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.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration of a biological sample using an electrochemical process without Cottrell decay. The biosensor system generates an output signal having a transient decay, where the output signal is not inversely proportional to the square root of the time. The transient decay is greater or less than the ?0.5 decay constant of a Cottrell decay. The transient decay may result from a relatively short incubation period, relatively small sample reservoir volumes, relatively small distances between electrode surfaces and the lid of the sensor strip, and/or relatively short excitations in relation to the average initial thickness of the reagent layer. The biosensor system determines the analyte concentration from the output signal having a transient decay.

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.

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.

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: The present invention provides a method of testing a cryogenic metal tank before it is put into service, in which said method said tank (1) is filled with water and appropriate measurements are performed where necessary, the method being characterized in that the following steps are performed: filling said metal cryogenic tank (1) with sea water; and providing the bottom and side metal walls (2, 3) of said tank (1) that are constituted essentially by bare steel, with temporary cathodic protection by injecting an electric current into anodes disposed within said tank (1) once said anodes become immersed. Advantageously, a first anode array (51) is placed in the immediate vicinity of the bottom of the tank using support means (52), said support means (52) and said first anode(s) (51) preferably being removable.

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: 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: The present invention has an object to obtain a cooking liquor containing polysulfide-sulfur at a high concentration by minimizing by-production of thiosulfate ions. The present invention is a method for producing polysulfides, which comprises introducing a solution containing sulfide ions into an anode compartment of an electrolytic cell comprising the anode compartment provided with a porous anode, a cathode compartment provided with a cathode, and a diaphragm partitioning the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, for electrolytic oxidation to obtain polysulfide ions, characterized in that the porous anode is disposed so that a space is provided at least partly between the porous anode and the diaphragm, and the apparent volume of the porous anode is from 60% to 99% based on the volume of the anode compartment.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in furnace boiler tubes measures electrochemical noise associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. This noise is detected using a probe at the boiler waterwall surface that is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical noise. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) is notified and adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion. Such an adjustment could be made by changing the amount of air or fuel being provided to the burner or other air slots or air ports.

Abstract: An electrode component group for a corrosion measuring system for detecting corrosion of a metal embedded in a construction component of ion-conducting material has a rod-shaped base body having a first flange member at a first end of base body and a second flange member at a second end of base body. The base body is insertable into the construction component with the first end leading. A plurality of spacer rings is positioned on the base body between the first and second flange members. The metal electrode rings and sealing rings are arranged alternatingly between the spacer rings. Each one of the metal electrode rings have an electrical line connected to a measuring circuit external to the construction component. The electrical lines are guided inside the metal electrode rings to the second end of the base body. A device for reducing a spacing between the first and second flange members is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor corrosion cell for a real-time and quantitative measurement of corrosion of conductive materials in atmospheres containing chemically reactive gases and water vapor. Two prototypes are provided. Also provided are various applications of this apparatus in industry.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for measuring localized corrosion and other heterogeneous electrochemical processes is described. A multi-sensor electrode namely the wire beam electrode, integrated by coupling all its wire terminals together, is used to simulate a conventional one-piece metal electrode surface in electrochemical behavior. The working surface of the wire beam electrode is exposed to an electrolyte as a conventional one-piece electrode to allow heterogeneous electrochemical processes such as localized corrosion to occur. Electrochemical parameters at local areas of the wire beam electrode surface are detected by means of wires located at those areas. A zero resistance ammeter is inserted between each selected wire terminal and all other coupled wire terminals to measure the coupling current flowing into or out the selected wire, and thus a coupling current distribution map is produced.

Abstract: Corrosion of a metal member under heat transfer condition is monitored by using a test coupon made of the same material as that of the metal member. The test coupon may have a welded portion and a crevice. One substantial surface of the test coupon is heated by a sheet shaped heating element, and at least one portion of the other surface of the test coupon is contacted with the corrosive fluid. After detecting a status of corrosion of the test coupon, the corrosion of the metal member is monitored based on the results of the detection. In case a counter electrode or reference electrode is used, the electrode is immersed in the corrosive fluid, and electrical signals between the test coupon and the electrode are measured. Then, the corrosion of the metal member is monitored.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and alternatively adjusting the electrical energy input and output of remotely located corrosion protection rectifiers on a section of a longer pipeline includes three elements. The first element is a monitoring unit which monitors electrical input, output voltage, output amperage and level of applied cathodic protection of the electrical energy provided to the pipeline by a rectifier. This data on electrical energy is then transmitted to the second element, a low-level communication satellite. The low-level communication satellite then retransmits the data to the third element, a management data center. The information received at the management data center may be monitored, recorded or transformed into adjustment signals which are then retransmitted via the low-level communication satellite back to the rectifier on the pipeline.