk electrical conductivity of concrete
  • Performance-based quality control of concrete
  • Estimation of chloride migration and diffusion coefficient of concrete
  • Service life design of concrete structures

Software

  • Automatic temperature control system
  • Accurate (± 0.1 mA)
  • Flexible logging interval time (1 to 10 min)
  • Free user-friendly PC software

Hardware

  • Four measurement channels
  • Customizable setup
  • Verification kit included
  • Stand-alone operation device
  • Auto-sealable cells with rubber gasket and spacer

General

TypeValue
Measurement Channels  4
Range of Current Measurements  0 ~ 500 mA ± 0.1 mA  
Temperature Measurement Range 0 ~ 100°C 

 

Chloride Permeability Charge

Chloride Penetration56-Day Rapid Chloride Permeability Charge
High>4000
Moderate2000-4000
Low1000-2000
Very Low100-1000
Negligible<100
  1. Ahmed, M. S., Kayali, O., & Anderson, W. (2009). Evaluation of Binary and Ternary Blends of Pozzolanic Materials Using the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 21(9), 446-453.
  2. Bassuoni, M. T., Nehdi M. L., & Greenough T. R. (2006). Enhancing the Reliability of Evaluating Chloride Ingress in Concrete Using the ASTM C1202 Rapid Chloride Penetrability Test. Journal of ASTM International, 3(3), 1-13.
  3. Shi, C. (2004). Effect of Mixing Proportions of Concrete on its Electrical Conductivity and the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (ASTM C1202 or AASHTO T277) Results. Cement and Concrete Research, 34(3), 537-545.
Part No.ItemDescription
900070Perma Rapid Chloride Permeability Test – Full Package-115VPerma unit, Four set of test cells , For set of temperature sensors, Four pairs of test cables, Power cord, USB cable, User manual, Communication software, Standard Sample Preparation Package-115V, Verification Kit, Traceable certificate of calibration
900073Perma Rapid Chloride Permeability Test – Full Package-230VPerma unit, Four set of test cells , For set of temperature sensors, Four pairs of test cables, Power cord, USB cable, User manual, Communication software, Standard Sample Preparation Package-230V, Verification Kit, Traceable certificate of calibration
900071Perma Test PackagePerma™ unit, Four set of test cells , For set of temperature sensors, Four pairs of test cables, Power cord, USB cable, User manual, Communication software, Verification Kit, Traceable certificate of calibration
900042Sample Preparation Package-115VVacuum pump, Vacuum desiccator (single outlet, ID 24 cm, 8.8L), Vacuum gauge, Vacuum and water hosing setup
900043Sample Preparation Package-230VVacuum pump, Vacuum desiccator (single outlet, ID 24 cm, 8.8L), Vacuum gauge, Vacuum and water hosing setup
900103Enhanced Preparation Package-115VVacuum pump, Vacuum desiccator(double outlet, ID 35 cm, 10L), Vacuum gauge, Vacuum and water hosing set up
900104Enhanced Preparation Package-230VVacuum pump, Vacuum desiccator(double outlet, ID 35 cm, 10L), Vacuum gauge, Vacuum and water hosing set up

The following replacement parts are available upon request:

Part No.ItemDescription
900072Perma DevicePerma unit, Four set of temperature sensors, Four pairs of test cables, Power cord, USB cable, User manual, Communication software
900064Verification KitVerification kit is required to verify the test results
900021Test CellPlexiglas holder, Rubber gasket cast (4″ Dia), Stainless steel mesh, Plastic spacer,Bolts, Nuts
900027Stainless Steel Mesh – Pair5 in (130 mm) diameter
900028Rubber Gasket Cast – Pair4 in (100 mm) diameter
900039Rubber Gasket Core – Pair3.75 in (95 mm) diameter
900022Test Cable SetTest cable with banana male plug
900023Temperature SensorDigital temperature sensor
900024Vacuum Pump Assembly-115Vacuum pump, Vacuum gauge
900025Vacuum Pump Assembly-230Vacuum pump, Vacuum gauge
900026Vacuum Desiccator AssemblyVacuum desiccator, Vacuum and water hosing setup
900027Enhanced Vacuum Desiccator AssemblyVacuum desiccator (double outlet, ID 35 cm, 10L), Digital vacuum gauge, Vacuum and water hosing setup

FAQs

The NTB-492 is a popular test across Europe and other parts of the world. It is a similar test to a combination of ASTM C1202 and ASTM C1556. ASTM C1202 and NTB-492 will both provide the indication of the quality of your concrete and its ability to prevent chloride penetration. ASTM C1202 is a quicker test and slightly less complicated. 

The Perma is not compliant with the NTB 492 because with this equipment you cannot change the applied voltage used in the test. 

The Perma device is designed to be compliant for the ASTM C1202 and ASTM C1760 which both have fixed test time duration. ASTM C1202 requires for a 6h of testing and the testing time is not adjustable unless stopped manually at an earlier time.  ASTM C1760 requires a maximum of 60 seconds test duration.

The test cells require some maintenance after each use. The environment of the test makes the cell prone to corrosion.  

In order to clean the cell, one must: 

  1. Disassemble the test cells, removing all parts.   
  2. Clean the steel mesh plate and connector to remove all the rust. We recommend using CLR solution or any equivalent product.  
  3. Reassemble the cell making sure the connectors are tightened, and the metal head of the connector inside the cell is completely in contact with the wire mesh. If the connectors are loose, signs of corrosion will appear on the edge of the wire mesh, which may cause errors in the measurement.  
  4. You can check the connection between the mesh and the connector using a Voltmeter.

No, each channel has one, but it is 16bit. Based on ASTM C1202, the accuracy requirement 16 bit is more than enough, and our unit has the resolution 10 times better than the standard requirement. 

No, this feature is not available in stand-alone operation (device only). However, if controlled through the software on a computer all this information is available to the user.  

No, the device utilizes a USB B (printer cable). When controlled via a computer, all the information is saved on the computer and is accessible to the user.  

ASTM C1202 applies for cylinder specimens that have a nominal diameter ranging from 95 to 100 mm. If the end-user has a sample smaller than 100 mm, he can use epoxy around the rubber gasket. The epoxy should be placed where the gap/space is located. The intention to use epoxy is to seal the test cell from leakage. In addition, as long as all gaps are closed, the test can be performed without any further issues.  

If the specimen is not 95 mm in diameter, you must adjust the results based on the diameter of the sample tested according to ASTM C1202 section 11.2. 

After filling the cells with the solution (NaOH and NaCl), the user must perform a leakage test.  

Control the level of liquids inside each container. If the level of the liquids is not constant within ten minutes, or if any dripping is observed below the cell, there may be a leak between the gasket and the specimen surface or between the test cell and connectors. Any leakage problem should be fixed before starting the test.  

If the leakage is between the gasket and the specimen surface, try tightening the bolts and refilling the cell containers. If the source of the leakage is between the cell and connectors, try tightening the connector, if it is possible. Otherwise, use silicon glue to seal the space between the connector and the cell. You may also need to adjust the position of the rubber gaskets and ensure they are properly located within the Plexiglas cell part to fix the leakage problem.  

According to the ASTM C1202, a vacuum pressure of 50 mm Hg should be applied. This is equivalent to a maximum of about -28 in Hg on the pressure gauge supplied with the Perma2 vacuum pump. So, it is required to keep the pressure using the vacuum pump supplied, less than -28 in Hg during the conditioning of the RCPT specimens. 

Caulking is not needed for Perma testing cell, but the specimen should have epoxy coating, in order to keep the chloride penetration one-dimensional. 

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