Abstract: A method for treating or preparing a fuel rod cladding tube in such a way that an influence of iron oxide deposits on its surface can be studied and assessed precisely under virtually operational conditions with as little risk as possible, includes at least partially coating the fuel rod cladding tube with an iron oxide layer by immersing it in an aqueous electrolyte medium which contains iron oxide particles. The iron oxide particles are produced by anodic oxidation of an iron-containing working electrode. A test body and a device for pretreating a fuel rod cladding tube with an electrochemical three-electrode configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers.

Abstract: A support stand for supporting a test piece within a corrosion chamber comprises first and second side members interconnected by first and second support rods. The relative position of the support rods is adjustable so as to modify the orientation of the test piece. In some examples, each side member has a base, a first row of spaced-apart holes generally parallel to the base, and a second row of spaced apart holes generally perpendicular to the base. By selecting the holes with which the support rods engage, the orientation of the test piece can be set to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor having a corrodible element that is corrodible in a lubricant or hydraulic oil, wherein the corrosion sensor is adapted to monitor degradation of the lubricant or hydraulic oil is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system and method of monitoring corrosion in a fire protection sprinkler system that includes a pipe network and at least one sprinkler connected with said pipe network. A corrosion monitor assembly is provided in the pipe network that includes at least one metal coupon and an oxygen depletion area defined on a surface portion of the coupon. A mounting member positions the corrosion monitor assembly to be at least partially covered with water when the sprinkler system is in an operative state.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring corrosion or corrosive contaminants associated with liquid fuel. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for monitoring and predicting corrosion. The method can include monitoring corrosion or corrosive contaminants associated with liquid fuel in a fuel supply system of a gas turbine, predicting, based at least in part on the monitoring, a cumulative level of corrosion of one or more components associated with a gas turbine, and outputting information associated with the monitoring.

Abstract: A hard composite composition comprises a binder; and a polymodal blend of matrix powder. In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 ?m or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: An assembly for insertion of an object into a pipeline comprises a base, a connector, and a set of pins. The base has a cylindrical passage and is connected to a mechanism for configured to drive the object into an inlet in the pipeline. The connector includes a head and a cylinder with a threaded internal surface and a external surface having a groove spanning a circumference of the external surface. The connector is rotatable within the cylindrical passage in the base in a first direction and held substantially stationary within the cylindrical passage in the base in a second direction by the set of pins in cooperation with the groove. The base is rotatable in the first direction and held substantially stationary in the second direction while connected to the inlet in the pipeline by the connector.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor wheel including a hub, a web extending radially from the hub, and a plurality of blades carried by the wheel. The web includes an erosion indicator of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for measuring the effectiveness of a corrosion inhibitor. More specifically, the invention relates to placing a corrosion inhibitor in at least one fluid and then simultaneously suspending coupons in the fluid having the corrosion inhibitor and at least one additional fluid, wherein both fluids are contained in the same vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of determining a storage lifetime of a wafer in a storage environment, the storage environment corresponding to an environment having a first value of temperature and a first value of relative humidity, the wafer having a pre-test value of a first contamination parameter, including the steps of: subjecting the wafer to a test environment for a test period, the test environment includes an environment having a second value of temperature and a second value of relative humidity; subsequently, inspecting the wafer thereby to determine a post-test value of a second contamination parameter, wherein the second value of relative humidity is greater than 30% and the second value of wafer temperature is greater than 30° C.

Abstract: A scour sensor and method of detecting scour in the bed of a body of water as well as a sensor and method for determining the subgrade modulus of a subgrade are provided. The scour sensor includes an elongated rod that can be driven into the bed of a body of water such that a portion of the rod is cantilevered from the bed into the water. The rod has a known dynamic characteristic that is variable depending on the amount of the rod that is embedded in the subgrade. In one implementation, the known characteristic is the natural frequency of the rod. The scour sensor further includes a sensor element for monitoring a dynamic characteristic of the rod. Methods of using and calibrating a scour sensor are also provided. Further, the sensor may be used to determine a subgrade modulus of the subgrade.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor may include a sensor body, a chloride probe held in the sensor body, a pH probe held in the sensor body, a reference electrode for the chloride probe and the pH probe held in the sensor body, a multiple array sensor held in the sensor body and a resistivity probe held in the sensor body. A method of measuring corrosion in a reinforced concrete structure may include inserting a corrosion sensor into a reinforced concrete structure and monitoring chloride ions with the chloride probe, pH with the pH probe, localized concrete resistivity with the resistivity probe and corrosion current density with the multiple array sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method as described in the specification and drawings for parallel high throughput corrosion testing and electroplating testing of test coupons.

Abstract: A transportable system and method for determining erodibility of a surface such as that of an earthen embankment. Select embodiments deploy an instrumented portable bottomless open channel test enclosure, either a manifold or an inlet to a flume, and sufficient piping and valves to provide a fluid flow over a surface of interest. Select embodiments use mounts, such as spikes, affixed to the bottom edges of the open channel to position the channel flush against the surface, thus reducing or preventing fluid leakage along the periphery. Select embodiments emulate a hydraulic open channel having smooth vertical sides as may be found in a civil engineering laboratory. Select embodiments incorporate an external pump, gauges for taking measurements while fluid flows through the channel, an inlet and an outlet and a re-cycling sub-system from the outlet to the inlet.

Abstract: A method for inferring possible or impending corrosion or fouling of process elements from fluid flowing in a pipe of an industrial process is described. A frequency response of a body is measured. The measured frequency response is compared against a stored value. Corrosion or fouling of the process elements is identified based upon the comparison between the measured frequency response and the stored value.

Abstract: A support stand for supporting a test piece within a corrosion chamber comprises first and second side members interconnected by first and second support rods. The relative position of the support rods is adjustable so as to modify the orientation of the test piece. In some examples, each side member has a base, a first row of spaced-apart holes generally parallel to the base, and a second row of spaced apart holes generally perpendicular to the base. By selecting the holes with which the support rods engage, the orientation of the test piece can be set to a predetermined value.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.

Abstract: An atomizer monitoring system monitors parts or components that are utilized in atomizers for flue gas desulfurization or in spray drying applications, taking into account each part's longevity, installation date, and expiration period, using wireless sensors and radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology, whereby small, inexpensive RFID tags are placed on, or embedded in the atomizers, for example, in an atomizer wheel. The monitor system can avoid failure of parts within an atomizer and costly downtime associated with removal and replacement of parts that have reached their useful life. The preferred embodiment utilizes radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology which is linked to a web-based data base.

Abstract: A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.

Abstract: The described invention relates to a method for determining corrosion in wet gas pipelines comprising: a) using a portion of the liquid phase from a wet gas pipeline; b) placing said portion in a high pressure, high temperature autoclave to prepare a saturated vapor phase; c) transferring the saturated vapor to a corrosion test unit, said unit having a specimen holder section having external, temperature adjustable means, and specimens being arranged in one or more positions within the specimen holder; d) chilling said specimen holder section so as to cause condensation onto said corrosion testing specimens; and, e) calculating a value selected from the group consisting of corrosions rate, pitting of the specimen, weight loss of the specimen, and any combination thereof. The invention process can be practiced in a separate laboratory apparatus designed to accomplish the above method, or in a similar online apparatus set up in a semi-batch mode or continuous mode.

Abstract: A transportable system and method for determining erodibility of a surface such as that of an earthen embankment. Select embodiments deploy an instrumented portable bottomless open channel test enclosure, either a manifold or an inlet to a flume, and sufficient piping and valves to provide a fluid flow over a surface of interest. Select embodiments use mounts, such as spikes, affixed to the bottom edges of the open channel to position the channel flush against the surface, thus reducing or preventing fluid leakage along the periphery. Select embodiments emulate a hydraulic open channel having smooth vertical sides as may be found in a civil engineering laboratory. Select embodiments incorporate an external pump, gauges for taking measurements while fluid flows through the channel, an inlet and an outlet and a re-cycling sub-system from the outlet to the inlet.

Abstract: An instrumented ball for collecting data in an industrial mill comprising a durable sphere defining an enclosed cavity and having a substantial thickness, the sphere manufactured from a resilient material able to withstand pressures exerted by a working industrial mill, electronics disposed in the cavity comprising: a plurality of devices for sensing physical conditions inside the mill, wherein each of the sensing devices outputs a series of sensed values, the devices comprising at least an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a thermocouple, a microphone and a wear sensor, a memory for storing the sensed values, and a communication port for transmitting the sensed values to an external device located outside of the mill, and a power source disposed in the cavity for powering the electronics.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention comprise devices, systems, and methods for estimating the rate at which rock, soil or any self-supporting material erode. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to devices and systems that subject a stationary soil or rock sample to shear stresses by rotating fluid about the soil or rock sample to simulate the effects of flowing fluids on the soil or rock sample. In various embodiments, the devices and systems include a torque cell unit and clutch assembly.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a bracket for use in conjunction with test coupons to allow for the consistent and long term monitoring of corrosive elements in a facility. The invention is able to have multiple coupons attached to a single bracket allowing for the testing various corrosive elements. Additionally the coupons can be placed at varying angles and locations to allow for a more complete analysis of the environments.

Abstract: A method for treating or preparing a fuel rod cladding tube in such a way that an influence of iron oxide deposits on its surface can be studied and assessed precisely under virtually operational conditions with as little risk as possible, includes at least partially coating the fuel rod cladding tube with an iron oxide layer by immersing it in an aqueous electrolyte medium which contains iron oxide particles. The iron oxide particles are produced by anodic oxidation of an iron-containing working electrode. A test body and a device for pretreating a fuel rod cladding tube with an electrochemical three-electrode configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: A deposit removal probe for monitoring the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline used to transport fluids comprising a chamber constructed from mesh having a pore size sufficient to retain a sample of said deposit in said chamber while also allowing the deposit to be removed from the chamber with the action of the chemical and liquid flow through the pipeline and methods of using the probe to determine the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline and monitor corrosion rates of surfaces in contact with the deposit and in the bulk fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling device is connected to equipment having a fluid flow path. The sampling device has a chamber that defines a fluid flow path, and has a tubular sampling coupon that is positioned within the chamber. The tubular sampling coupon further defines the fluid flow path. After operating the equipment for a period of time, wherein fluid is caused to flow through the tubular sampling coupon, i) the tubular sampling coupon is removed from the chamber, and ii) first and second parts of the tubular sampling coupon are separated. Prior to separating the first and second parts of the tubular sampling coupon, the first and second parts are mated, and separable, along an axis that is parallel to the fluid flow path. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method predicts pitting corrosion growth using imaging technology. In an embodiment, a first module preprocesses images to locate seed points, and a second module models a corrosion life cycle of the seed points. In another embodiment, the seed points are identified with defined confidence levels, and the rate of change of features in corrosion images is analyzed to identify dominant life-cycle phases of corrosion and defining corrosion impact factor for corrosion quantification.

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: Process for evaluating the corrosive effect of a refinery feedstock on the metallurgy of one or more refinery processes, by (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks and/or a plurality of fractions of one or more refinery feedstocks, (ii) providing an array having a plurality of metal samples representative of metallurgy present in a refinery, (iii) contacting each of the plurality of metal samples with one or more of the refinery feedstocks or fractions under non-static conditions, and (iv) determining the corrosive effect of the feedstock and/or fraction on the metal sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method as described in the specification and drawings for parallel high throughput corrosion testing and electroplating testing of test coupons.

Abstract: Test methods for testing rotor and stator assemblies that utilize magnetic bearings prior to installation. The test method generally includes operating the rotor and stator assembly prior to installation in a test atmosphere at a pressure greater than 2 bar. The test atmosphere can be formed of air, an inert gas, or an expanded cryogenic gas.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network is installed inside pipelines using sensors and wireless transceivers that are small, low-cost, and rugged. The objective is monitoring the pipeline and recommending maintenance and repair at specific locations in the pipeline. Maintenance includes detection of internal corrosion using sensors that can result in leaks. Furthermore detection of leaks for prevention of catastrophic failures as a result of damage, such as third party mechanical damage. After establishing the wireless sensor network, the network is activated so the sensors can make measurements periodically or continuously using instructions transmitted via a base station. The sensor data from the various sensors are transmitted inside the pipe and extracted to access points in the pipeline to a remote computer that stores the data within the computer. The sensed information can be used for monitoring as well as analysis using a recommendation engine to provide maintenance and repair alerts.

Abstract: A system and method for determining “real time” air leakage from a duct involves an airflow meter for taking airflow measurements at the inlet and at the outlet of the duct. Also included is a base fan that operates in three different modes to simultaneously vary an enclosure pressure at the inlet and outlet. This is done while a duct fan, inside the duct, is operated to continuously move air through the duct. A comparison of airflow measurements at the inlet, or at the outlet, under the three base fan operational modes will respectively identify whether leaks are present in the duct, upstream or downstream from the duct fan.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in situ design for a runoff rain gauge 14 comprising an elevated storage pan 18 for storing precipitation above grade, a splitter pan 28 for partitioning the split of flow from storage to runoff and infiltration, a saturation cup 40 for measuring surface saturation of the infiltration resistance medium and a saturation cap 42 and splitter balance line 38 for communicating water levels in the saturation cup 40 to the splitter pan 28.

Abstract: A method involving the use and creation of pre-aged witness coupons which characterizes and monitors the rate and extent of chemical and physical aging of the polymer in the structure during use in the field is described.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention comprise devices, systems, and methods for estimating the rate at which rock, soil or any self-supporting material erode. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to devices and systems that subject a stationary soil or rock sample to shear stresses by rotating fluid about the soil or rock sample to simulate the effects of flowing fluids on the soil or rock sample. In various embodiments, the devices and systems include a torque cell unit and clutch assembly.

Abstract: A deposit removal probe for monitoring the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline used to transport fluids comprising a chamber constructed from mesh having a pore size sufficient to retain a sample of said deposit in said chamber while also allowing the deposit to be removed from the chamber with the action of the chemical and liquid flow through the pipeline and methods of using the probe to determine the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline and monitor corrosion rates of surfaces in contact with the deposit and in the bulk fluid.

Abstract: A studded wall in, or replacement panel for, a boiler or furnace has a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, each pair of adjacent tubes being connected. Separate regions of studs are attached to the wall. In each region every pair of adjacent studs is a selected distance apart, typically from one-eighth to one-half inch. The regions are configured and positioned to define a line between the regions. That line has a width different from the selected distance between the studs in the regions adjacent the line. Corrosion testing is done at selected points on the lines. The lines enable each successive test to be performed at the same locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a runoff rain gauge 100 which includes a collector tube 104, soil infiltration resistance medium 108, a runoff resistance flow element 113, a standard rain gauge 102, and runoff collection tube 114. Precipitation enters the collector tube 104 and is divided to flow into the infiltration medium 108 and runoff collection tube 114 via flow element 113. Total precipitation is read in standard rain gauge 102, runoff in tube 114, and soil infiltration in medium 108 is calculated by the difference between total precipitation and the runoff. Also disclosed are a runoff rain gauge 100 comprising: a seal leg 150 downstream from the runoff resistance flow element 113; a collector tube 104 mounted directly to the ground so that the bottom of the soil infiltration resistance medium 108 contacts the ground surface; and/or a horizontal capillary tube in the runoff resistance flow element 113 to insure self-sealing via capillary forces.

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 dynamic testing of materials in moving solutions, such as anti-fouling paint in seawater, is conducted in a cylindrical tank. A stirrer having a drive shaft and one or more paddles or blades is driven by a variable speed motor to rotate and to impart rotational velocity to a liquid, which passes over the test materials which are attached to the periphery of the tank. The flow conditions over the surface can be well characterized. The surface of the test materials may be instrumented to measure physical, chemical and hydrodynamic conditions. The energy required for testing is reduced over prior art techniques.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring deposition of a noble metal in an intergranular stress corrosion crack (IGSCC) in a metal reactor shroud wall of a nuclear reactor, a metal sample may be placed at a location within near an inner surface of the metal reactor shroud wall. The sample may be submerged below a water line in the reactor and includes at least one thermal fatigue crack. The sample is maintained at the location for a given duration, and a given amount of the noble metal is added into the reactor water while the sample is maintained at the location. The sample is then removed. In an example, a surface crevice deposition monitor for a reactor includes a flow conditioner arranged between a top guide clamp and an anchor clamp, and at least one sample holder connected between the top guide clamp and flow conditioner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a thermobalance equipped with a detector (5) for measuring acoustic signals emitted by a sample (6) hanging from the balance beam and a preamplifier (2) incorporated in the vicinity of the head of the balance. The invention allows gas phase kinetic study of the degradation of materials and of depositions on these materials under temperature (100 to 1400° C.). In particular, corrosion phenomena such as: oxidation, sulfurization, carbonizing, metal dusting, nitriding, hydridation, chlorination, molten salt attack, and combinations of these degradations. Besides, deposits on the materials can be due to coking phenomena (carbon deposits), deposition of molten salts, volatile compounds condensation. The invention allows evaluation of the efficiency of inhibitors against corrosion and deposition processes.