The Elcometer 138E Conductivity Meter (part number T13827355) is a cup-style conductivity meter that measures the electrical conductivity of a solution from just a few drops of sample. In coatings inspection, soluble salt contamination left on a surface draws moisture through a coating film and drives premature corrosion and disbondment, so quantifying the conductivity of a sample extract is a recognised way to assess that risk before a protective coating is applied.

The meter uses the 2 AC bipolar measurement method through an integrated, user-replaceable 2-pin stainless steel electrode that resists chemical attack. Samples can be placed on the sensor or the sensor immersed directly in the solution under test. Automatic range switching covers 0 to 200.0 microsiemens per cm at 0.1 resolution, 0 to 2000 microsiemens per cm at 1 resolution, and 0 to 20 mS per cm at 0.01 resolution, with accuracy of plus or minus 1 percent of full scale. Automatic temperature compensation and one- or two-point calibration support reliable readings, and the dual-line LCD shows indicators, error messages and low-battery and out-of-range warnings. It runs on 4 x 1.5V LR44 batteries for over 150 hours and weighs 90g.

Readings can be taken in accordance with ISO 8502-6, ISO 8502-9, ISO 8502-11, US Navy PPI 63101-000 (Rev 27), AS3894.6A and SSPC Guide 15, the standards governing soluble salt assessment in surface preparation. This model is discontinued. BAMR is South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.