Abstract: A portable, handheld, automatic protection level interpreting cathodic protection meter for testing the level of protection being afforded to metallic structures protected by either sacrificial anode or impressed current cathodic protection systems, or both. The meter is suitable over a variety of environments including salt water, freshwater, and soil. The operator can select both the type of metal to be tested as well as the type of reference electrode that is being used. The meter automatically calibrates data interpretation of the level of protection based on the operator's selections and eliminates any voltage drop error existing between a reference electrode and the structure being protected.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus with storage that measures and analyzes both stray currents from subway rails or power lines and the pipe-to-soil voltage of a buried metallic structure simultaneously is disclosed. The data measuring apparatus with storage for measuring stray currents from subway rails or power lines and the pipe-to-soil voltage of a buried metallic structure in accordance with the present invention comprises measuring means, which is a portable module that allows easy installation at one or multiple measurement points of the buried metallic structure, for measuring stray currents from the subway rails or power lines and the pipe-to-soil voltage of a buried metallic structure simultaneously and for storing and transmitting the measurement data and analytic computing means for receiving the measurement data transmitted from the measuring means and for databasing and graphically displaying the received measurement data for time-synchronous data analysis.

Abstract: An earthing electrode assembly and method for providing a submerged electrical apparatus with an earth path, the electrode assembly having an earthing electrode, an attachment device for attaching the electrode assembly to a cable, and an insulated electrical connection for connecting the earthing electrode to the submerged electrical apparatus. The connection is formed to be of sufficient length for the submerged electrical apparatus to be protected from electrochemical effects resulting from operation of the earthing electrode.

Abstract: A pipe-inspection system (100) is provided. The system (100) is made up of a transmission cluster (104) incorporating a transmission unit (800) between first and second wheeled guidance units (400), and a reception cluster (104?) incorporating a reception unit (1400) between third and fourth wheeled guidance units (400). Each wheeled guidance unit (400) contains a plurality of wheels (416) radially disposed in each of a plurality of planes (420, 426, 432). Transmission unit (800) contains a transmission device (1004). Reception unit (1400) contains a reception device (1604). The system (100) is compatible with RFEC inspection techniques to inspect a pipeline (102), where transmission and reception devices (1004, 1604) are an RFEC transmitter and receiver, respectively. A lead line (106) is attached to the first guidance unit (400) to move the system (100) in a forward direction (108).

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.

Abstract: A corrosion coupon rack includes one or more coupon mounting devices constructed of a coupon holder receiver including a handle recess of a given diameter and an end wall, a connection conduit in communication with the handle recess through an opening in the end wall and axially aligned therewith, and locking means having open and closed positions, the locking means including a cam surface extending into the handle recess when the locking means is in the closed position; and a coupon holder including a handle insertable into the handle recess, the handle having inner and outer ends, a locking recess, and a shaft axially aligned with the handle, the shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle inner end, and a distal end adapted to releasibly attach a corrosion coupon, the shaft extending through the T-connection and into the pipe.

Abstract: A pipeline monitoring system includes a series of monitoring stations (20), each having a computer (68), magnetic pig position detector (24), one or more input/output modules (90) and communications module (86). The communications module is operable to transmit data over a communications network from a remotely located monitoring stations (20) to a central monitoring facility (50). Commands transmitted from the central monitoring facility or events generated by the passage of a magnetic pig cause the monitoring station to automatically perform selected processes. The central monitoring facility may also use preprogrammed commands to effect reporting at pre-selected times and dates, and may forward pipe/soil potentials or pipeline damage signals to the central monitoring facility.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) is disclosed for monitoring the effect on a material of exposure to a fluid, and thereby monitoring the effect on a section of pipe (9) for carrying the fluid. The apparatus includes a sensor element (51) exposed to the fluid and formed as a ring of the material coaxially mounted within, but electrically insulated from, the section of pipe (9). Changes in the electrical resistance of the sensor element (51) are monitored. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a reference element (31) electrically insulated from the pipe (9), electrically connected in series to the sensor element (51) and protected from exposure to the fluid. The elements may both be made from the same material as the pipe (9) and, as they are contained within it, experience the same temperature and pressure variations as the pipe (9).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for materials inspection using microwave sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, a system for detecting corrosion of a workpiece includes a scanning assembly having a support assembly adapted to be coupled to the workpiece, and a first translation device coupled to the support assembly. A microwave sensor is coupled to the first translation device. The first translation device is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a first direction, and the microwave sensor is adapted to transmit incident microwave signals onto the workpiece and to receive reflected microwave signals reflected from the workpiece. In an alternate aspect, a system may further include a second translation device that is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating when a predetermined portion of a sacrificial anode has been corroded comprises a detector embedded within the interior of the sacrificial anode initially at a predetermined distance from an exposed exterior surface of the sacrificial anode. The detector detects the absence of sacrificial anode material when the predetermined portion has corroded and generates a detection signal. A monitoring system communicates with the detector for receiving detection signals and generates an indicator signal when a detection signal is received. An indicator in communication with the monitoring system receives indicator signals and generates an alarm when an indicator signal is received.

Abstract: An evaluating pattern includes a conductive pattern formed on a substrate, an insulating layer which is formed on the conductive pattern, a plurality of contact holes formed in a rectangular area through the insulating layer, and a conductive material filled into the contact holes to the conductive pattern.

Abstract: An Anode Rod Depletion Indicator for use with a sacrificial anode in a fluid storage tank. A core wire, which is arranged within the anode, has a series of hollow or fluted passageways. When the anode depletion causes a predetermined amount of the core wire to be exposed, fluid contained in the storage tank flows in the hollows or flutes of the core wire. The fluid pressurizes and activates a pressure gauge or switch, or pushes a piston up to a location, which is visible to the owner. In an embodiment, a visible indicator such as “Good” is visible on a pressure gauge until the fluid pressure indicates “Replace” on the pressure gauge or until the piston pushes up a “Replace” indicator to the need to replace anode rod, to prevent corrosion and failure of the tank, while the anode is still providing corrosion protection of the tank. An electrical switch may cut off supply fluid, fuel supply, and/or activate an alarm.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards improved accuracy of investigations into corrosion using the methods and apparatus of the invention. In particular, the invention provides a method of investigating corrosion at a location, the method including measuring the variation in the voltage between two or more electrical contacts at a first time and at one or more other times, the two or more electrical contacts being in contact with the location, passing a current through the location at the time of the voltage measurements, providing a power source external of the location to provide an applied current, using the respective voltage values from the two or more electrical contacts in the investigation of the corrosion, the part of the applied current passing through the location being measured by the use of the Hall effect.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a technique to detect erosion in an extreme ultra violet (EUV) source collector system. An initial impedance and a coating impedance of a multi-layer (ML) coating of the collector in one of an extreme ultra violet lithography (EUVL) stepper and an optical system are obtained at first and second time instants. A relation between the coating and initial impedances is generated. An erosion rate of the ML coating is determined based on the relation.

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 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: This disclosure provides, in one aspect, a test structure formed within a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment, the test structure comprises a plurality of first level bulk metals having varying sizes, where adjacent ones of the plurality of first level bulk metals are coupled together using vias connected to second level thin conductors located therebetween. In addition, the test structure comprises a plurality of second level bulk metals having varying sizes, where adjacent ones of the plurality of second level bulk metals are coupled together using vias connected to first level thin conductors located therebetween. Furthermore, the test structure includes a first level contact pad coupled to a smallest of the plurality of second level bulk metals, and a second level contact pad coupled to a largest of the plurality of first level bulk metals. In such an embodiment, a largest of the second level bulk metals coupled to a smallest of the first level bulk metals.

Abstract: An electric current comprising a plurality of harmonic components is passed through the pipe under test, a magnetic field produced by it outside the pipe is measured, a spectrum of the electric current is measured, a spectrum from measured magnetic field data is also obtained. The ratios between identical spectral components of the current and magnetic field are evaluated. The test apparatus comprises a current source supplying an electric current, a means for measuring and storing momentary current values, a means for evaluating a current spectrum to define harmonic components of the electric current, at least one magnetic field sensor for measuring and storing momentary values of the magnetic field produced outside the pipe by the current, a means for evaluating the magnetic field spectrum to define harmonic components of the magnetic field, and a means for comparing and analyzing the obtained spectral data of the current and magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting or measuring defects in a rope having ferromagnetic tension members includes a magnetic field exciter and an array of magnetic flux sensors corresponding to the tension members in a known relationship. Measurements of magnetic flux leakage are indicative of defects. Another aspect of the invention includes a method and system for detecting or measuring defects in an elevator rope having electrically conductive tension members, whereby measured electrical resistance in the tension members is indicative of defects.

Abstract: A vessel, as for a cyclone separator, includes a continuous electrical conductor embedded in the wall of the vessel for sensing when the lining has eroded.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor for use within a fluid flow path includes a sensing element and circuitry coupled to the sensing element for detecting corrosion of the sensing element. Another embodiment of a corrosion sensor for use within a fluid flow path comprises a hermetic housing, a sensing element attached to an external portion of the housing for exposure to the fluid flow path, and circuitry disposed within said hermetic housing, which circuitry is coupled to the sensing element for detecting corrosion of the sensing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the concentration of ions, notably of hydrogen ions, in a measuring liquid using at least one ion-sensitive field effect transistor which is integrated into an electric circuit within the device in such a way that said circuit emits an output signal which serves as measure of the ion concentration in the measuring liquid. To provide a circuit which is as simple as possible and in particular comprises as few components as possible, the invention provides for the at least one pH-ISFET to be bridge-connected with at least three resistors.

Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of and/or monitoring the progress of localized corrosion of one or more locations on the surface of a corrodible metal article in a corrosive environment is provided which comprises the step of placing one or more magnetic field corrosion sensing devices, e.g., a magnetometer, in juxtaposition with the corrosive metal article, e.g., a steel rebar in concrete, such that the magnetic field corrosion sensing devices can effectively measure the magnetic fields associated with the localized corrosion of the locations on the surface of the corrodible metal article and determine the degree of localized corrosion occurring at the locations on the surface of the corrodible metal article being monitored.

Abstract: A material regression sensor and a method of measuring the regression of a material in which the regression sensor includes spaced electrically conductive legs, and electrically conductive sensor element position between the legs and measurement leads electrically connected with the first and second legs.

Abstract: A highly time resolved impedance spectroscopy that enhances the measurement of the dynamics of non-stationary systems with enhanced time resolution. The highly time resolved impedance spectroscopy includes an optimized, frequency rich a.c., or transient, voltage signal is used as the perturbation signal, non-stationary time to frequency transformation algorithms are used when processing the measured time signals of the voltage and current to determine impedance spectra which are localized in time; and the system-characterizing quantities are determined from the impedance spectra using equivalent circuit fitting in a time-resolution-optimized form.

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: A corrosion sensor for use within a fluid flow path includes a sensing element and circuitry coupled to the sensing element for detecting corrosion of the sensing element. Another embodiment of a corrosion sensor for use within a fluid flow path comprises a hermetic housing, a sensing element attached to an external portion of the housing for exposure to the fluid flow path, and circuitry disposed within said hermetic housing, which circuitry is coupled to the sensing element for detecting corrosion of the sensing element.

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: For a throw-away tip provided with a sensor line of a conductive film, no technique has been established for connecting the sensor line to an external detection circuit and the like without any trouble. A throw-away tip 71 generally has an inward side face 88 and a rear side face 89 which are respectively restricted by an inward restriction face 95 and a rear restriction face 94 of a holder 92 for prevention of wobble and displacement of the throw-away tip 71 when the throw-away tip 71 is mounted in the holder 92. The inward side face 88 and the rear side face 89 are brought into abutment or intimate contact with the inward restriction face 95 and the rear restriction face 94, respectively. Therefore, the side faces (restricted faces) 88, 89 of the tip are not exposed but protected by the restriction faces 95, 94 of the holder with the tip being attached to the holder.

Abstract: A method for predicting perforation corrosion in a hem flange. The method includes placing an electrode in the hem flange. The electrode extends substantially the entire length of the hem flange. An electrolyte is introduced into the hem flange so that the electrode is immersed, and the electrochemical impedance spectrum of the hem flange is measured. The measured electrochemical impedance spectrum of the hem flange can be compared to a reference electrochemical impedance spectrum. A collection of reference electrochemical impedance spectra can be created by storing the measured electrochemical impedance spectrum of the hem flange.

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.

Abstract: Cathodic protection voltages are used to resist the damage to pipes or cables from electrolytic effects. However, localised fields can lead to stray currents and may result in corrosion and it is therefore desirable to detect and analyse those stray currents. Frequently there are several pipes in the area of interest and so it is necessary to distinguish between those pipes. Therefore the cathodic voltage on the pipes is modulated, with different pipes having different modulations. This modulation may be applied using an interrupter. Orthogonal modulations with non-unitary aspect ratios improve the discrimination between the pipes whilst maximising the energy content of the modulation pattern. The analysis is improved when the interrupters are synchronised with each other and so repeating on the same time-base. This synchronisation may be achieved using an external time signal such as GPS. An interrupter which can be used in this regard is also proposed, and may be powered from the cathodic voltage itself.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for evaluating a condition of a surface of a combustion vessel exposed to deposition thereon of a material released during a combustion of a fuel in the combustion vessel during a combustion process. The method preferably comprises the steps of imposing a current on an electrical network arranged relative to the combustion vessel and having at least one electrode and thereafter detecting at least one characteristic of the electrical network during the step of imposing a current on the electrical network. The method further includes the step of evaluating a condition of the deposition exposed surface based upon the at least one detected characteristic of the electrical network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for a measuring an electrochemical corrosion potential comprising a sensor tip, a conductor electrically connected to the sensor tip, an insulating member which surrounds the conductor, a connecting member which surrounds the conductor; and a sleeve which fits over the sensor tip, the insulating member, and the connecting member, the sleeve having inner threads which engage with corresponding outer threads on at least one of the sensor tip and the connecting member.

Abstract: An electrical integrity test system for boats provides circuitry for evaluating the integrity of the boat's galvanic isolator. The integrity test system includes two single reference diodes and a circuit for applying DC voltages across said reference diodes and said galvanic isolator. Another micro-controller stores the values of the voltage drops across the galvanic isolator and the voltage drops across each reference diode and subsequently determines if the voltage drop across the galvanic isolator is that to be normally expected. If it is not, then the system informs the operator that the boat's galvanic isolator is not operating properly.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system utilizes dynamic control of an output from a power supply to vary an impressed current applied to a structure to be protected proportional to a measurement of stray electrical current. The current is also supplied to an anode bed in an amount sufficient to maintain the structure more negatively charged than the anode bed such that the stray electrical currents are directed away from the structure, thus avoiding electrolytic attack.

Abstract: A probe is provided for measuring the wear of a wall in a metallurgical vessel. The probe includes at least two electrically conducting elements which extend generally mutually parallel, and a tubular sheath wherein the electrically conducting elements extend interiorly of said sheath, and are mutually insulated via a refractory insulator. The probe is adapted to be implanted in the transverse direction in the wall of a metallurgical vessel with the distal end of each of the two electrically conducting elements being disposed at the interior surface of said wall. A measurement system is connected to the opposite proximal ends of the electrically conducting elements for measuring an electrical characteristic of the circuit formed by said elements that depends on the length of the elements. The probe has a diameter less than 1 mm achieved by stretching after the components have been assembled into an intermediate assembly having a larger cross sectional area than the final cross section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for monitoring the physical integrity of a vessel, such as a molten metal reactor. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing an electrically-conductive liquid having at least one electrically-grounded detection unit located within the containment wall of the vessel. Monitoring changes in electrical current flow of the detection unit relates to the physical integrity of the vessel containment wall and prevents unanticipated breaching of the vessel by the electrically-conductive liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for a measuring an electrochemical corrosion potential comprising a sensor tip, a conductor electrically connected to the sensor tip, an insulating member which surrounds the conductor, a connecting member which surrounds the conductor; and a sleeve which fits over the sensor tip, the insulating member, and the connecting member, the sleeve having inner threads which engage with corresponding outer threads on at least one of the sensor tip and the connecting member.