80 YEARS · 1946-2026
Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
Specialist pick
Image 1 / 8
About this product

The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter (E130-S / E130-T) is a portable, hand-held gauge that measures the level of soluble salts on a surface, working nearly five times faster than equivalent Bresle test methods. Soluble salts left on steel before coating drive corrosion, blistering and premature coating failure, so measuring contamination before the first coat is applied protects the life of the system and avoids costly re-work.

The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter reads conductivity to an accuracy of plus or minus 1 percent, with automatic temperature compensation for repeatable results across climatic conditions, and a pressure plate that applies constant, uniform pressure to the test paper. Non-oxidising gold-plated contacts maintain accuracy over the life of the gauge. Model S measures 0 to 25 micrograms per square centimetre at 0.1 resolution; Model T extends the range to 0 to 50 micrograms per square centimetre and adds conductivity, ppm and salinity units (up to 0 to 3000ppm and 0 to 0.3 percent salinity). A calibration offset allows the use of non-pure water up to 2 micrograms per square centimetre. Each sample takes about two minutes over a 110mm diameter circle.

The sealed unit is dust and water resistant to the equivalent of IP64, with a 6cm scratch and solvent resistant TFT display and large buttons for gloved hands. It stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 alpha-numeric batches and outputs by USB and Bluetooth to ElcoMaster software and the ElcoMaster Mobile App. It can be used in accordance with SSPC Guide 15. Used by coatings inspectors in marine, refinery and corrosion-protection work, it is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.

Elcometer

Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter

SKU · E130-S (+3 more)

The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter quickly and accurately measures the level of soluble salts on surfaces nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent test methods.

  • Fast reading rate Allows multiple tests to be completed efficiently
  • Automatic temperature compensation Ensures accurate results
  • Pressure plate Ensures a constant and uniform pressure to paper
  • Non-oxidising gold plated contacts Ensures lifetime accuracy
  • Fully portable hand-held, ergonomic design Ideal for use in the field
  • Dust and water resistant rugged design Equivalent to IP64
  • Data storage Stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 alpha numeric batches
  • USB and Bluetooth data output To ElcoMaster software
  • Large buttons Ideal for gloved hands
  • Easy to use menus in multiple languages
Indicative price
POA
Specialist-built quote, by close of business
Or ask a quick question on WhatsApp
Used by inspection teams in
RefiningMarineMiningBridge / civil
When to use this
Decision guide

When to use the Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter

You reach for the 130 when you need to clear a blast-cleaned steel surface for coating and prove the soluble salt level is low enough to avoid premature failure. It reads the salt contamination and conductivity of a sample in a single hand-held gauge, nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent test methods.

  • 1
    Faster than Bresle methods
    Soluble salt checks often gate the whole coating schedule. Reading nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalents lets the inspector clear more test points without holding up the applicators.
  • 2
    Salt and conductivity in one gauge
    It combines a soluble salt meter and a conductivity meter, so you carry one instrument to the deck instead of separate kit, with automatic temperature compensation keeping readings accurate across field conditions.
  • 3
    Traceable records for the job file
    It stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches with date and time stamps and outputs to ElcoMaster over USB or Bluetooth, so the QC evidence for a contract is captured as you work rather than written up later.
  • 4
    Built for harsh site use
    The IP64 impact, dust and water resistant body with large buttons for gloved hands holds up in the ballast tanks and yards where salt testing actually happens.
Specifications

Model Options

Model SModel TDescriptionCertificate
E130-SE130-TElcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
E130-SCE130-TCElcometer 130 Certified Salt Contamination Meter
Model SModel T
Measurement Range0-25μg/cm²0-50μg/cm²; 0-500mg/m²; 0-6000μS/cm 0-6mS/cm; 0-3000ppm; 0-0.3% Salinity
Resolution0.1μg/cm²0.1μg/cm²; 1mg/m² 1μS/cm; 0.001mS/cm 1ppm; 0.0001% Salinity
Measurement Accuracy±1% of reading ±0.1μg/cm²
Operating Range5°C – 40°C
Sample Time2 minutes
Sampling Size110mm diameter circle
Dimensions250 x 145 x 50mm
Weight780g
Power Supply
4 x AA dry cell batteries (rechargeable batteries can also be used), or power via USB
Number of Tests
Approximately 4,000 measurements before battery replacement
Standard Model Description
Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
Certified Model Description
Elcometer 130 Certified Salt Contamination Meter
Measurement Range (Model S)
0-25μg/cm²
Measurement Range (Model T)
0-50μg/cm²; 0-500mg/m²; 0-6000μS/cm; 0-6mS/cm; 0-3000ppm; 0-0.3% Salinity
Resolution (Model S)
0.1μg/cm²
Resolution (Model T)
0.1μg/cm²; 1mg/m²; 1μS/cm; 0.001mS/cm; 1ppm; 0.0001% Salinity
Conductivity measurement
±1%
Bright colour screen
With permanent back light
Scratch and solvent resistant display
6cm TFT
Gauge memory (Model T)
100 readings; 1 batch
Magnetic and tripod mounting points
Yes
User Friendly - Large buttons ideal for gloved hands
Yes
User Friendly - Easy to use menus in multiple languages
Yes
User Friendly - High reading limit indicator
Yes
User Friendly - Factory calibrated for immediate use
Yes
Accurate - Conductivity measurement to ±1%
Yes
Accurate - Can be used in accordance with National and International Standards
Yes
Accurate - Automatic temperature compensation ensures repeatable, accurate results
Yes
Accurate - Calibration verification tiles
Yes
Accurate - Trend and batch readings graph formats for instant on-screen analysis
Yes
Reliable - Repeatable and reproducible measurements
Yes
Reliable - 2 year gauge warranty
Yes
Reliable - Supplied with fully traceable Test Certificates
Yes
Reliable - Batch and individual readings are stored with date and time stamp
Yes
Tough - Heavy duty, impact resistant, dust and waterproof design equivalent to IP64
Yes
Tough - Wipe clean sealed unit ideal for harsh environments
Yes
Tough - Scratch and solvent resistant display
Yes
Efficient - Instant readings allow multiple tests to be completed efficiently
Yes
Efficient - Alpha numeric batch identification
Yes
Efficient - Compatible with ElcoMaster and ElcoMaster Mobile App
Yes
Efficient - Calibration offset allows the use of non-pure water up to 2μg/cm²
Yes
Powerful - Measuring range up to 50μg/cm² (3000ppm)
Yes
Powerful - USB and Bluetooth data output to iPhone or Android devices
Yes
Powerful - Stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches
Yes
Powerful - Soluble salt and conductivity meter in one gauge
Yes
Ambient light sensor with adjustable auto brightness
■ ■
• USB to computer
■ ■
On screen statistics
Number of readings (η) Mean (average) (x); Standard deviation (σ) Highest reading (Hi) Lowest reading (Lo) Coefficient of variation (CV) Number of reading above high limit
Limits user definable audible & visual pass/fail warnings
Review, copy, clear & delete batches & calibration settings
Analogue bar graph
What's in the kit

What's in the kit

Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
3 x Magnetic Discs
100 x High Purity Test papers
250ml Pure Distilled Water
20 x PVC Storage Bags
Disposable Gloves
Sensor Wipes
3 x 3ml Syringes
2 x Plastic tweezers
4 x AA Batteries
Plastic Transit Case, Shoulder Strap
Test Certificate and Operating Instructions
USB Cable (T) and ElcoMaster Software (T)
Standards

Standards

SSPC Guide 15
Accessories

Accessories

T13023980Calibration Verification Tiles, Set of 3
T130240913ml Syringe (x3)
T99922341Pack of 10 Display Screen Protectors
T13024093Box of 20 Self Seal Polythene Bags
T99911344Pure Distilled Water - 250ml Bottle with 3ml syringe
T13027596Pure Distilled Water - 1000ml Bottle with 3ml syringe
T13024094Box of 100 High Purity Test Papers
T13024092Box of 20 Disposable Vinyl Gloves
T13024098Plastic Tweezers (x2)
T13024087Box of 72 Sensor Wipes
T13025964Magnetic Discs (x3)
T99921325USB Cable
Test Method

Test Method

Test Method

Fill the syringe with 1.6ml of pure distilled water. Note: Non-pure water (up to 2µg/cm²) can be automatically offset with the gauge.

Using tweezers, remove a filter paper from the pack and place it on the cleaned, non labelled side of the magnetic disc supplied. Disperse the water from the syringe, evenly across the whole of the filter paper and remove any bubbles from under the paper.

Place the magnetic disc, with wetted paper face down on to the area under test, pressing firmly into any contours or irregularities and start the 2 minute timer on the gauge. Whilst waiting for the sample time to elapse, additional tests can be prepared.

After 2 minutes, carefully remove the filter paper and magnetic disc from the test surface and place on to the measurement electrodes. Close the lid, ensuring that the magnetic catch is fully engaged.

The reading will automatically be displayed and stored into memory together with date and time. Place the filter paper in a resealable bag (supplied), if required for further analysis.

Downloads
Videos

Videos

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Model S and Model T?

Model S measures up to 25μg/cm². Model T extends to 50μg/cm² and adds output in mg/m², conductivity units (μS/cm and mS/cm), ppm, and percentage salinity. Choose Model T if you need multi-unit reporting or higher measurement ranges.

How much faster is the Elcometer 130 compared to Bresle test methods?

The Elcometer 130 completes measurements nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent methods. Each test takes 2 minutes, making high-volume field testing practical.

Can it withstand harsh site conditions?

Yes. The gauge has an IP64 rating (dust and waterproof design) and is impact resistant with a sealed, wipe-clean unit suitable for harsh environments. Operating temperature range is 5°C to 40°C.

What sampling area does the Elcometer 130 use?

Each measurement samples a 110mm diameter circle. Automatic temperature compensation ensures repeatable results, with measurement accuracy to ±1% of reading ±0.1μg/cm².

How do I manage and analyse batch data?

Model T stores up to 100,000 readings across 1,000 batches with date and time stamps. Via ElcoMaster software or mobile app (USB and Bluetooth), you can view on-screen statistics including mean, standard deviation, highest and lowest readings, and set user-definable pass/fail limits.

Is factory calibration included?

Yes. The gauge arrives factory calibrated for immediate use with calibration verification tiles included. If your water contains salts up to 2μg/cm², apply a calibration offset. Certified models include fully traceable Test Certificates and carry a 2 year warranty.

Request a quote

Quote on the Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter by close of business.

Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.

Not sure this is the right model for your job? for a quick recommendation.

Request a quote

Request a quote

Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.

This form is protected against automated submissions.

Request a quote