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

Abstract: Re-usable, energy-efficient apparatus for the restoration of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus includes a combination electrode device in a sandwich construction that includes a dimensionally stable electrode, a reusable electrolyte reservoir, an ion exchanger element, a reference electrode, a power-switching device for anodic regulation, and a measuring system for determining the capacity of the ion exchanger element to take up ions. Use of this combination electrode device prevents the formation of active chlorine during extraction of chlorine from reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A sensor for use in monitoring electrochemical potentials, includes (a) a crucible made of ceramic material having a closed end and an open end, the close end containing metal/metal oxide powder mixture retained therein by mineral insulating packing, the open end having a metallized band fired in the ceramic material; (b) an annular metal sleeve formed of a metal exhibiting a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the crucible, and having a distal open end brazed to the open end of the crucible, and a proximal open end; (c) an insulated electrical conductor having a distal end in electrical connection with the metal/metal oxide powder and extending through the mineral insulation packing and into the first annular sleeve, and having a proximal end terminating near the proximal open end of the annular sleeve; and (d) a signal transfer assembly sealingly associated with the proximal end of the annular sleeve including an electrical cable connected to the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxidation sensor for an electrical circuit or MEMS device that includes a conductor located on an insulating substrate and a sensor trace located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor. The sensor trace is located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor and is configured to oxidize at a rate greater than an electrical component associated with the sensor trace on the electrical circuit or MEMS device when the sensor trace and the electrical component are exposed to a same oxidizing environment. By oxidizing and thus becoming an open circuit more rapidly than any structure on a electrical circuit or MEMS device at a given relative humidity (i.e. in the same package), the oxidation sensor is designed to provide early warning of oxidation. Thus, the present invention serves as a sensor that will give advance warning of a leaky package and associated oxidation.

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

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

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: An anode monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of anodes 2 provided on a metallic structure such as a pipeline system 1. A signal circuit Sn including the pipeline 1 and one of the anodes 2 is set up and appropriate signals are looked for at a central station 4. Reception of the signal at the central station 4 is dependent on the integrity of the anode 2 under inspection at that time. If the anode 2 is missing or defective the expected signal is not received and thus the fault in the anode 2 can be detected. A notch filter 5 is inserted in series between each anode 2 and the pipeline 1. The filter 5 provides a high impedance which can be signalled across but does not interfere with the cathodic protection system.

Abstract: A corrosion monitor comprising electronic circuitry arranged such that DC current flowing between two electrodes is reduced to essentially zero, while allowing any naturally occurring AC current noise to flow unhindered and be monitored by the instrumentation. The two electrodes consist of one inert reference electrode, and one electrode constructed of the material to be monitored (the working electrode). Even though the two electrodes will have different galvanic potentials, by reducing the DC current to zero the electronic circuitry is able to avoid galvanic effects. Furthermore, the voltage potential can be monitored between the inert current reference electrode, and a third electrode also constructed of an inert material. As corrosion activity occurs on the working electrode, both current noise and voltage noise may then be monitored simultaneously.

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: When a pipeline is used as a medium for data transmission using a VLP or ELF Electro-magnetic signal the presence of corrosion effects on the pipeline lead to noise signals appearing in the received data signal. The present invention relates to a method of separating out this noise signal and analyzing it to determine the corrosion status of the pipeline. Both the type and location of the corrosion effect can be determined in this way.

Abstract: A sensor array for measuring localized corrosion based on electrochemical reactions is disclosed. The sensor has an array of electrodes that are made from the material of interest. The electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and arranged so that a small area of the electrode contacts a corrosive environment. The voltage outputs across the electrodes connected to the electrodes are measured and used as the signals to indicate localized corrosion.

Abstract: A biological activity probe for the detection on-line of the presence of sulphide including an enzyme electrode; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; and if desired a corrosion electrode. The enzyme electrode includes an immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme, together with a cofactor such as 1,1′-dimethylferrocene, immobilised in a water permeable non-conducting binder on a biologically inert electrically conducting substrate. The immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme is either a chemoautotropic microorganism such as a Thiobacillus thioparus, or enzyme material recovered from a culture of a Thiobacillus thioparus.

Abstract: The chloride corrosion threshold of a metal embedded in a cementitious structure is determined in an accelerated manner by using an electric field to increase the rate of migration of chloride ion into the structure and monitoring the interface between the metal and the cementitious material to detect the onset of corrosion, then determining the chloride corrosion threshold, which is defined as the chloride content of the cementitious material once corrosion has begun. This determination can be performed over a time period of as little as 2 to 3 weeks rather than the months or years required by conventional chloride corrosion test procedures.

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in superheater and reheater furnace tubes measures electrochemical activity associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. A sensor containing two electrodes spaced apart by an insulator is used. The surface of a boiler tube is one of the electrodes. The sensor is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software, which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical activity. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the furnace operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion.

Abstract: An electrochemical corrosion potential sensor electrode is formed with a zircalloy electrode tip having a closed end and an open end, the open end secured to a ceramic insulator, with a conductor wire extending through the insulator into the electrode tip.

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.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: Numerical techniques such as the finite element method (FEM) are used to model the current and voltage distribution in concrete structures such as bridges. The geometric arrangement of groundbeds and the ideal locations for the electrical contacts vis-a-vis the geometry of the bridge and the rebars can thereby be predicted and a cathodic protection (CP) system for the bridge designed. A magnetic sensor is used to sense the magnetic field generated by the CP current, and a voltmeter or an oscilloscope to measure the output of the magnetic sensor. A current interrupter is also used to interrupt the CP current at the source. The current is mapped by placing the magnetic sensor on or above the concrete surface. By moving the sensor from one location to another, the current is mapped over the entire structure. To achieve uniform distribution over the entire structure, an “expert” CP system controlled by a variety of current and environmental sensors and a dedicated microprocessor is described.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus useful for the in situ measurement of atomic hydrogen permeation into carbon steel from process streams including: (a) a positively-charged test specimen electrode consisting of a planar member of hydrogen damage-resistant steel alloy having an interior surface, the interior surface being provided with a coating of palladium, and an exterior surface that is placed in contact with the process stream; (b) a fluid-tight reservoir containing a basic liquid electrolyte solution in communication with the palladium coating of the test specimen electrode; (c) a negatively charged counter electrode positioned in the electrolyte reservoir proximate the test specimen electrode said reservoir, test specimen electrode and counter electrode constituting a probe assembly; (d) a mounting assembly for supporting and positioning said probe assembly in contact with a process stream and for receiving electrical conductors joined to said probe assembly; and (e) an electrically non-conduct

Abstract: The mill comprises a cylindrical shell ring (10) revolving about its longitudinal axis and containing a grinding charge comprising grinding bodies made of metal alloy. At least one grinding body (30) identical to those that make up the grinding charge is fixed to an elastomer or rubber pedestal (28), itself fixed to the interior surface of the shell ring. This grinding body (30) is exposed to the conditions inside the mill and is associated with a reference electrode (36) from which it is electrically insulated. This reference electrode (36) is protected from the impact knocks of the charge in the mill but is in electrical contact with the pulp in the mill, the said grinding body (30) and the said electrode (36) being electrically connected to measurement apparatus (18) fixed inside the shell ring of the mill.

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

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

Abstract: An electrode array device for use with a conductive element to simulate a crevice that is subject to corrosive conditions. The device includes a non-conductive member and a plurality of electrodes. The non-conductive member has a face, with the member defining (i) an opening through the member, the opening passing through the face of the member, and (ii) a depression formed in the face and contiguous with at least a portion of the opening. The plurality of electrodes is embedded in the member, with each of the plurality of electrodes having a portion exposed from the member to the depression.

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 monitor comprising electronic circuitry arranged such that DC current flowing between two electrodes is reduced to essentially zero, while allowing any naturally occurring AC current noise to flow unhindered and be monitored by the instrumentation. The two electrodes consist of one inert reference electrode, and one electrode constructed of the material to be monitored (the working electrode). Even though the two electrodes will have different galvanic potentials, by reducing the DC current to zero the electronic circuitry is able to avoid galvanic effects. Furthermore, the voltage potential can be monitored between the inert current reference electrode, and a third electrode also constructed of an inert material. As corrosion activity occurs on the working electrode, both current noise and voltage noise may then be monitored simultaneously.

Abstract: A corrosion test cell for evaluating corrosion resistance in fuel cell bipolar plates is described. The cell has a transparent or translucent cell body having a pair of identical cell body members that seal against opposite sides of a bipolar plate. The cell includes an anode chamber and an cathode chamber, each on opposite sides of the plate. Each chamber contains a pair of mesh platinum current collectors and a catalyst layer pressed between current collectors and the plate. Each chamber is filled with an electrolyte solution that is replenished with fluid from a much larger electrolyte reservoir. The cell includes gas inlets to each chamber for hydrogen gas and air. As the gases flow into a chamber, they pass along the platinum mesh, through the catalyst layer, and to the bipolar plate. The gas exits the chamber through passageways that provide fluid communication between the anode and cathode chambers and the reservoir, and exits the test cell through an exit port in the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for the optimized control of various treatment chemicals (inhibitors) applied for corrosion and/or deposit inhibition. The apparatus consist of a microprocessor system that controls inhibitor concentrations as a result of processed inputted data. The inputted data includes, but is not limited to values consistent with the monitoring of Electrochemical Noise, Linear Polarization Rate, heat transfer, concentrations of water treatment chemistry, critical water chemistry parameters, and critical operational characteristics.

Abstract: An electrochemical corrosion potential sensor includes a ceramic tip insulating member, and a sensor tip joined to the ceramic tip insulating member, the sensor tip comprising an alloy. Further, a coating is provided on an outer surface of the sensor tip, the coating including a noble metal, and a conductor electrically connected to said sensor tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the properties of a stack (15) that viscous molten salt forms on the bottom of a soda recovery unit (14) while black liquor is burned therein, and for measuring the corrosion of the materials of construction of the unit (14) during the operation thereof. In the method, at least one sensor means (11) is brought into contact with said stack (15), this sensor means (11) being electrically insulated from the soda recovery unit (14). In the method, at least some electrochemical properties and the temperature of said stack (15) are measured with this sensor means (11). The data measured with this sensor means (11) are fed to a measuring and data acquisition unit (12), and said measuring and data acquisition unit (12) is controlled by a control unit (13).

Abstract: A high throughput electrochemical test method for determining the resistance to corrosion of a metal article coated with a resinous coating which comprises: (a) making, as the working electrode in an electrochemical cell which also comprises a reference electrode, a counter-electrode and an electrolytic solution, one or more metal articles comprising a plurality of coated areas thereon, with the proviso that a portion of the coating does not exist on the metal thereby allowing for the ultimate passage of electrical current to the metal without the coating being a barrier to such passage; (b) impressing a series of direct current electrical potentials upon each of the respective coated areas in sequence and upon the respective associated working electrode to enable current to flow between the metal article in the electrochemical cell and the counter-electrode; and (c) measuring the current flow as the direct current potential is varied relative to the reference electrode to generate a potentiodynamic scan o

Abstract: This invention describes a novel means of determining the nature (type) of corrosion in real-time. By identifying localized corrosion at the moment of pit initiation, real-time selection, and effective concentration(s) of appropriate inhibitor(s) can be delivered to an electrolytic solution before propagation of the localized corrosion. Integrating this information with a corrosion inhibitor feed system can effectively inhibit the corrosion before propagation occurs, thereby maintaining system integrity. The process embodies a method of operation wherein the electrochemical noise (ECN) and linear polarization (LPR) values are processed to compare how the corrosion signals correlate. Divergence of the corrosion rates indicates the formation of localized corrosion while continuity in signal pattern indicates generalized corrosion.

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: A hand-held or permanently attached corrosion sensor is described that uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS, also known as AC impedance) to detect coating and structural degradation caused by excessive moisture uptake of coated and uncoated composite laminations or honeycomb or adhesively bonded structures. The hand-held sensor is pressed against the surface of the structure or specimen to be inspected. Alternatively, the sensor electrode may be permanently or temporarily attached. An EIS spectrum can then be obtained in the field or under arbitrary conditions and the degree of moisture uptake or coating or material degradation can be determined from the resultant spectrum. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the structure being inspected. The area of detection is controlled by controlling the extent and degree of wetness of the surface. A dry surface will provide a localized measurement; a wet surface will allow inspection of the wetted area.

Abstract: An electrode design is provided for corrosion monitoring using electrochemical noise measurements. Electrochemical probes are used for sensing electrochemical noise voltage values and electrochemical noise current values. The electrochemical probes include a pair of working electrodes formed of the same material of the monitored metal pipes or storage vessels and a reference electrode formed of a corrosion resistant material. Each of the pair of working electrodes has a defined surface roughness. One of the pair of working electrodes has reduced roughness, whereby sensitivity to sustained localized pitting corrosion is increased in the working electrode with reduced roughness. By reducing the surface roughness of one of the pair of working electrodes, increased sensitivity to sustained localized pitting corrosion is provided while the current noise can be used to accurately measure the general corrosion rate on the unpolished electrode.

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

Abstract: The 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: Apparatus and method to detect corrosion in metal junctions. Corroded metal junctions are usually discovered by visual inspection. The present invention detects corrosion in metal junctions when it is not visually apparent. A corroded metal junction acts as a nonlinear device. It generates harmonics and other nonlinear products (such as intermodulation) of any signals applied to the junction. The presence of relatively high level harmonics and/or intermodulation products indicates directly that corrosion has occurred. To detect corrosion in a metal junction, one couples a fundamental frequency signal (f0) into the junction and tests for harmonics of that frequency, especially the third harmonic. Harmonic frequency signals that are relatively large (i.e., above the harmonics generated by the testing system) indicate the presence of corrosion. Measurements to determine if a metal junction is corroded are performed without disturbing the junction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the indentification of corrosion in a metal object is disclosed. The method comprises analyzing the statistical distribution of signals generated between two electrodes, typically exposed to the same corrosion conditions as the metal object, and preferably analyzes the skewness and kurtosis of the signals. Neural nets are preferably used in the analysis.

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

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus useful for the in situ measurement of atomic hydrogen permeation into carbon steel from process streams under operating conditions of up to 3000 psi and temperatures up to 300° F.

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.

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.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for in-situ monitoring of corrosion in a conduit which carries fluids that have corrosive effects on the materials utilized for the conduit and/or equipment disposed in the conduit. The conduit may include a well carrying hydrocarbons from subsurface formations or a pipeline transporting hydrocarbons. A cable of sufficient length having a conductor that is susceptible to the corrosive effects of the fluids in the conduit is deployed along a length of the conduit. The conductor is exposed to the fluid continuously or at selected spaced apart locations. The distance of each of the exposed locations from an accessible end is known. A signal generator coupled to the cable induces a pulsed signal into the cable. The transmitted signals are reflected by location on the cable where the impedance differs from the normal impedance. Such locations include each of the exposed conductor locations and the termination point.

Abstract: A sinusoidal voltage is appied to a zirconium alloy clad fuel rod. The current is measured and the impedance is determined to provide a check for the compactness and adhesion of an oxide surface layer on the fuel rod.

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