Of Coating, Coated Substrate, Or Imbedded Object Patents (Class 205/776.5)
  • Patent number: 11555249
    Abstract: A probe for measuring a cathodic protection condition of a buried steel structure includes: a steel electrode; a reference electrode; and a coupon fabricated of a conductive material. The steel electrode, the reference electrode and the conductive coupon are positioned in an ionically conductive medium in proximity with each other and are isolated from direct electrical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Gummow, Daniel Fingas, Hycem Bahgat
  • Patent number: 11069995
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an electrically insulating body and a self-passivating contact held at a higher voltage than a non-passivating contact. The self-passivating contact includes a first electrically conductive material that forms an electrically insulating passivation layer when exposed to water or other aggressive environment. The non-passivating contact includes a second electrically conductive material that is unreactive when exposed to water or other aggressive environment. The passivation layer on the self-passivating contact prevents electric current from flowing between the self-passivating contact and the non-passivating contact through the water or other aggressive environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey P. Hack, James R. Windgassen
  • Patent number: 10677395
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting material loss of a vessel transporting flowing media, the sensor assembly having at least one sensor positioned between a pair of annular plates such that the radially innermost surface of the sensor is in open communication with the flowing media. A series of parallel resistors spaced along the sensor and transmit a signal. As the material of the annular plates is worn away by corrosion and/or erosion, the outermost resistor becomes exposed to the flowing media and breaks the circuit as to that resistor, thus changing the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Palliser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Len P. Hughes, Alejandro J. Juan
  • Patent number: 10317014
    Abstract: Methods of remotely, selectively controlling the flow rate of fluid moving through a subsea pipeline during dewatering of the pipeline involve a control unit of a subsea valve actuation system selectively, autonomously varying the flow of fluid through a fluid flow conduit of the system fluidly coupled to the pipeline at the pig receiving end thereof based at least partially upon one or more signals emitted by at least one pressure transducer or flow meter fluidly coupled to the fluid flow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Barden, Luis Russo, Peter Dixon, Alastair Goodall
  • Patent number: 9778168
    Abstract: The coating monitoring system is based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The system consists of one or more compact and rugged mini-potentiostat modules coupled to one or more electrodes mounted on top of the paint coating of the structure being monitored. The electrodes and modules can be coated with a topcoat if desired. Alternatively, they may be mounted only temporarily to the structure for spot inspection. They periodically report to a laptop. Communications may be implemented using a wireless protocol. The units may be battery powered with an estimated battery lifetime of up to ten years, depending on the frequency of measurement and interrogation Alternative power supplies may be used to replace or supplement the battery to allow extended battery lifetime. Moisture, humidity, or other sensors may be incorporated into the coating monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ElectraWatch, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy D. Davis, Ryan C. Dunn, Robert A. Ross
  • Patent number: 9182332
    Abstract: A device for testing a corrosion inhibitor, the device including: a circulating cooling water tank; a circulating water pump; a flowmeter; a five-port glass tube; a working electrode; a reference electrode; an auxiliary electrode; a heating rod; and an electrochemical workstation. The circulating water pump is connected to the circulating cooling water tank. The heating rod is fixed inside the circulating cooling water tank. The water inlet of the flowmeter is connected to the circulating water pump. The water outlet of the flowmeter is connected to the water inlet of the five-port glass tube. The water outlet of the five-port glass tube is connected to the circulating cooling water tank. The working electrode the reference electrode, and the auxiliary electrode are connected to the electrochemical workstation; and the electrochemical workstation is connected to a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Zhanhui Shen, Jinju Geng, Ke Xu, Xinkun Ren
  • Patent number: 9109991
    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 disclosed. The probes have exposed fingered electrodes. Except for the sensing areas at the tip sections, all surfaces of the exposed electrodes are coated with an inner electrically insulating coating or tubing and one or more additional coating(s) or tube(s). One of the additional coatings is ion conducting. The electrodes are spaced such that there are gaps between the outer surfaces of the neighboring electrodes to prevent the formation of a continuously distributed electron conducting deposits between the sensing surface of one electrode and the sensing surfaces of the other electrodes. These probes are especially suitable for applications in gas systems and oil-water mixtures containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Lietai Yang, Xiaodong Sun Yang
  • 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: 8926823
    Abstract: A system and method for generating and collecting data to detect and evaluate corrosion in a conductive metal beneath a protective coating is disclosed. A semi-integrated electrode having a reference electrode and a counter electrode is connected to a portable hand held device, such as a portable potentiostat generator. That device is also connected electrically to the metal being evaluated with the metal forming a working electrode. The counter electrode is physically and electrically separate from the metal, and a signal or voltage potential is provided therebetween through an electrolyte solution, such as sea water. The system and method is practiced without need for a container for an electrolyte solution. Data are collected and displayed indicating corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Georges J. Kipouros
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20140174946
    Abstract: The method for estimating impedance in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is an iterative method, combining high order statistic (HOS) deconvolution and adaptive filtering (AF) to estimate impedance in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for such applications as measuring the degree of electrolytic corrosion in a coated metal pipe, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: AHMED MOHAMED YAMANI, SAEED OMAR SAEED ALJABRI
  • Publication number: 20140097096
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies at an accelerated rate. 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 modulated in triangular, truncated triangular or trapezoidal manner 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: U.S. COATING IP CO. LLC
    Inventors: Shi Hua Zhang, Lorenz Fred Pelosi, Robert C. Nahas
  • Publication number: 20140090987
    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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hisato Noro, Yoichiro Yamanaka, Junichi Kitagawa, Yoshihiko Yasue, Hisao Yasuhara
  • Publication number: 20140048424
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the detection of corrosive biofilms and microbiologically influenced (MIC) corrosion rates are based upon the electrogenicity of the biofilms. The device may comprise a passive sensor having at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, and an external circuit for electrically connecting the first electrode to the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is capable of being at least partially coated by a biofilm. A sustainable electrical characteristic, such as voltage and current, generated when the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected and exposed to at least one medium indicates that the biofilm partially coating at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is electrogenic, and thus corrosive. Special electrode and sensor designs are needed for the implementation of online and offline biofilm sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: OHIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Tingyue Gu
  • 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: 8447529
    Abstract: A computer system and method for predicting the aqueous phase CO2 corrosion rate of a pipe useful in the production and transportation of oil and gas. Input parameter values corresponding to water chemistry and physical fluid and pipe properties are received. Based on these input parameter values, the system and method derive current-voltage relationships for multiple cathodic reduction reactions according to an electrochemical model of the corrosion reaction, and a current-voltage relationship for the anodic oxidation reaction of iron dissolution. A current density is obtained, at the intersection of an extrapolation of the anodic current-voltage relationship and an extrapolation of the summed cathodic current-voltage relationships. The predicted corrosion rate is then calculated from the obtained current density. The effects of secondary parameters such as scale and flow regime, and the efficacy of a corrosion inhibitor, can also be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra E. Hernandez, Ziru Zhang, Richard C. Woollam, Jose R. Vera, William H. Durnie
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120132541
    Abstract: A system and method for generating and collecting data to detect and evaluate corrosion in a conductive metal beneath a protective coating is disclosed. A semi-integrated electrode having a reference electrode and a counter electrode is connected to a portable hand held device, such as a portable potentiostat generator. That device is also connected electrically to the metal being evaluated with the metal forming a working electrode. The counter electrode is physically and electrically separate from the metal, and a signal or voltage potential is provided therebetween through an electrolyte solution, such as sea water. The system and method is practiced without need for a container for an electrolyte solution. Data are collected and displayed indicating corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Georges J. Kipouros
  • Publication number: 20120080325
    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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Raupach, Kenji Reichling
  • Publication number: 20110308969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing corrosion and water decomposition on a surface of an electrode having a titanium nitride conductive layer disposed on a substrate and estimating extent of reduction thereof. The electrode is immersed into a solution containing a hydroxyl-functional compound. Thereafter, a voltage is applied to the titanium nitride conductive layer of the electrode. The extent of oxidation of the titanium nitride conductive layer is correlated with the extent of formation of oxide of titanium nitride and/or the extent of oxidation of the titanium nitride conductive layer is correlated with the increase of surface roughness. The extent of water decomposition is correlated with formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Azdakani, Shafaat Ahmed, Hariklia Deligianni, Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen Rossnagel, Xiaoyan Shao, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky
  • Publication number: 20110297553
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Tom Bos, Sibo Buter, Cornelis Petrus Gerardus Schrauwen
  • Publication number: 20110210014
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas J. Garosshen
  • Patent number: 7776606
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Pecina, Scott Ryan, John Cargill, Paul William Galbraith, Wayne Powell
  • Patent number: 7622030
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Gill, Vladimir Jovancicevic, Wai Yeung Mok, Paul Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20090223833
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for measuring environmental degradation of a structures making use of exposed sacrificial material coupons mounted in the immediate vicinity of magnetic sensor elements in the environment of the monitored structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: David Sean Forsyth
  • Publication number: 20090101522
    Abstract: A system and method for the high temperature in-situ determination of corrosion characteristics of a molten metal on an alloy under study is provided which takes place within an insulated furnace. A graphite crucible provided in the furnace contains an electrolyte formed from a molten salt of a metal halide. A reference electrode formed from the same metal as the electrolyte is immersed in the electrolyte solution in the graphite crucible. A beta-alumina crucible containing a molten metal is also provided within the furnace and preferably within the graphite crucible. A measuring electrode formed from the alloy under study is immersed in the molten metal. Standard electrochemical techniques are used to measure and analyze the electrochemical effects of corrosion of the molten metal on the alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jing Xu, Xingbo Liu, Yinglu Jiang, Frank Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20090000958
    Abstract: An anti-corrosive composition, comprising a combination of at least two of the following materials: vanadates, molybdates, tungstates, silicates, phosphates, borates. Ce cations, Y cations, La cations, Eu cations, Gd cations, Nd cations, and reaction products thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: S. Ray Tayler, Brian D. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7242201
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for concurrently detecting a defect occurring in a heat exchanger tube and a geometric transition of the heat exchanger tube. The apparatus for detecting the state of a heat exchanger tube, including: the first detection unit detecting a defect of the heat exchanger tube; and the second detection unit detecting a geometric transition of the heat exchanger tube, in which the first detection unit and the second detection unit are disposed at the same circumferential position of a cylindrical body separately, installed to have a certain distance in the lengthwise direction of the cylindrical body, and inserted inside the heat exchanger tube. According to the present invention, not only a defect but also the type of geometric transition, which may accelerate the initiation and growth of a defect, is identified and the size of the geometric transition is concurrently measured, thereby improving the reliability in early detection of a defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Deok Hyun Lee, Myung Sik Choi, Do Haeng Hur, Jung Ho Han
  • Patent number: 6936158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Metricorr Aps
    Inventors: Kaj V. Nielsen, Lars V. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6902661
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elvin D. Thomas, III, Keith E. Lucas, Paul Slebodnick, Elizabeth A. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6896779
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elvin D. Thomas, III, Keith E. Lucas, Paul Slebodnick, Elizabeth A. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6623616
    Abstract: A monitoring method and system to monitor an environment in which an object is located includes monitoring one or more environmental factors associated with corrosion of materials in the environment. Thereafter, an exposure index representative of cumulative exposure of the object to the one or more environmental factors is determined. For example, such environmental factors may include chloride ion concentration, pH level, humidity, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick S. Malver, Paul L. Gibson, Ronald H. Jiracek, Darryl G. Busch
  • Patent number: 6328878
    Abstract: A portable and nondestructive adhesive tape corrosion sensor which is utilized under actual field or laboratory conditions in detecting coating and substrate degradation using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) of coated or uncoated metal structures has been developed. The invention allows for broad applicability, flexibility in utilizing the sensor in various environments without structural compromise and the ability to inspect and evaluate corrosion of the actual structure, regardless of the size, shape, composition, or orientation of the structure. The electrodes may be removed once a measurement is made or remain in the original fixed position so that subsequent measurements may be made with the same electrode. The nondestructive sensor apparatus is comprised of a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that consists of a conductive film or foil and conductive adhesive overlapping another pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that consists of a conductive film or foil and non-conductive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dacco Sci, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy D. Davis, Chester M. Dacres, Lorrie A. Krebs
  • Patent number: 6280602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the indirect determination of concentrations of additives in metal plating electrolyte solutions, particularly organic additives in Cu-metalization baths for semiconductor manufacturing. The apparatus features a reference electrode housed in an electrically isolated chamber and continuously immersed in the base metal plating solution (without the additive to be measured). An additive concentration determination method comprises electroplating a test electrode at a constant or known current in a mixing chamber wherein the base metal plating solution is mixed with small volumes of the sample and various calibration solutions containing the additive to be measured. Plating potentials between the electrodes are measured and plotted for each of the solution mixtures, and data are extrapolated to determine the concentration of the additive in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6281671
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Schiessl, Michael Raupach, Klaus Kollberg
  • Publication number: 20010001441
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventors: Alan D. Zdunek, Paul Vanecek, Eugene A. Kernerman
  • Patent number: 6207030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating. The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: American Air Liquide Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Zdunek, Paul Vanecek, Eugene A. Kernerman