ASTM D1141 Artificial Seawater – The gold standard in seawater for corrosion testing

Unlock the Potential of Precision Testing with Industry-Leading Artificial Seawater

At US Corrosion Services, we understand the importance of accurate and consistent testing environments. That’s why we are proud to offer our ASTM D1141-compliant artificial seawater, meticulously formulated to support your corrosion testing, research, and development needs with unparalleled precision and reliability. We offer a range of sizes, including both liquid seawater and the solid sea salts for making your own liquid, in sizes ranging from 250 grams (about 1/2 pound) to 55 gallon drums. We also make customized blends if needed. Our 50-pound containers start at $395 each and we make shipping and mixing easy!

ASTM D1141 Specification: The Gold Standard in Simulated Seawater

Our artificial seawater adheres strictly to the ASTM D1141 standard, ensuring that you have the most accurate substitute for natural seawater. This specification outlines the precise chemical composition and preparation guidelines for synthetic seawater, making it an indispensable tool for:

• Corrosion Testing: Evaluate the performance of materials and protective coatings in marine environments.
• Research and Development: Facilitate the study of marine biology, chemical oceanography, and desalination processes.
• Quality Control: Ensure the consistency and reliability needed when testing products in artificial seawater.
  

Product Specifications

Compliance: Fully compliant with ASTM D1141-98(2013) standards. Composition: Contains all major sea salts in accurate proportions, including sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium bromide, among others. We also provide the ‘heavy metals’ version of artificial seawater.

pH Level: Adjusted to closely mimic the natural seawater pH range per the ASTM spec.

Availability: Offered in various volumes to suit your project needs, from small-scale laboratory tests to large industrial applications. We can supply in solid form or as pre-mixed liquid. Industry-leading prices starting at 50 pounds for $395 per container plus shipping. Free or inexpensive local delivery in the Houston area depending on order size!

Numerous ingredients are added to make artificial seawater. For the standard version, it includes:

Features and Benefits

• Consistent Composition: Our artificial seawater is carefully prepared to match the ionic composition and properties of natural seawater, providing a stable and reproducible testing environment.
• High Purity Ingredients: We use only the highest quality salts and purified water, ensuring that our product meets the stringent requirements of ASTM D1141.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from academic research to industrial testing.
• Cost-Effective: Save on the costs and logistical challenges of sourcing and storing natural seawater.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ – ASTM D1141

Get answers to the most common questions about our laboratory-grade synthetic seawater below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at 832-481-6600!

What is ASTM D1141 artificial seawater and why should I use it?

ASTM D1141 artificial seawater is a laboratory-grade synthetic seawater formulated to precisely replicate the chemical composition of natural ocean water. It follows the ASTM D1141-98 standard specification, which defines exact concentrations of 10+ different salts including sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sulfates, and trace minerals.

Why use artificial instead of natural seawater?

• Consistency: Every batch is identical – no seasonal variations or location differences
• Purity: Free from biological contaminants, microorganisms, sediment, and organic matter
• Compliance: Meets ASTM testing requirements for corrosion studies
• Cost-effective: No collection, transportation, or storage of large water volumes
• Reproducibility: Critical for scientific research and quality control testing
• Convenience: Available year-round in any quantity you need

How much does ASTM D1141 artificial seawater cost?

We offer flexible pricing based on your volume needs:

Volume Discounts Available: The more you order, the better the price per gallon. Pre-mixed liquid seawater also available for immediate use. Call 832-481-6600 or email us for a custom quote based on your needs.

What’s included: Certificate of Analysis (CoA), mixing instructions, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and technical support.

How do I prepare ASTM D1141 artificial seawater?

Step-by-step mixing instructions:

1. Use the right water: Only use distilled water or deionized (DI) water – tap water will contaminate your solution
2. Measure correctly: Use 40 grams of salt mixture per liter of water (or 333g per gallon)
3. Mix thoroughly: Add salt slowly while stirring continuously. Use a magnetic stirrer or mix manually for 15-20 minutes
4. Dissolve completely: All salts must be fully dissolved before use – no visible crystals should remain
5. Adjust volume: After dissolution, add DI water to reach final target volume
6. Verify quality: Final solution should have salinity of ~3.5% (35 g/L) and pH of 8.0-8.3

For bulk preparation (our 40 lb pail): Dissolve entire bucket in approximately 120 gallons of DI water. Adjust to achieve final salinity of 3.5%.

*** Pro Tip *** Water temperature affects dissolution time. Warmer water (20-25°C) dissolves salts faster. For best results, verify salinity with a refractometer or conductivity meter.

What industries and applications use ASTM D1141 artificial seawater?

Our ASTM D1141 artificial seawater is trusted across multiple industries:

Offshore Oil & Gas:

• Corrosion testing of subsea pipelines, risers, and wellhead equipment
• Evaluating protective coatings for offshore platforms
• Testing downhole completion equipment in simulated marine environments

Maritime & Defense:

• US Navy corrosion testing (MIL-STD compliance)
• Marine equipment manufacturers testing propellers, fasteners, hulls
• Shipboard systems evaluation

Coating & Materials Testing:

• ASTM B117 salt spray testing
• Immersion testing per ASTM D1141
• Quality control for protective coatings

Research & Academia:

• University marine research laboratories
• Chemical oceanography studies
• Desalination membrane testing
• Materials science research

Construction & Infrastructure:

• Testing concrete in marine environments
• Bridge and pier material evaluation
• Seawall and coastal structure testing
• Fire testing and firefighting assessments

How long does artificial seawater last and how should I store it?

Dry Salt Mixture (Unmixed):

• Shelf life: 2+ years when properly stored
• Storage: Keep in sealed container in cool, dry location
• Watch for: Moisture absorption (hygroscopic material) – if salts clump together, they’ve absorbed moisture
• Best practice: Store in original sealed bucket or transfer to airtight container with desiccant

Mixed Artificial Seawater (Liquid Solution):

• Optimal use: Within 30 days of mixing for best accuracy
• Maximum storage: Up to 60 days if stored properly
• Storage conditions: Sealed containers, away from direct sunlight, room temperature or cooler
• Watch for: Algae growth (green tint), precipitation of salts, pH drift

Quality Tip: For critical testing, we recommend mixing fresh batches for each test series. If you must store mixed seawater, add 0.1% sodium azide as a biocide to prevent bacterial growth (not suitable for biological studies).

What’s the difference between ASTM D1141 artificial seawater and regular saltwater?

Simple saltwater (sodium chloride + water) is NOT the same as artificial seawater. Here’s why:

ASTM D1141 Artificial Seawater contains 10+ salts:

• Sodium chloride (NaCl) – 58%
• Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂·6H₂O) – Major component
• Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) – Major component
• Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) – Essential for accurate simulation
• Potassium chloride (KCl)
• Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) – pH buffer
• Potassium bromide (KBr)
• Boric acid (H₃BO₃)
• Strontium chloride (SrCl₂·6H₂O)
• Sodium fluoride (NaF)

Why the complex mixture matters:

• Corrosion behavior: Different salts create different electrochemical conditions – testing in simple saltwater gives incorrect results compared to artificial seawater
• pH stability: Bicarbonates buffer the pH to match ocean water (8.0-8.3)
• Ionic composition: The ratio of cations and anions affects how materials corrode
• Testing compliance: ASTM standards require D1141 formulation – simple saltwater won’t meet specifications or perform the same

Important: Using simple saltwater instead of ASTM D1141 for corrosion testing will produce inaccurate results and may lead to incorrect conclusions about material performance.

Can I use ASTM D1141 artificial seawater in my aquarium?

No, we do not recommend using ASTM D1141 artificial seawater for aquariums. Here’s why:

ASTM D1141 is designed for:

• Laboratory testing and corrosion studies
• Industrial applications
• Materials research

Aquarium salt mixes are different because they include:

• Trace elements essential for coral and fish health (iodine, iron, manganese, etc.)
• Proper calcium and alkalinity for reef tanks
• Buffering agents for long-term pH stability in biological systems
• Quality standards for marine life safety

While ASTM D1141 has the correct major salt composition, it lacks the trace elements and specific formulation needed to support marine life. Bottom line: Use aquarium-specific salt mixes for fish and coral. Use ASTM D1141 for testing equipment, materials, and coatings.

Do you ship nationwide? What about Houston-area pickup?

Yes! We ship throughout the United States.

Shipping Options:

• Dry salt mixtures: Ship via UPS/FedEx Ground – typically 3-5 business days
• Pre-mixed liquid seawater: Available for local Houston delivery or freight shipment for bulk orders
• Bulk orders (drums/totes): Freight shipping available nationwide
• International: Available upon request – contact us for quote

Houston Local Pickup (Will Call):

• Location: 8307 Kempwood Dr, Houston, TX 77055
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Please call ahead: 832-481-6600 to ensure your order is ready.

Houston-area delivery: Available for liquid seawater and bulk orders. Contact us for details.

Shipping Tip: Dry salt mixtures are lighter and more economical to ship. If you have the ability to mix on-site, we recommend ordering dry salts rather than pre-mixed liquid.

What certifications and documentation do you provide?

Every order includes comprehensive documentation:

Certificate of Analysis (CoA):

• Confirms compliance with ASTM D1141-98(2013) specification
• Lists major ion concentrations (Na, Mg, Ca, Cl, SO₄, etc.)
• Includes lot/batch number for traceability

Safety Data Sheet (SDS):

• OSHA-compliant safety information
• Hazard identification
• First aid and handling procedures
• Storage and disposal requirements

Mixing Instructions:

• Step-by-step preparation guide
• Recommended water quality specifications
• Quality verification procedures
• Troubleshooting tips

Quality Assurance:

Our ASTM D1141 artificial seawater is manufactured using:

• Analytical-grade (ACS) reagent salts
• Precision weighing and blending procedures
• Batch-to-batch consistency testing
• ISO-compliant quality management systems

Need additional documentation? We can provide custom certificates, third-party analysis reports, or specific compliance documentation for your project. Just ask!

How do I know if I need the standard or “heavy metals” version?

Most customers need the standard ASTM D1141 formulation. The “heavy metals” version is a specialized option that’s required for specific tests – usually the referring standard will clearly indicate which version is required. Most often it’s the standard version unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Choose STANDARD ASTM D1141 if you need:

• General corrosion testing per ASTM standards
• Coating evaluation and quality control
• Materials immersion testing
• Research applications
• Most industrial testing requirements

Choose HEAVY METALS version if you need:

• Testing per specific military specifications (some MIL-STD requirements)
• Simulating contaminated or industrial seawater
• Research requiring trace metal interactions
• Specific customer/project requirements call for it

What’s added in the heavy metals version:

• Trace amounts of copper, iron, zinc, and other metals
• Simulates seawater in industrial ports or contaminated areas
• Can affect corrosion behavior of certain materials

Not sure which version you need? Check your testing standard or specification. If it specifically mentions “heavy metals” or “trace metals,” you’ll need that version. Otherwise, standard ASTM D1141 is what you want. Call us at 832-481-6600 and we’ll help you choose!

Why Choose US Corrosion Services?

Expertise: With years of experience in the corrosion and materials testing field, we provide products and services you can trust.

Quality Assurance: Our rigorous quality control process ensures that every batch of artificial seawater meets our high standards and specifications.

Customer Support: Our team of experts is available to assist you with selecting the right products for your testing requirements and to answer any questions you may have.

Order Your ASTM D1141 Artificial Seawater Today: Elevate your testing and research with the precision and reliability of US Corrosion Services’ ASTM D1141 artificial seawater. Contact us today to place your order or to learn more about our products and services.