Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a reconfigurable architecture analog front end architecture for electrochemical sensors. In one example, an analog front end includes an electrode driver stage coupled to electrodes of an electrochemical sensor, and measurement channels coupled to the electrode driver stage to receive an electrode signal from the electrodes of the electrochemical sensor and to generate measurement results, the measurement channels configured to switch configurations to perform different measurements.

Abstract: A gas passage for a gas turbine engine, which allows for quicker and easier determination of the condition of a liner within the gas passage without the need for dismantling the entire gas passage, or irreparably damaging large sections of the liner. The gas passage comprises a casing with one or more plugs which are at least partly coated in a material matching the material composition of the lining, which can be removed from the gas passage in order to analyse the condition of the lining material.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring a mechanical device for internal corrosion are provided. An exemplary method includes placing a sampling thermoelectric polymer sheet (TEPS) on an external surface of the mechanical device to be monitored for internal corrosion, and placing a reference TEPS on an external surface of the mechanical device not susceptible to internal corrosion. A current from the sampling TEPS is measured, and a current from the reference TEPS is measured. Potential internal corrosion is identified from changes between the current from the sampling TEPS and the current from the reference TEPS.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring device includes a sensor assembly and a detector circuit. The sensor assembly includes at least one sensor portion disposed in an interior of a pipe in a fire sprinkler system for sensing corrosion of a wall of the pipe. The detector circuit transmits an electrical signal through the at least one sensor portion, monitors an electrical characteristic of the at least one sensor portion based on the electrical signal, compares at least one of the monitored electrical characteristic and a change in the electrical characteristic of the at least one sensor portion to at least one of a predetermined value and a previously monitored electrical characteristic, determines a corrosion status indicative of at least one of a corrosion level and a rate of corrosion of the pipe wall based on the comparison, and outputs an indication of the corrosion status.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for condition monitoring of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, and to an arrangement for condition monitoring of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, preferably of an elevator for transporting passengers and/or goods.

Abstract: A high temperature corrosion sensor is provided having (i) a housing having an external wall and an internal wall, the internal wall of the housing forming a chamber of the housing, (ii) a stainless steel tube inserted into the chamber, (iii) a ceramic tube wherein at least a portion of the ceramic tube is inserted into the stainless steel tube, (iv) an airflow tube that extends through the chamber, and (v) a sensor probe having a first working electrode, a second working electrode, a reference electrode, a positive electrical resistance, a negative electrical resistance, and a thermocouple, wherein at least a portion of each are encapsulated into a ceramic casting that is located at one end of the housing. Methods of measuring corrosion within a power plant environment are provided.

Abstract: A system to measure a streaming potential of a core plug includes a measurement cell having a chamber to hold the core plug and an inlet fluid line connected to an inlet port of the measurement cell. A filtration device is arranged to control a salinity and ionic strength of a liquid medium received in the chamber through the inlet fluid line. The filtration device has membrane filters with different ion rejection rates and is controllable to selectively dispose each of the membrane filters in the inlet fluid line.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a construction structure corrosion measurement sensor having accuracy higher than that of conventional sensors, and a method for measuring corrosion by using the same. To this end, the present disclosure provides a sensor assembly including an eddy-current sensor including an insulator a coil surrounding the outer periphery of the insulator. The present disclosure also provides a construction structure corrosion measurement method including the steps of: positioning a sensor assembly next to a rebar inside a construction structure in parallel with and adjacent to the rebar; applying a voltage to the sensor assembly; measuring a voltage generated by an eddy current resulting from the adjacent rebar; and conducting measurement at a predetermined time interval so as to measure a voltage change.

Abstract: A sensor, method, and system for sensing corrosion. The sensor may be used to monitor the integrity of structural elements. The sensor, method, and system utilizing an inductive element formed on the substrate and having a first inductive loop and a second inductive loop. The sensor also includes a sensing element electrically connecting one end of the first inductive loop to an opposing end of the second inductive loop. Prior to dissolution of the sensing element, an inductance of the inductive element comprises a first inductance set by the first predetermined number of turns of the inductor coil having a first resonant frequency. After dissolution of the sensing element, the inductance of the inductive element comprises a second inductance reduced from the first inductance.

Abstract: A method for operating a medium voltage circuit breaker or recloser comprising at least one electric pole, each including a movable contact and a fixed contact, being in a closed or an open position after switching operations of the medium voltage circuit breaker or recloser, and an electromagnetic actuator, includes: monitoring a travel curve of the movable contact, the travel curve being derived by an evaluation of a shape of an applied current and a shape of an applied voltage using a mathematical representation of the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: A method of determining the service life of a gas turbine engine component comprises providing, within a gas turbine engine, a component having an air washed surface, the component comprises a metal, wherein the air washed surface receives a supply of cooling air from a chamber within the gas turbine engine. The method also comprises mounting a metallic test sample within the chamber so as to be located in the supply of air which is delivered to the air washed surface. The metallic test sample is constructed of the same metal as the component. The method further comprises removing the metallic test sample and determining the degree of corrosion of the metallic test sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems including a wellbore having a pipe string extending through a wellhead and into the wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the pipe string and the wellbore, an isolation device that closes the wellbore in a closed pressure loop, a choke line in fluid communication with an interior of the pipe string through an outlet port of the wellhead, a choke valve fluidly coupled to the outlet port of the wellhead, wherein the choke valve is manipulable to control fluid flow through the choke line, and a crossover tool in the wellbore to divert incoming fluid from the interior of the pipe string to the annulus.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB including a first interface, and a corrosion sensor assembly. The corrosion sensor assembly including a second interface arranged to be coupled to the first interface, the corrosion sensor assembly further including a signal trace field and a plurality of components, wherein the signal trace field and the plurality of components are arranged to provide an indication of whether the apparatus is in an environment that is corrosive.

Abstract: In combination a wear indication sensor and a component of a gas turbine engine is provided. The wear indication sensor is secured to a first surface of the component of the gas turbine engine. The wear indication sensor comprises: a first terminal; a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal; two or more of resistors electrically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal, each of the two or more resistors including a first end electrically connected to the first terminal and a second end electrically connected to the second terminal, wherein each of the two or more resistors has a known resistance; and a first electrode electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of each of the two or more resistors; wherein the first end of each of the two or more resistors is electrically connected to the first electrode through primary conductive lines.

Abstract: A wear indication sensor comprising: a resistor strip configured to be operably attached to the surface of an engine component, the resistor strip including a first end and second end; a plurality of lead wires comprising: a first lead wire electrically connected to the first end proximate an aft end of the engine component; a second lead wire electrically connected to the first end proximate a forward end of the engine component; a third lead wire electrically connected to the second end proximate the aft end of the engine component; and a fourth lead wire electrically connected to the second end proximate the forward end of the engine component; and a measurement device electrically connected to each of the plurality of lead wires, wherein the measurement device is configured to measure a resistance of the resistor strip between each of the plurality of lead wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a characteristic value of a magnetic switch valve. The magnetic switch valve can be switched from a closed switch state into an open switch state, via the movement of a rotor by means of a switching magnet applied with current against a conservative restoring force. According to the invention, during the switching of the switch valve from the open state into the closed state, the time course of the current flowing through the switching magnet and/or of the voltage at the switching magnet is measured. The characteristic value to be measured is evaluated from this time course. It was recognized that every movement of the rotor against the switching magnet induced a voltage in same. Now the voltage at the switching magnet is regulated at a constant value, for one, the voltage induced by the movement can be observed as a control deviation in the short term. For another, the induced voltage causes a current flow through the switching magnets.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a communication that is indicative of the characteristic. The communication may be a radiation output or an acoustic output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring waterbed environment are described. The method may comprise determining a first temperature at a location within the water column of a surface body of water that is representative of the upper thermal boundary condition between surface water and pore water environments, and determining at least a second temperature at the location at a first depth below a waterbed surface. The first and second temperatures are then used to monitor a waterbed environment. Certain embodiments are particularly useful for monitoring spatiotemporal variations of riverbed surface elevations, such as scour and deposition, over a time period. Probe/sensor assemblies are disclosed for practicing the method.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for securing a membrane material to a gate of a molecular receptor-based chemical field-effect transistor (CHEMFET). The method can include casting a membrane material onto an exposed region of the gate, curing the membrane material, placing the CHEMFET into a mold, inserting a single application of impervious electrically insulative resin into the mold, and securing edges of the membrane material by the single application of the impervious electrically insulative resin, thereby physically preventing lifting off of the membrane material from the gate. Embodiments include a sensor module. The sensor module can include a CHEMFET, an amplifier circuit, one or more sensor pins for contacting field ground soil, a data logger, and a wireless transceiver, among other components.

Abstract: A test cell for analyzing residue on the surface of a microelectronic component includes a cleaning tip with an opening at one end for passing cleaning fluid into the chamber and for passing used cleaning fluid out of the chamber, and an opening at the other end to access a test area in which cleaning fluid may contact the surface of a component to be tested. A third opening for venting the cleaning tip chamber to the atmosphere may also be provided. A common cleaning/aspiration passageway communicates with the cleaning tip chamber through the first opening. A cleaning passageway provides fresh cleaning fluid to the cleaning/aspiration passageway. An aspiration passageway removes used cleaning fluid from the cleaning/aspiration passageway. An analysis chamber in fluid communication with the aspiration passageway has electrodes effective for qualitatively and/or quantitatively measuring residue removed from the microelectronic surface by the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems and methodologies for providing anode rod depletion detection and warnings thereof to consumers. Consumers generally are not concerned with monitoring consumption of protective anode rods incorporated within water heaters. The present subject matter provides automatic monitoring of anode rod depletion and provides the consumer with notification of rod depletion beyond a predetermined amount by one or more of optical, audible, or electronic devices.

Abstract: An interventional device (12) is configured to be positioned in a body and includes an electrically operable unit (E1, E2) configured to carry out an interaction with the body upon a receipt of electric power. The device further includes a sensor (2) configured for wirelessly receiving electromagnetic energy from a remote source. The sensor is configured as a resonant circuit (2a, 2b) which converts the received electromagnetic energy into the electric power. The electrically operable device may include a diagnostic and/or therapeutic module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing workpiece overcoats is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting materials including an electrically conductive substrate and a protective liner being in contact with the transported materials. The protective liner includes an electrically non-conductive first layer coupled to the substrate, and an electrically conductive second layer coupled to the first layer. The first layer electrically insulates the second layer from the substrate. A monitoring device is connected to the substrate and the second layer, and configured to detect an electrical connection between the substrate and the second layer indicative of wear of the protective liner. The apparatus can be in a form of a pipe, hose, elbow, valve or tank, and may be used to transport abrasive materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.

Abstract: Several remote monitoring stations along a corrosion protected pipeline or structure are served by a single long range radio transceiver link to a central data collection station. Individual monitoring stations are in cost-free, short range communication with each other, while a single central module has an additional longer range, paid subscriber transceiver. The number of paid subscription links by cellular or satellite services to remotely monitor corrosion protection voltages and currents are substantially lessened by this combination.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and detecting coating defects in a defined section of a coated underground or underwater pipeline provided with a monitoring unit fixedly mounted by sections and at the end of the respective section and an apparatus used in the method.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention measures a sample of the airstream, in real time, for a corrosive, before the airstream enters the compressor. An embodiment of the present invention may then initiate an on-line water wash system to reduce the level of the at least one corrosive on the compressor. An embodiment of the present invention also provides an on-line water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution reduces the level of corrosives on components of a turbomachine compressor. The cleaning solution may be an acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing interference from stray currents in buried pipelines/metal structures during MEIS testing or other current-sensing applications in the pipeline. Methods are also provided for measuring bulk complex electrical impedance between a buried pipe and the soil, thereby rendering an indication of the quality of the anti-corrosive coating. Methods are also provided for measuring the complex propagation constant of AC voltages propagating along an attenuative pipeline. This information is useful for assessing the general condition of the anti-corrosive coating involved, or to enhance MEIS inspection of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for fabricating pipeline coating samples containing synthetic disbonds to be used in estimating a condition of a coating of an underground pipeline. The method includes the steps of providing a section of a pipe having a predetermined diameter and length; installing end caps on opposing ends of the pipe section, each end cap having an electrical connection extending therefrom; applying a material having a low dielectric coefficient around the pipe segment between the end caps to simulate an air-filled disbond; varying the coverage area of material to simulate various disbond sizes; and wrapping the pipe segment and end caps with tape to cover the material having a low dielectric coefficient.

Abstract: A disclosed device comprises an edge bonding seal configured to be mounted to an edge bead of the electrostatic chuck. The edge bonding seal includes a monitoring layer comprised of a first material configured to either emit a species capable of being optically monitored or having an electrical resistance value capable of being monitored, or both. The edge bonding seal further includes an edge bonding layer configured to be interspersed at least between the monitoring layer and the plasma environment. The edge bonding layer is comprised of a second material susceptible to erosion due to reaction with the plasma environment and configured to expose the monitoring layer to the plasma environment upon sufficient exposure to the plasma environment.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing interference from stray currents in buried pipelines/metal structures during MEIS testing or other current-sensing applications in the pipeline. Methods are also provided for measuring bulk complex electrical impedance between a buried pipe and the soil, thereby rendering an indication of the quality of the anti-corrosive coating. Methods are also provided for measuring the complex propagation constant of AC voltages propagating along an attenuative pipeline. This information is useful for assessing the general condition of the anti-corrosive coating involved, or to enhance MEIS inspection of the pipeline.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating electrical pipe-to-soil impedance of a coated segment of a pipeline includes simulating a current injection point to a buried pipe section, simulating a first output signal from a magnetometer positioned at a first location over the buried pipe section, simulating a second output signal from a magnetometer positioned at a second location over the buried pipe section, simulating bonding of pipe coating of the pipe section, and simulating soil resistance of a soil environment surrounding the buried pipe section. The invention includes both field-test simulation with calibration pipe samples, and bench-test simulation using electronic simulation of the pipe coating. The simulations may be used for test and general calibration of MEIS pipeline coating inspection systems.

Abstract: A cathodic protection device having a sacrificial anode that is intended to wear out due to corrosion and that is electrically connected to a structure to be protected against corrosion. The cathodic protection device of the present invention further includes an indication device configured to detect and indicate the wear of the sacrificial anode wirelessly, without the use of cables.

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: 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: 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: 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 system to measure thickness of a shroud is provided. The system includes at least one resistive element embedded within the shroud. The system also includes an impedance measurement device that measures a total resistance associated with the at least one resistive element.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool operably positionable within a wellbore and a sensor positioned within the downhole tool. The sensor has a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the sensor is responsive to RF interrogation. In the second mode, the sensor is not responsive to RF interrogation. The sensor is operable to transition from the first mode to the second mode upon the occurrence of a predetermined level of erosion of the downhole tool proximate the sensor. A detector is operably positionable relative to the downhole tool and in communicative proximity to the sensor. The detector interrogates the sensor to determine whether the predetermined level of erosion has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining wear and tear in machines includes a method that determines a voltage draw and/or a current draw of a first subsystem of the machine during its operation, and wear and tear present in a second machine subsystem is determined based on the draw determined in the first subsystem. In one embodiment, a coal grinding machine includes a drive, a coal grinding mill driven by the drive, a device for determining an electrical draw of a current and/or voltage draw of the drive during operation, and a device for inferring wear and tear present in the coal grinding mill on the basis of voltage and/or current draw determined in the drive. The machine can include a device for inferring the quality or type of material (like coal) being processed in the mill based on the draw determined in the drive.

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: Apparatus and methods for diagnosing status of a consumable part of a plasma reaction chamber, the consumable part including at least one conductive element embedded therein. The method includes the steps of: coupling the conductive element to a power supply so that a bias potential relative to the ground is applied to the conductive element; exposing the consumable part to plasma erosion until the conductive element draws a current from the plasma upon exposure of the conductive element to the plasma; measuring the current; and evaluating a degree of erosion of the consumable part due to the plasma based on the measured current.

Abstract: A device for checking the coating of anodized light-metal parts (e.g. Aluminum), in particular by TSA anodization, is described. The device has two contact electrodes on respective resilient probes, placed onto the surface of the component to be tested under a predefined contact pressure; an enabling device coupled to the probes that generates an enable signal when the predefined contact pressure is reached; and a conductivity measuring device coupled to the contact electrodes that measures the conductivity of the surface of the component under test. The conductivity measuring device is coupled to the enabling device to detect the enable signal. When the enable signal is detected, the conductivity measuring device measures the surface conductivity of the component under test between the contact electrodes and generates an output signal indicating the measured conductivity.

Abstract: A device for detecting wear of switching contacts in an electric switch appliance is disclosed, the wear of the contacts being caused at least at a pair of switching contacts appliance. The device includes a lightwave guide and a detector. A light exiting from at least one light source is capable of being injected into the lightwave guide and guided by the lightwave guide up to the detector. The lightwave guide is arranged relative to the pair(s) of switching contacts, such that the intensity of the light injected in the lightwave guide, which is measured by the detector, decreases in the switching appliance as the number of wear particles of contacts generated by the wear of the contacts increases.

Abstract: A rotational test electrode assembly for use in a corrosive fluid environment as shown in FIG. 1 that includes a generally cylindrical heat and electrically conductive member (110) having an annular portion (112) and a solid portion (114): a heating device (130) positioned inside of the annular portion and in heat exchanging relation with the solid portion of the conductive member; a corrosion resistant external protective member (140) that surrounds a portion of the heat conductive member in close-fitting relationship; mounting means for attaching a rotational electrode (150) in close fitting heat and electrically conductive relation, the electrode being selected from the group consisting of cylindrical and disk electrodes; and an electrical connector for receiving a plurality of external electrical connectors that is mounted on the protective member opposite the portion of the conductive member on which the rotational electrode is mounted.

Abstract: A microsensor for detecting corrosive media acting on a bulk metallic material when mounted in situ adjacent a location in the bulk metallic material. The microsensor includes a plurality of corrosion sensors (4A, 4B, 4C) exposed to the corrosive media, each having corrosive tracks formed from a patterned conductive thin film. The different sensors have different characteristics, such as track width, track thickness, track composition, surface type, sensor type, etc. so as to provide the sensors with different sensitivities, corrosion indications and lifetime characteristics. Such microsensor arrangements provide improved corrosion detection at high degrees of miniaturisation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline examination apparatus for Direct Current Voltage Gradient (DCVG) and Closed Interval Potential Survey (CIPS) methods. The pipeline examination apparatus of the present invention detects and analyzes at least one electrode signal while supplying an anticorrosive current to a buried pipeline by switching on and off the anticorrosive current at predetermined intervals. The pipeline examination apparatus includes a signal detection unit and a measurement unit. The signal detection unit detects the electrode signal including a DCVG electrode signal and/or a CIPS electrode signal. The measurement unit receives the electrode signal from the signal detection unit and analyzes the electrode signal. The measurement unit includes a measurement method selection unit, a control unit, a storage unit, an analysis unit and a display unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for assessing the condition of a thermal barrier coating on a turbine vane during engine operation. According to embodiments of the invention, one or more wires can be passed along the airfoil portion of the vane. The wires can extend over, within, or beneath the thermal coating. An electrical current can be passed along the wires, and electrical resistance can be measured across the wires. Thus, if a portion of the thermal coating becomes damaged, then the wires located in that area may break. A disconnect in the wires can lead to an increase in resistance across the wires, which can alert an operator to a problem. Some assessment systems can provide a general indication of the magnitude of damage and whether the damage is spreading.