METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING A CORROSION INHIBITOR
Methods, apparatuses, compositions and kits are disclosed for detecting the presence or absence of an inhibitor in a fluid. In one embodiment, methods, apparatuses, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining if the level of a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant fluid is sufficient to provide protection against corrosion.
1 . A test device comprising an elongated body with a first porous portion and a second porous portion located on opposite ends of the elongated body, wherein the first porous portion comprises a colored reagent comprising a soluble metal salt and a color indicator and the second porous portion is free of colored reagent, and further wherein the elongated body permits contact between the first porous portion and the second porous portion.
2 . A test device comprising a first substrate comprising a porous reaction zone comprising a colored reagent and a second substrate comprising a porous zone that is free of colored reagent.
3 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the soluble metal salt comprises an aluminum salt.
4 . The test device of claim 3 , wherein the aluminum salt is selected from the group consisting of aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate and their hydrates.
5 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the soluble metal salt comprises an iron salt.
6 . The test device of claim 5 , wherein the iron salt is selected from the group consisting of iron chloride, iron sulfate, iron nitrate and their hydrates.
7 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the soluble metal salt comprises a tin salt.
8 . The test device of claim 7 , wherein the tin salt is selected from the group consisting of tin chloride, tin sulfate, tin nitrate and their hydrates.
9 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated body is a strip of non-porous material.
10 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second porous portions are pads of filter paper.
11 . The test device of claim 1 , wherein the color indicator is PVC.
12 . A method for determining the presence or absence of a corrosion-inhibitory level of an inhibitor in a coolant fluid comprising:
(a) providing a test substrate comprising a first porous portion comprising a colored reagent of metal salt and a color indicator and a second porous portion free of the colored reagent;
(b) bringing a sample of a coolant fluid into contact with the first porous portion, wherein the inhibitor in the coolant precipitates the colored reagent in the first porous pad;
(c) bringing the first porous portion into contact with the second porous portion; and
(d) observing any color change in the second porous portion due to un-precipitated color reagent in the first porous pad.