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.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for corrosion detection. The system may comprise an electrochemical sensor having a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a polymer electrolyte film containing redox pairs. The electrochemical sensor may further be engaged with a guide element. A console may be included, the console being coupled to the guide element and in electrical communication with the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A method based on the measurement of the oxidation power or the cathodic current density using a corrosion-resistant electrode (noble electrode) to derive the bounding corrosion rates of the corroding metal, which is either a stand-alone electrode or an actual component of an equipment, is disclosed. During the measurement, the potential of the noble electrode is controlled at the corrosion potential of the corroding metal. A modified version the sensor that provides a correction factor for the estimation of the corrosion rate according to the bounding corrosion rate is also disclosed. The correction factor is derived based on the cathodic currents measured for the noble electrode and for the corroding metal at a potential that is significantly lower than the corrosion potential, so that the measured cathodic current density from the corroding metal equals the true cathodic current density on the corroding metal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mountable electrode, methods for preparing said mountable electrode, a method for monitoring the corrosion protective properties of a coating on a metal substrate, a method for measuring the corrosion rate of an uncoated metal substrate, an apparatus for measuring electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of coated metal substrates, and the use of said mountable electrode. The mountable electrode of the invention comprises -a carrier comprising a water-soluble layer, wherein said water-soluble layer comprises a water-soluble polymer; and -a water-permeable pattern of an inert metal on said water-soluble layer.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor system includes a substrate with a hydrophilic coating and a sensor array attached to the substrate, the sensor array manufactured of a noble metal. The sensor system operates to determine a time of wetness measurement based upon an electrolyte conductivity and a temperature.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for use in an electrolyte includes a protected structure to be at least partially immersed in the electrolyte, at least one sacrificial anode to be at least partially immersed in the electrolyte and electrically connected to the protected structure, and a substantially impermeable barrier disposed between the at least one sacrificial anode and the electrolyte.

Abstract: A cathodic protection monitor to be electrically connected to a cathodic protection rectifier that is adapted to prevent rust, corrosion and possible leakage in an underground pipe or storage tank above which the rectifier is supported. The cathodic protection monitor includes a CPU that reads, digitizes and stores analog current and voltage signals which are supplied from the DC output of the rectifier and are indicative of the effectiveness thereof. The monitor includes an ISM band transceiver and antenna by which the CPU is polled and from which packets of stored data are transmitted to a data collector at an overhead airplane or nearby motor vehicle for retransmission and analysis by the pipe owner or maintenance crew.

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.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential includes an electrical conductor, a metal-oxide layer disposed on the electrical conductor, and a zirconia-containing layer disposed on the metal-oxide layer, wherein the zirconia-containing layer is disposed about the electrical conductor using thermal spraying, wire arc, ion plasma cathodic arc deposition, laser ablation, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating, electroless plating, electrochemical oxidation, chemical oxidation, electrophoretic deposition, or radio-frequency sputtering.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus and method comprising a first electrode and a second electrode wherein the area ratio between them is 15 or higher, for example a metal plate and a metal wire; wherein said first and second electrodes are made from the same material; and wherein the distance between said first electrode and said second electrode is in the range of from about 1 mm to about 1 ?m is provided. Such electrochemical cell can be used to measure crude oil corrosion using an electrochemical impedance method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously and continuously monitoring both the general and localized corrosion of a working metallic electrode is provided, wherein a low frequency, low amplitude periodic potential excitation is used to perturb the electrode around its free corrosion potential. The potential is controlled with respect to a reference electrode by means of a potentiostat, and an auxiliary electrode used to stimulate current flow. The current response of the working electrode is monitored and analyzed continuously for general and localized corrosion activity. Means are provided for validation of the integrity of the current response to the applied potential excitation. Simultaneous and continuous outputs for both general and localized corrosion activity are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system may be used to estimate and/or calculate parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The apparatus involves a working electrode (having substantially the same composition of the electrically conductive article), a reference electrode, and a counter electrode in an environment of interest. The working electrode is placed under potentiostatic control. A current transient between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. The working electrode is switched to open potential. A potential transient is measured over the duration of a localized corrosion event. The localized corrosion may then be calculated based on the measured potential transient and the current transient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for identifying and managing corrosion and methods related thereto. In particular, the invention provides a system for identifying and managing the structural corrosion potential for an assembly by measuring a “Relative Corrosion Index” (“RCI”).

Abstract: An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system calculates parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The method involves placing a test electrode, a reference electrode, and an auxiliary electrode in an environment of interest; placing the test electrode under potentiostatic control regime for a potential scan; measuring the relationship of current v. potential (polarization resistance, Rp) of the test electrode relative to the reference electrode during a first period; switching from potentiostatic control to the open circuit potential (OCP) of the test electrode; monitoring the OCP of the test electrode during a second period; determining ?I from the relationship Rp=?V/?I, where ?V is measured over a second period of time; and calculating the localized corrosion from the measured potential and current data.

Abstract: Methods of deriving the cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate and cumulative localized corrosion rate factor for corrosion monitoring using coupled multielectrode array sensor probes are disclosed. Compared with maximum localized corrosion rate, which is derived from the corrosion rate on any of the electrodes of a probe that has the highest corrosion rate at a given moment of time, cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate is derived from the corrosion rate of the electrode that has been corroded the most in a given time period. The cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate is directly related to the corrosion damage (maximum localized corrosion depth); the maximum localized corrosion depth equals the integration of the cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate. Cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate should be used to evaluate the localized corrosion effect on metal damage.

Abstract: The bounding corrosion rate is measured with a coupled multielectrode array sensor by decoupling a select number of anodic electrodes on the sensor from the coupling joint. In doing so, all or most of the electrons produced on the anodic electrode that remains connected to the coupling joint are forced to flow to the coupling joint and are thus measured. Because of the large number of electrodes on a multielectrode array sensor, one of them may become contaminated by foreign materials during the measurements or polishing process. The effect of such an electrode on the performance of the sensor can be eliminated by automatically disconnecting it from the coupling joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for a method for measuring or monitoring localized corrosion in which an electrochemical noise (ECN) signal is sensed and filtered by a high-pass or band-pass filter to remove low frequency components not related to localized corrosion and a standard deviation of the filtered signal is computed and scaled to provide a localized corrosion value.

Abstract: Simultaneous determination of general corrosion and localized corrosion rate measurements is achieved with polarization applied by the electrodes themselves rather than externally applied polarization. Two or more working electrodes may be galvanically coupled. A localized pitting corrosion event on one of the electrodes will lead to a potential transient. The area within the potential transient is measured with the baseline being the initial starting potential. This gives localized corrosion as a function of time. The relationship Rp=?V/?I is calculated, where Rp is the polarization resistance of the working electrodes and is a measure of generalized corrosion rate.

Abstract: A method for determining a fatigue status of a growing crack in a substrate. An electrochemical sensor device is provided and includes an electrode formed from a stainless steel mesh. The electrochemical device has a bottom surface that contacts the substrate. The bottom surface is coated with an adhesive layer, and a release paper is attached to the adhesive layer. The release paper is separated from the adhesive layer, thereby exposing the adhesive layer. The electrochemical sensor device is secured to the substrate by bringing the adhesive layer in contact with the substrate and thereby forming an electrolyte cavity bounded in part by the substrate. The adhesive seals the bottom surface of the device to the substrate in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte from the cavity. The cavity is filled with the electrolyte.

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.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing corrosion risk of a buried pipe due to DC stray currents and/or AC voltages induced in soil employs a metal probe including a first, exposed part having a first specific resistivity, and a second, sealed reference part having a second specific resistivity. The probe is buried in the soil, and the AC current and voltage between the pipe and the probe are measured, from which the spread resistance is determined. The resistances of the first and second probe parts are determined by respectively passing first and second excitation currents through the first and second probe parts and measuring the voltages across them. The resistance measurements are stored, and the steps are repeated periodically. The corrosion of the first probe part is determined from the measurements according to an algorithm, and the pipe corrosion risk is diagnosed from an empirical combination of the corrosion of the first probe part, the spread resistance, and the AC voltage measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for estimation of general and localized corrosion penetration rates of metallic materials and objects. The invention can also be used to discriminate between general and localized corrosion. A one, two or three electrode probe having electrodes (101, 102, 103) made of the same material as the material being monitored is located in the same corrosive environment as the material being monitored. An electrochemical harmonic analysis is performed and electrochemical noise signals are monitored, and the resulting responses are analyzed and compared to discriminate between general and localized corrosion attack and to determine a localized corrosion penetration rate. A law frequency sine wave is applied to the working electrode. Harmonic analysis of the electrode response provides information regarding the general corrosion rate and the stern-geary constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a wafer with a metal exposed through an insulator, through the use of a wet cleaning tank in concert with a feedback system on the potential difference between two leads of the wet cleaning tank. The cleaning tank has a bath in which the wafer and the two leads are immersed. The potential difference between the two leads is regulated when the feedback system detects a change in the potential across the two leads.

Abstract: An electronic system and software program for multielectrode electrochemical devices; a multielectrode sensor for application in environments containing electrochemically active species; and a multielectrode sensor with a built-in removable large electrode. The electronic system has a large electrode connected to the coupling joint through a resistor element to adjust the potential of the multielectrodes. The electronic system, along with the software program, automatically changes the values of the coupling resistors so that the potentials of a group of electrodes or all the electrodes of a sensor are similar, or automatically disconnects malfunctioning electrodes from the coupling joints to avoid the effect of such electrodes. A variation of the electronic system uses an ammeter or a zero-resistance-ammeter to measure the coupling currents and has resistors between the electrodes and the coupling joint to reduce the transient current produced during switching.

Abstract: An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system may be used to estimate and/or calculate parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The apparatus involves a working electrode (having substantially the same composition of the electrically conductive article), a reference electrode, and a counter electrode in an environment of interest. The working electrode is placed under potentiostatic control. A current transient between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. The working electrode is switched to open potential. A potential transient is measured over the duration of a localized corrosion event. The localized corrosion may then be calculated based on the measured potential transient and the current transient.

Abstract: The corrosion inhibiting activity of a coating is determined from the effect of corrosion inhibiting species released by the coating on the oxygen reduction current for a cathode placed very close to the coating. A rotating disk electrode or pumped solution flow is used to sweep the corrosion inhibiting species from the coating surface to the cathode. The oxygen reduction current is measured under conditions of oxygen diffusion control.

Abstract: A system and method of use is provided for using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to determine the corrosion rates of coupled metals. Two dissimilar metals are coupled together and exposed to a saltwater electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. A variable frequency current is passed through the cell and collected at the coupled metals. The impedance and phase angle of the collected current data are plotted verses frequency. The plotted data are compared to and analogized to a known plot for physical electric circuits. When a matching plot and circuit are found, the corrosion rate data associated with the matched plot are used to determine the corrosion rates of the coupled metals.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential includes an electrical conductor, a metal-oxide layer disposed on the electrical conductor, and a zirconia-containing layer disposed on the metal-oxide layer, wherein the zirconia-containing layer is disposed about the electrical conductor using thermal spraying, wire arc, ion plasma cathodic arc deposition, laser ablation, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating, electroless plating, electrochemical oxidation, chemical oxidation, electrophoretic deposition, or radio-frequency sputtering.

Abstract: A semi-permanent reference electrode for use in monitoring and measuring metals in field applications, such as cathodic protection. This electrode has an outer electrode body with a cap and porous plug. The outer electrode body is filled with a fill solution which is a saturated salt solution formed from a solid salt. The solid salt is hygroscopic with a low deliquescence point. An opening is provided in the cap to allow moisture into the outer electrode body to combine with the fill solution to maintain the saturated salt solution in the field. This saturated salt solution must maintain a constant pH for use in the semi-permanent reference electrode. A wire is used within the outer electrode body which connects to a voltmeter. This voltmeter measures the potential difference between the reference electrode and the field component of interest, which can include pipelines, storage tanks and bridges.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system for estimating parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article, the method comprising: placing a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode in an environment of interest; measuring potential at open circuit between the working electrode and the reference electrode over time; placing the working electrode under a potentiostatic control; measuring current between the working electrode and the counter electrode for a predetermined period of time, the period of time of measurements may be extended to include a transient event; and estimating the corrosion rate.

Abstract: A method of measuring localized corrosion, using a multi-electrode array sensor. The method eliminates the effect of internal current in corroded electrodes, and thus provides a more accurate corrosion measurement. In one embodiment, the potential of a common node of the sensor is adjusted so that the sensor's most cathodic current is close to zero.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for instrumental analysis in remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling cathodic protection being applied to a metal structure having a surface disposed in an electrolytic environment comprising electrically connecting a metal coupon to the surface of the metal structure, positioning the metal coupon at a predetermined position relative to the surface of the metal structure and within the electrolytic environment, applying a cathodic protection agent to the surface of the metal structure to effect cathodic protection of the surface of the metal structure, measuring a cathodic protection indication proximate to the metal coupon, comparing the cathodic protection indication with a predetermined value, and adjusting the cathodic protection agent being applied to the surface of the metal structure in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Low power corrosion measurement devices are described with improved LPR, HDA, and ECN measurement capabilities in a field transmitter for online corrosion monitoring or off-line corrosion data logging.

Abstract: Low power corrosion measurement devices are described with improved signal measurement and excitation circuitry in a field transmitter for online corrosion monitoring or off-line corrosion data logging.

Abstract: Corrosion measurement devices are described with electrical isolation and intrinsic safety barriers advanced corrosion measurement in a field transmitter for online corrosion monitoring or off-line corrosion data logging.

Abstract: Low power corrosion measurement devices are described with programmable configuration for implementing one or more advanced corrosion measurement types to provide conductivity, general corrosion, and/or localized corrosion values in a field transmitter for online corrosion monitoring or off-line corrosion data logging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using a rectifier, a groundbed consisting of four (4) copper rods, power supply, three (3) copper/copper sulfate (Cu/CuSO4) reference electrodes, a data logger for detecting and identifying buried lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) service pipes by their electrochemical potentials. More specifically, the present invention relates to using the electrochemical potentials of lead (Pb) versus copper/copper sulfate (Cu/CuSO4) reference electrode (?0.500 volts) and also using the electrochemical potentials of copper versus copper/copper sulfate (Cu/CuSO4) reference electrode (?0.200 volts) which is utilized under field (actual, environmental or in situ) conditions in detecting and differentiating buried lead (Pb) service pipes and buried copper pipes which are sometimes attached to the same water meter and cast iron water supply main.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for measuring chloride ion concentration in a medium. The techniques allow measurements to be made in dry or alkaline media, or both. For alkaline conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions under alkaline conditions. The film is deposited to be in contact with at least one electrode and the medium. For dry conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a conductive polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions. The film is in contact with the pair of electrodes, and is positioned for contact with the medium. An electrical conductivity of the film depends on an amount of chloride ions taken up by the film. Some techniques allow chloride ion measurements over years at sensors embedded in concrete. Such measurements allow the determination of the progress of rebar corrosion in concrete infrastructure.

Abstract: A method of measuring an electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) of a material specimen using a detecting device including an ECP detecting array is provided. The method includes locating an offset spacer in close contact to a face of the ECP detecting array, locating the material specimen within the detecting device with a measurement face in close contact to the offset spacer, establishing a flow through the detecting device, and measuring an electrical potential between the detecting device ground and an electrode wire.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor and a method for detecting microbiologically induced corrosion in a metal structure, which consists in performing the following steps: providing a sensor comprising at least a first circular electrode (4) and a ring-shaped electrode (2) concentric with the first electrode, proximate to the structure (30) in contact with a corrosive medium; imparting for a time interval t a conditioning current between the two electrodes so as to initiate corrosion, the current being such that the central electrode is cathode and the ring-shaped electrode is anode; after the time interval t, coupling the two electrodes and measuring the current between the two electrodes; calculating the speed of corrosion from the measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain of metal elements for the detection of metal deposition (material gain) caused for example during deposition of coatings used in plating processes and corrosion (material loss) caused for example in pipelines during transportation of hazardous media. The apparatus and the method provides means for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain by inserting a probe in a measurement environment causing a probe experience metal deposition or corrosion. Further the apparatus and the method provides means for performing a temperature independent measurement of accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain accomplished without use of a temperature sensor device.

Abstract: A system using tank corrosion sensors to provide for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition in ships' tanks, and particularly in ships' seawater or compensated fuel tanks. The system includes reference half-cells mounted along a suspended cable and one instrumented sacrificial anode at the end of the cable to provide optimal sensing capability within a tank structure. The reference half-cells and the sacrificial anode measure a potential and current output, respectively. Together the measurements provide objective information that can be used to predict corrosion damage and coating deterioration occurring throughout the structure of the tank. The system may be used for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electrochemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.

Abstract: A system using tank corrosion sensors to provide for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition in ships' tanks, and particularly in ships' seawater or compensated fuel tanks. The system includes reference half-cells mounted along a suspended cable and one instrumented sacrificial anode at the end of the cable to provide optimal sensing capability within a tank structure. The reference half-cells and the sacrificial anode measure a potential and current output, respectively. Together the measurements provide objective information that can be used to predict corrosion damage and coating deterioration occurring throughout the structure of the tank. The system may be used for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes. The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes, the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously, but at a different rate.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a cathodic protection system includes a cathodic protection rectifier configured to apply a voltage across a pipeline and a reference point. The method includes measuring a magnitude of an output voltage of the cathodic protection rectifier, transmitting to a site remote from the rectifier, the measured output voltage magnitude using a cellular control channel, receiving the transmitted measurement at the remote site, and using the transmitted measurement to determine whether the cathodic protection system is operational.

Abstract: A method for the in situ measurement of atomic hydrogen permeation into carbon steel from process streams under operating conditions of up to 3000 psi and temperatures up to 300° F. includes providing a probe assembly that includes a test specimen electrode and a negatively charged counter electrode in a fluid-tight reservoir containing an electrolyte, mounting the probe assembly directly in contact with a process stream and passing electrical conductors from the probe through a supporting, electrically non-conductive isolator positioned between a mounting assembly and the probe; maintaining a constant voltage across the electrodes and thereby directly measuring and recording permeation current flow between the probe electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy having a solid electrolyte is disclosed. The apparatus has a chamber made of an electronically insulating material, a solid electrolyte coupled to the chamber and an electrode disposed in the chamber. A biasing member is used to urge the electrode towards the solid electrolyte and urge the solid electrolyte toward the substrate. The solid electrolyte is designed to contact the surface to be tested directly with no corrosive or otherwise harmful effect to the surface. A method for the detection of corrosion in bare or coated metallic substrates is also provided.

Abstract: A method of measuring an electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) of a material specimen using a detecting device including an ECP detecting array is provided. The method includes locating an offset spacer in close contact to a face of the ECP detecting array, locating the material specimen within the detecting device with a measurement face in close contact to the offset spacer, establishing a flow through the detecting device, and measuring an electrical potential between the detecting device ground and an electrode wire.