For Corrosion Patents (Class 205/775.5)
  • Patent number: 11892391
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for field monitoring of protective properties of organic coatings in seawater environment includes: Step 1: Determine the actual service environment of the coating structure and prepare the simulated electrolyte solution. Step 2: Select the anode block for testing. Step 3: Test the corrosion current and potential of the coating structure under different manual peeling areas. Step 4: Fit the peeling area model of organic coating. Step 5: Real-time monitoring of the actual service coating peeling area. Through the method, we reached to map the deteriorating state of the organic coating to metal substrate for coating on the activity of area of the effect of stripping state recognition, resolved to organic anticorrosive coating anticorrosion performance timely and accurate assessment of the actual problem, achieved by monitoring the anode current to evaluate the organic coating stripping area. This method is scientific and has good technics and broad application value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: BEIHANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaobing Ma, Haodi Ji, Yikun Cai
  • Patent number: 11486816
    Abstract: Apparatus (200) for detecting corrosion of a coating (250) of an object (216), the apparatus comprising: an electrically conductive body (202) defining a cavity (204) for containing an electrolyte (206), the body (202) arranged to be, in use, in electrically conductive contact with the object (216) and arranged to isolate, in use, the electrolyte (206) from the object; and a first electrode (208) within the cavity (204), the first electrode (208) for electrical connection to a potentiostat (402) or to a galvanostat and arranged to be, in use, in electrical contact with the electrolyte (206) in the cavity (204); wherein the body (202) comprises a first part (222) and a second part (224), the second part (224) being slidably movable relative to the first part (222) between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Bournemouth University Higher Education Corporation
    Inventors: Zulfiqar Ahmad Khan, Hammad Nazir, Adil Saeed
  • Patent number: 11474062
    Abstract: A method of assessing the effect of a production chemical on the stability of a water and oil emulsion, the emulsion comprising the production chemical, is provided. The method comprises: applying a potential difference across the emulsion at a detection site; measuring a current flowing through the emulsion due to the applied potential difference; and using this measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical. The step of using the measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical may comprise determining, based on the measured current, whether a critical potential of the emulsion has been reached or exceeded. The emulsion may be a crude oil emulsion. It may be a water-in-oil emulsion. The production chemical may be an emulsion breaker. Also provided is an apparatus for assessing the effect of a production chemical on a water and oil emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Equinor Energy AS
    Inventors: Børre Tore Børresen, Morten Tande, Ketil Pettersen
  • Patent number: 11320364
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods relate to a water heater sensor for detecting a corrosion of an anode rod. According to embodiments, a system can include the anode rod in contact with water in a water heater, where the anode rod includes a corrodible sheath having a cavity. The system can include two electrical wires, where first ends of the two electrical wires, disposed within the cavity, are configured to come in contact with the water when the corrodible sheath of the anode rod corrodes to a certain point. The system can include a controller coupled to second ends of the two electrical wires, where the controller can detect whether the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires. The system can include an indicator to provide an indication when the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventors: Karina Divyesh Shah, Ethan Pierre Gougelmann, Sarayu Chelamcharla Reddy, Ariana Samia Islam, Sophia Anne Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10976215
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may receive a digital voltage value from an analog to digital converter; may determine a resistance value of a device that includes a plurality of conductors separated from each other by a distance and a material that includes a substance that forms an electrically conductive solution when dissolved by a polar solvent and that is configured to receive a liquid that removes heat from one or more components of the information handling system; may determine that the resistance value of the device is at or below a threshold resistance value; and in response to determining that the resistance value of the device is at or below the threshold resistance value, may provide information that indicates a leak of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Warren Mundt, Sandor Farkas
  • Patent number: 10928299
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatus for analyzing an infrastructure system including measurement of a parameter associated with the infrastructure system, electronically recording the measured parameter as a data, transferring the data to an infrastructure unit which may be remote from the infrastructure system, analyzing the data to generate a risk model, and predicting a characteristic of the infrastructure system according to the risk. An implementation plan may be generated, and/or maintenance services may be performed as per the characteristic that is predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark A. Gluskin, Kevin C. Garrity, Christopher M. Warner, Alan Eastman, Mark Reiboldt
  • Patent number: 10845297
    Abstract: A corrosion sensor system includes one or more corrosion sensors embedded in a coating material such as an anti-corrosion coating material. Each corrosion sensor may include a resonator disposed on a dielectric substrate, and has a resonant frequency in a radio frequency (RF) range or an infrared (IR) range, and is configured for interacting with an RF or IR excitation signal to produce an RF or IR measurement signal. The corrosion sensor system may be applied to an object for which corrosion is to be monitored. A corrosion detection system includes a data acquisition system that transmits the excitation signal to the corrosion sensor, and receives the measurement signal from the corrosion sensor for analysis to determine whether corrosion has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSS ADVANCED INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Goodwin, Mark Roberson, John Lewis, Dorota Temple
  • Patent number: 10718734
    Abstract: A method of determining an enhancement in rust-prevention of treated water by applying an electric current between a first cathode electrode and an anode electrode, and between a second cathode electrode and the anode electrode, wherein the first cathode electrode, the second cathode electrode, and the anode electrode are immersed in treated water; applying a comparative electric current between a first comparative cathode electrode and a comparative anode electrode, and between a second comparative cathode electrode and the comparative anode electrode, wherein the first comparative cathode electrode, the second comparative cathode electrode, and the at least one comparative anode electrode are immersed in untreated water; and determining an antirust effect of the treated water based on a first potential difference across the first cathode electrode and the second cathode electrode, and a second potential difference across the first comparative cathode electrode and the second comparative cathode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Toshikogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Tajiri, Mitsuo Ishikawa, Kunio Nemoto, Nobuyuki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9733300
    Abstract: A printed circuit arrangement employs a printed circuit board having a corrosion test circuit provided with at least two conductive pads which are located proximate to each other in a measuring area. The arrangement uses a measuring device to identify corrosion on other defects in the circuit board including short circuits and/or line cuts. One pad is an excitation pad, being connected to an excitation signal source, and the other pad is a response pad, whereby the measuring device is connected at least to the response pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Korpela, Mikko Vaskela
  • Patent number: 9732369
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-phase process for conditionally treating MIC by evaluating whether MIC-correlating conditions exist, the degree of MIC, if present, and then applying a concomitant MIC-mitigating treatment which is adjusted in its degree of aggressiveness in proportion to MIC severity. The disclosed methodology allows, in part, for the continuous or periodic monitoring and assessment of MIC risk in petroleum-based equipment (e.g., pipeline) and the administering of a treatment that corresponds to the level of severity of the MIC resulting in a more fine-tuned, localized, and cost-effective treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Pilloni, Dennis R. Enning
  • Patent number: 9347009
    Abstract: A method for characterizing and optimizing refinery feedstock blends according to their corrosivity is provided. Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, mass changes of carbon steel samples, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, crystal microbalance measurements of weight changes, and combinations thereof. The method employs models and/or hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 9274854
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for workload management and related computer program products are disclosed. One method comprises receiving corrosion rate signals from a first sensor associated with a first compute node, determining a first corrosion level for the first compute node as a function of the corrosion rate signal received from the first sensor, and automatically removing a first workload from the first compute node in response to determining that the first compute node has a first corrosion level that is greater than a setpoint level of corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Jeyapaul, Alfredo V. Mendoza
  • Patent number: 9194789
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring the corrosion potential of engineering alloys used in aqueous systems is disclosed and claimed. The method is applicable for a variety of alloys including, but not limited to, copper-based, iron-based, nickel-based, other metallic-based alloys, and their combinations. The corrosion potential is typically determined by measuring a voltage between a specific material in the described oxidation-reduction potential measuring device and a reference electrode. Corrosion potentials for specific materials of construction may be used for diagnostic or control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NALCO COMPANY
    Inventor: Peter D. Hicks
  • Patent number: 9140679
    Abstract: A method for characterizing refinery feedstocks according to their corrosivity is provided. The characterization is based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization is done via vibrational spectroscopic measurements over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 700° F. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 9109988
    Abstract: A corrosion sensor includes an insulating substrate, a thin film of a first metallic material formed on the substrate; and an array of areas what includes a second metallic material provided at the surface of the thin film. A method for manufacturing such a sensor is also disclosed. An exemplary embodiment is disclosed in which the thin film is patterned to define a number of tracks, the resistance of which can be monitored in order to determine the degree to which the thin film has corroded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Peter Charles Morgan, Michael Christopher Hebbron
  • Patent number: 9103813
    Abstract: Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and combinations thereof. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization of refinery feedstocks is via the use of EIS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 9034168
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CUE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ayub Khattak, Clinton Sever
  • Publication number: 20150068921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring the corrosion potential of engineering alloys used in aqueous systems is disclosed and claimed. The method is applicable for a variety of alloys including, but not limited to, copper-based, iron-based, nickel-based, other metallic-based alloys, and their combinations. The corrosion potential is typically determined by measuring a voltage between a specific material in the described oxidation-reduction potential measuring device and a reference electrode. Corrosion potentials for specific materials of construction may be used for diagnostic or control purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: NALCO COMPANY
    Inventor: Peter D. Hicks
  • Patent number: 8937476
    Abstract: A sensor device includes first and second electrodes, a coating film and a functional element. The first electrode includes a first metallic material in which either a first passivation film forms on a surface thereof or the first passivation film present on the surface thereof is lost, in association with changes in the pH of a measurement site. The second electrode includes a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, and is spaced apart from the first electrode. The coating film includes a third metallic material different from the first and second metallic materials. The coating film covers at least the first or second electrode. The functional element is configured to measure a difference in electric potential between the first and second electrodes that changes depending on presence or absence of each of the first passivation film and the coating film in association with the changes in pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Juri Kato, Takao Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8906212
    Abstract: A method to evaluate the corrosion resistance of a can to a content includes filling the can with the content to form a specimen, setting the specimen in an apparatus capable of blocking an outside atmosphere from entering the specimen, optionally saturating the content with nitrogen gas to expel dissolved oxygen present in the content, thereafter while maintaining the temperature of the content at a constant temperature in the range of 25 to 60° C., applying a constant potential that is more anodic than an immersion potential by 50 mV to 200 mV to the can of the specimen, and evaluating the corrosion resistance of the can to the content based on the accumulated amount of electricity generated during a time appropriately selected from 6 to 48 hours immediately after the application of the constant potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hisato Noro, Yoichiro Yamanaka, Junichi Kitagawa, Yoshihiko Yasue, Hisao Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 8888988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring the corrosion potential of engineering alloys used in aqueous systems is disclosed and claimed. The method is applicable for a variety of alloys including, but not limited to, copper-based, iron-based, nickel-based, other metallic-based alloys, and their combinations. The corrosion potential is typically determined by measuring a voltage between a specific material in the described oxidation-reduction potential measuring device and a reference electrode. Corrosion potentials for specific materials of construction may be used for diagnostic or control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventor: Peter D. Hicks
  • Patent number: 8888976
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a corrosion resistance evaluator suitable for corrosion testing coated metals substrates, such as autobodies. A corrosion resistance evaluator provided with a chamber containing electrolyte to which anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested are exposed. These coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The coated cathode/anode pair is subject to a start-up period followed by series preset DC voltages for preset durations that are interspaced with recovery periods. The impedance date collected is then used to arrive at the corrosion performance resistance of the coating applied over the cathode/anode pair. The foregoing evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Shi Hua Zhang, Lorenzo Fred Pelosi, Robert C. Nahas
  • Patent number: 8823535
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for directly detecting the atmospheric conditions leading to creep corrosion of printed circuit boards (PCBs) well before the PCBs in the computers start suffering from creep corrosion. The embodiment indicates the propensity of the air towards creep corrosion on PCBs. Additionally, to avoid the false reading due to condensed moisture, condensed moisture may be avoided by using a heater attached to the creep corrosion monitor that keeps the creep corrosion monitor above the dew point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levente Klein, Prabjit Singh, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8778167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the location of the corrosion sites in reinforced concrete, wherein a value (UB, UC) of a voltage potential (UB, UC) present at each measurement location is measured at at least two measurement locations relative to a reference voltage potential (UA) present at a reference location, and information about the direction to the corrosion site (K) and/or the distance to the corrosion site (K) is determined from the location information (XB, YB, XC, YC) for each measurement location, particularly also the reference location, and the voltage potential (UA, UB, UC) present at each location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinisch-Westfaelische-Technische Hochschule Aachen
    Inventors: Michael Raupach, Kenji Reichling
  • Patent number: 8771486
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Wang, Benjamin J. Feldman, Benjamin Rush, Charlene Haley
  • Patent number: 8764954
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Wang, Benjamin J. Feldman, Benjamin Rush, Charlene Haley
  • Patent number: 8758583
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Wang, Benjamin J. Feldman, Benjamin Rush, Charlene Haley
  • Publication number: 20140141120
    Abstract: An electroanalytical method for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must is disclosed. This example includes recording an electrochemical signal of a sample of the wine or grape must; comparing an electrochemical signature of the electrochemical signal obtained in a) with reference curves of voltammograms obtained from wines or grape musts with known oxidability; and predicting the oxidability of the sample tested based on the comparison. Markers for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must and the use of electrochemistry for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must are also disclosed. A method for predicting the optimal total oxygen supply for storing a wine or a grape must in a container; a method for wine maturation and/or ageing and; a method for selecting an optimal closure for storing a wine or a grape must in a container are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Nomacorc LLC
    Inventors: Maurizio Ugliano, Jean-Baptiste Dieval, Stéphane Vidal, Philippe Tacchini
  • Patent number: 8723535
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for corrosion resistance evaluation of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies. An anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested are exposed to an electrolyte in a chamber of a corrosion resistance evaluator. These coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The coated cathode/anode pair is subject to a start-up period followed by series preset DC voltages for preset durations that are interspaced with recovery periods. The impedance data collected are then used to arrive at the corrosion performance resistance of the coating applied over the cathode/anode pair. The foregoing evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Shi Hua Zhang, Lorenzo Fred Pelosi, Robert C. Nahas
  • Patent number: 8679309
    Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor includes a lid and a base. The base has a length and a width. The length of the base is greater than the width of the base. The base includes at least a working electrode, a counter electrode and at least three test-sensor contacts for electrically connecting to a meter. The at least three test-sensor contacts are spaced along the length of the base from each other. The base and the lid assist in forming a fluid chamber for receiving the fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a reagent to assist in determining the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Greg P. Beer, John P. Creaven
  • Patent number: 8652312
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring cathodic protection of a protected object that includes a probe with five segments in series. The cathodic protection is provided by a system with a power supply that impresses current onto the protected object. An anode is included with the system that is also connected to the power supply. The third and fifth segments are in electrical communication through a frangible connection; that over time galvanically corrodes to electrically isolate the third and fifth segments. The second segment, which is a permanent isolator, is set between the first and third segments. The third segment is selectively connected with the protected object. When the third segment is selectively disconnected from the protected object, measuring the potential difference between the third segment and the first segment yields a value for object polarization that is void of IR error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Darrell Raymond Catte
  • Patent number: 8647498
    Abstract: A corrosive environment sensor for measuring corrosive environment inside a space between a first member that is a conductor and a second member that is a conductor or insulator includes: a base having a surface which cam face the first member that is a conductor; and an electrode which is provided on the surface of the base and formed with a material different in ionization tendency from the first member and which faces at a distance the first member so as to form a galvanic coupling with the first member, and the corrosive environment sensor measures a galvanic current between the electrode and the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ruri Nakada, Nobutoshi Konagai, Kota Sako, Yuya Ito
  • Patent number: 8643389
    Abstract: A corrosion sensor includes a plurality of conductive portions and at least one non-conductive portion between adjacent conductive portions, wherein the at least one non-conductive portion has a dimension less than approximately 500 microns. A method for manufacturing a corrosion sensor includes applying a non-conductive material to a substrate and applying a conductive material to discrete locations on the non-conductive material. The method further includes applying a brazing material around each discrete location of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Paul Stephen DiMascio
  • Patent number: 8623185
    Abstract: A planarized type of coupled multi-electrode corrosion sensing device. Electrode pads are fabricated on a thin backing, such as a thin film. Each pad has an associated electrical lead for connection to auxiliary electronic circuitry, which may include a resistor associated with each electrical pad. The design permits the device to be easily placed in small crevices or under coatings such as paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Garth William Tormoen, Christopher Sean Brossia
  • Publication number: 20130292265
    Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection arrangement includes an elongate metallic structure to be protected and cathodic protection apparatus which comprises a DC power supply and an anode. One terminal of the power supply is connected to the structure at a connection point and another terminal of the power supply is connected to the anode. The arrangement includes monitoring apparatus for monitoring effectiveness of cathodic protection provided by the cathodic protection apparatus by determining the electrical potential of the structure relative to surroundings at at least one location which is spaced from the connection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: EXPRO NORTH SEA LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexandra Vasil'evna Rogacheva, Steven Hudson
  • Patent number: 8562813
    Abstract: A system for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes a sensor connected to the component surface at a sensor connection, and the sensor generates a signal reflective of a current flow at the sensor connection. A power supply connected to the component surface at an electrical connection produces a voltage potential at the electrical connection. An electrolyte coats the sensor connection and the electrical connection. A method for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes sensing a current flow on the component surface, generating a voltage potential on the component surface, and placing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the component surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Moors
  • Patent number: 8518236
    Abstract: A method for improving the precision of electrochemical measurements made using an electrochemical cell is provided. The method comprises preconditioning a working electrode of the cell by (i) baking the working electrode; and/or (ii) incubating the working electrode; and/or (iii) applying a preconditioning potential across the cell; and/or (iv) treating the working electrode with a UV laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Mary Elizabeth Roblin, Mark Hyland, Christopher Paul Newman
  • Patent number: 8512547
    Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of determining the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an effective amount of phenol; and analyzing the sample by voltammetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Robert E. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 8506777
    Abstract: A localized corrosion monitoring (LCM) device is modified to obtain polarization resistance (Rp) from electrical resistance of a probe having a strip of metal under investigation (test electrode), a reference electrode and a temperature sensor (e.g. thermocouple). This configuration allows the probe to be used in areas where only a thin film of conductive fluid is available or required to provide potential monitoring. Thus, the applicability of the LCM technique is broadened. All the above devices are expected to be configured in one item of equipment, except for the probe which may be remotely located from the rest of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Hammonds, Vladimir Jovancicevic
  • Patent number: 8475110
    Abstract: A system and method capable of performing online corrosion monitoring of a component installed in a gas turbine. A sensing device is located so that electrodes thereof are exposed to an operating environment within the gas turbine section containing the component. The electrodes are formed of a material so that the component and electrodes similarly respond to corrosive agents within the gas turbine section. The electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and each electrode is operable as an anodic electrode or a cathodic electrode, depending on the extent of corrosion thereat, so that each electrode has an electrical potential value, voltages exist across the electrodes, electric currents flow between the electrodes, and the electrical potential/current values correspond to corrosion behaviors at the anodic electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hefner, Jeff P. Czapiewski
  • Patent number: 8470146
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing corrosion comprises a casing and a counter-electrode. The casing is made of material that is substantively incompressible at pressures on wires within a structural cable. The casing has a thickness that is not greater than typical interstitial spaces between wires of the structural cable and has a length on an order of a radius of the structural cable. The counter-electrode exchanges electrons with ions of an electrolyte that corrodes the wires of the structural cable. The counter-electrode is embedded in the casing, is exposed to the electrolyte in a window of the casing, and is recessed to avoid contact with any wire of the structural cable when the sensor is deployed among the wires of the structural cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Raimondo Betti, Alan West
  • Publication number: 20130037420
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of water on or in pipelines, tanks, equipment and other structures, including insulated structures which may be subject to corrosion under insulation, or CUI. Two dissimilar, spaced-apart metals are coupled at least indirectly to a structure to be monitored, and apparatus for detecting a potential difference between the two dissimilar metals, thereby indicating that water is present as an electrolyte. In CUI applications, at least one of the dissimilar metals is attached to, or embedded within, a water-absorbing insulator or other material coupled to or surrounding the structure. The water-absorbing material may be provided in the form of a tape attached to the surface of a metal component fanning the structure. In some embodiments, the structure to be monitored may itself incorporate a ferrous metal component which is used as one of the dissimilar metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Patent number: 8357273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) to be used with an analytical tool (2) mounted thereto and used for analyzing a particular component contained in a sample supplied to the analytical tool (2). The analyzer (1) includes at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) including a first and a second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B) which are capable of selecting a mutually contacting state and a non-contacting state, a detector (15) for detecting the state of contact of the first and the second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B), and an abnormality detector (16) for detecting an abnormality of the at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) based on the detection result by the detector (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Takuji Kawai
  • Publication number: 20130008801
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for applications related to the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) are provided. MIC is becoming increasingly important, especially to the oil and gas industry due to water flooding practice and aging pipelines. The lack of understanding of the fundamental mechanisms in MIC have greatly hindered the development of reliable prediction and new mitigation methods. This disclosure demonstrates how a biocatalytic cathodic sulfate reduction (BCSR) theory, together with bioenergetics, electrochemical kinetics, and mass transfer, can be used with regard to MIC. The discovery of MIC promoters (that are electron mediators) allows for a new detection tool for more accurate assessment of MIC pitting, and potential new mitigation methods that targets the promoters or microorganisms that secrete these promoters. An MFC device to detect the presence of MIC promoters is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Tingyue Gu
  • Patent number: 8298390
    Abstract: Electrochemical probes for corrosion monitoring in an environment that may cause the formation of electron-conducting deposits and the method for making such probes were described. The probes have long exposed electrodes. Except for the tip section, all surfaces of the exposed electrodes are coated with a coating or covered with electrically insulating tubing, so that only the tip section has uncovered metal that serves as the active areas of the electrodes. The coating or tubing material is such that the deposits cannot easily form on its surfaces. Because the electrical bridging between the active areas of any two electrodes requires the deposition of an evenly distributed layer of the electron-conducting deposits along the path from one area to the other area, the coated surface reduces the possibility of short-circuiting for the active areas of the electrodes. These probes are especially suitable for applications in systems containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Xiaodong Sun Yang, Lietai Yang
  • Publication number: 20120247975
    Abstract: A system may be used to detect corrosion between a first metal and a second metal, where the second metal is positioned adjacent to the first metal. The system may include a processor electrically coupled to each of the first and the second metals and configured to monitor a complex impedance between the first metal and the second metal, where the complex impedance may include a real component and an imaginary component. The processor may compare the real component of the complex impedance to a first threshold, compare the imaginary component of the complex impedance to a second threshold, and indicate a likelihood of corrosion if at least one of the real and imaginary components are below their respective threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Asim Tewari, Deepika Sachdeva, Kiran Deshpande, Arun M. Kumar, Pulak Bandyopadhyay, Jon T. Carter
  • Patent number: 8268160
    Abstract: In one example, a specimen is immersed in an electrolyte, and a plurality of potentials of the specimen are experimentally related to a plurality of currents by applying the potentials to the specimen while measuring the currents, or, by drawing the currents through the specimen while measuring the potentials. The potentials are referenced to a hydrogen reference electrode. Hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen reference electrode via an electrolysis cathode distinct from the hydrogen reference electrode. In another example, an electrochemical cell confines a head gas disposed over the electrolyte. A partial pressure of water vapor in the head gas is adjusted so that the concentration of water in the electrolyte, when equilibrated with the head gas, falls within a predetermined concentration range. The head gas and electrolyte are then equilibrated, thereby controlling the concentration of water in the electrolyte, and an electrochemical property of the specimen is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ClearEdge Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Tang, Yang Song
  • Patent number: 8232812
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for determining which material within a vicinity of an electrically conducting material is causing corrosion of the electrically conducting material. The process includes providing a piece of electrically conducting material, a piece of potentially corrosive material that is present in the vicinity of the electrically conducting material, an electrical resistance measuring device and a testing chamber. Thereafter, the piece of electrically conducting material and the piece of potentially corrosive material are placed within the testing chamber and the electrical resisting measuring device monitors the electrical resistance of the piece of electrically conducting material as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Michael Ankeney, Brian F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120186995
    Abstract: A system for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes a sensor connected to the component surface at a sensor connection, and the sensor generates a signal reflective of a current flow at the sensor connection. A power supply connected to the component surface at an electrical connection produces a voltage potential at the electrical connection. An electrolyte coats the sensor connection and the electrical connection. A method for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes sensing a current flow on the component surface, generating a voltage potential on the component surface, and placing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the component surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Moors
  • Patent number: 8224595
    Abstract: A system and method for online monitoring of molten salt corrosion of a component of an apparatus is disclosed. First and second electrodes are electrically isolated from each other within the component and exposed to a corrosive operating environment of the apparatus. The first and second electrodes are electrically coupled such that when an electrical potential difference exists between the first and second electrodes an electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode is based at least in part on molten salt corrosion at the first electrode or the second electrode. At least one of the electrical potential difference or the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and second electrode is measured and analyzed such that a corrosion characteristic of the component can be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Paul Stephen DiMascio