Abstract: A method measuring a rate of fouling caused by a heat flux through the surface subjected to electrochemical polarization. The method includes the steps of: providing a piezoelectric microbalance comprising a piezoelectric material with electrodes disposed thereon; exposing the working electrode of the microbalance to a flowing liquid, the liquid containing at least one fouling forming species; maintaining the liquid at a constant first temperature; maintaining the liquid at required hydrodynamic conditions; applying either a constant heat flux through the microbalance resulting in its working electrode having a variable second temperature or applying a variable heat flux through the microbalance resulting in its working electrode having a constant second temperature; and measuring a rate of fouling on the microbalance surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen permeation from a metallic material includes structure for positioning an electrolyte in hydrogen communication with the material; a porous electrode contacting the electrolyte; and a current collector connected to the porous electrode and the material, whereby current between the material and the current collector is indicative of hydrogen permeation from the material. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained, disposable corrosion monitor for a fluid containing system comprising a plug insertable into a fluid containing system, the plug indicating a preselected amount of loss of metal on an inner wall of the system due to corrosive action of the fluid on the inner solid monitoring wall of system. The plug includes a wall of the predetermined metal having a thickness equal to the preselected amount of loss and one surface exposed to the fluid when the plug is inserted into the fluid containing system at the same level as the inner wall of the system, an enclosed cavity associated with the other surface of the monitoring wall and a substance disposed within the enclosed cavity reacting with the fluid penetrating the monitoring wall to indicate when fluid has penetrated the monitoring wall and, hence, that the preselected amount of loss of the metal on the inner wall of the fluid containing system has occurred.

Abstract: A method to minimize corrosion in aqueous systems while maintaining microbiological control in such systems is disclosed. This is achieved by regulating the feed of oxidizers with an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) signal, while incorporating corrosion information provided by an on-line corrosion meter.

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.

Abstract: A high temperature fouling test unit is provided. The fouling test unit includes a flow tube with a fouling probe received within the flow tube. The fouling probe includes a heated section. An annular passage is defined between the fouling probe and the flow tube. An impeller is mounted within the flow tube for inducing fluid flow within the annular passage. A plurality of temperature responsive devices monitor a rate of heat transfer and a change in fluid temperature through the annular passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen permeation from a metallic material includes structure for positioning an electrolyte in hydrogen communication with the material; a porous electrode contacting the electrolyte; and a current collector connected to the porous electrode and the material, whereby current between the material and the current collector is indicative of hydrogen permeation from the material. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held and flexible corrosion sensor is described that uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS, also known as AC impedance) to detect coating degradation and corrosion of coated and uncoated metals. The hand-held and flexible corrosion sensor is pressed against the surface of the structure of specimen to be inspected, and may be either straight in structural configuration in the form of a pen or bent in a curved or angled manner to achieve better access to the structure. An EIS spectrum can than be obtained in the field or under arbitrary conditions and the degree of 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 moderating 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: A method for evaluating material is carried out by making current measurements in an electrolyte positioned between a sensor and a material to be evaluated. The sensor has a substrate and a sensor surface. A light source is disposed in a spaced relationship with the substrate of the sensor. An electrolyte such as a gas or a solution is positioned to contact the sensor surface, and a material to be evaluated is positioned to contact the electrolyte, such that the electrolyte is positioned between the sensor and the material to be evaluated. A change in a property of the electrolyte, for example, pH, is caused by irradiating the sensor with the light beam. By generating a current in the substrate and then measuring the current, the pH of the electrolyte may be determined.

Abstract: The invention is a corrosion ring gauge for evaluating the limit of allowable corrosion on the mated surfaces defining the gasket seating area of a bolted pipe flange, and a method for performing the evaluation. The invention includes a ring having an interior edge corresponding to the allowable radial corrosion advancement on a mated surface when the ring is centered on the mated surface. Attached to the ring are at least two centering pins, each of which is aligned with the position of a bolt bore on the flange when the ring is centered on a mated surface. The method of the invention involves centering the corrosion ring gauge on a mated surface and marking the location of the interior edge of the ring on the mated surface. After removing the corrosion ring gauge from the mated surface, a straight edge is positioned on the mated surface so that it intersects the marked location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the level of relative humidity within a corrosion test apparatus is disclosed. The corrosion test apparatus includes a testing chamber, an atomizer which fogs the testing chamber with de-ionized water, a sensor which senses a relative humidity level within the testing chamber, a humidifying valve coupled to the atomizer which regulates a supply of pressurized air to the atomizer, and a controller coupled to the sensor and to the humidifying valve. The controller includes a heating control loop mechanism which generates an output signal proportional to a differential between a relative humidity set point and the relative humidity level. The humidifying valve regulates the supply of operating medium to the atomizer based on the output signal. The atomizer regulates the amount of operating liquid fogged into the test chamber based on the supply of operating medium received from the humidifying valve.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor for sensing corrosion in a pipeline. The sensor includes a housing and a device for joining the housing to a wall of an enclosure that receives a fluid. The sensor also includes a rupture member which extends across a portion of the housing to define a sealed chamber in the housing. The rupture member, upon rupture, provides an opening to the sealed chamber. The rupture member is formed of a material and thickness such that the rupture member will fail from corrosion before the enclosure wall will fail from corrosion. The rupture member is arranged such that fluid received in the enclosure can contact the rupture member. The sensor also includes a sensory device which is connected to the housing at the sealed chamber to signal a rupture condition of the rupture member when the sealed chamber opens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wear-through detection in multilayered parts. This invention specifically encompasses, in one aspect, wear-through detection in semiconductor vacuum processing systems in which a wear indicator that will release a detectable constituent upon exposure to processing conditions is used inside the semiconductor vacuum processing tool. This invention permits real time detection of wear during operation of semiconductor vacuum processing equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for examining the electrochemical kinetics occurring at the surface of a galvanized steel cable undergoing fatigue in the presence of a corrosive environment allows the prediction of the corrosion life of the cable. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting localized corrosion in a cable is provided undergoing mechanical fatigue, comprising a weir cell containing an electrolyte and a reference electrode, one or more pulleys, and a motion control device. In other embodiments, methods for detecting and monitoring the electrochemical response of corrosion coupled to fatigue in a galvanized steel cable are provided wherein the potential between a reference electrode and a moveable cable under tension and undergoing fatigue are recorded and/or monitored. In further embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided for inspecting entire runs of cable for localized corrosion, zinc porosity, and corrosion inhibition efficiency.

Abstract: A membrane sampling device for use in a membrane filtration system having one or more pressure vessels for determining whether a filter membrane elements are performing properly or need replacement. The membrane sampling device is adapted to test operating conditions and to provide performance indicia in RO/UF systems without removal of filter membrane elements from the pressure vessel. A testing system is also provided that provides an improved means for testing multiple membrane sampling devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns the ageing of material samples in the test enclosure f an apparatus for testing exposure to light and weathering, using visible light, UV light and medium- or long-wavelength IR radiation and with air circulation. In order to ensure reproducible test results, a value representing the surface temperature of the sample is measured by means of a temperature sensor and compared, at the input of a control unit, with a predefined reference temperature. In the event of a temperature difference, a control signal generated by the control unit adjusts the power supply to a separate IR radiant heater for medium- and long-wavelength IR radiation in such a way that the difference disappears in accordance with a predefined indicial response.

Abstract: An in situ sensor for monitoring the degree of corrosion of rebar in a concrete structure relies on a four-point resistance measure of a test wire embedded in the concrete structure. The resistance across the wire is compared with the resistance of a reference wire, which is corrosion resistant. As corrosion advances, the cross-sectional area of the wire decreases, effectively increasing the resistance measured. The sensor may be used to measure corrosion inhibitor performance, and the effect of dilution.

Abstract: This invention includes a detection system that can determine if a turbine component, such as a turbine vane or blade, has exceeded a critical temperature, such as a melting point, along any point along the entire surface of the vane or blade. This system can be employed in a conventional combustion turbine having a compressor, a combustor and a turbine section. Included within this system is a chemical coating disposed along the entire interior surface of a vane or blade and a closed loop cooling system that circulates a coolant through the interior of the vane or blade. If the temperature of the vane or blade exceeds a critical temperature, the chemical coating will be expelled from the vane or blade into the coolant. Since while traversing the closed loop cooling system the coolant passes through a detector, the presence of the chemical coating in the coolant will be sensed by the system. If the chemical coating is detected, this indicates that the vane or blade has exceeded a critical temperature.

Abstract: A method for the early detection of electrochemical corrosion and coating degradation utilizing an inexpensive, in situ electrochemical metallic sensor for sensing coating and material degradation, particularly for materials such as aluminum 2024-T3, 7075, 6061, cold rolled steel samples, and coated metal structures such as automobiles, bridges, aircraft, and ships has been developed. The sensor utilizes AC Impedance or Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to acquire a precise, low-frequency impedance signature and is comprised of conductive ink deposited on a coating in the shape of the outline of a quadrilateral or other configuration. The resulting apparatus is comprised of a coated, metallic coupon used as a sensor, while a metallic grid electrode is deposited onto the steel coupon, thereby eliminating the need for a remote or counter electrode (i.e., reduction from a traditional, three-electrode system to a two-electrode system).

Abstract: A switching device including a measuring means for monitoring contact erosion, which is provided between a contact element and an associated contact support. The switching device includes an electrically insulated signal line, which is usable in individual and/or multiple contacts, is used as the measuring means, the signal line being integrated into a single monitoring circuit. In the switching device, there is arranged, between at least one of the contact elements and the associated contact support or in the contact material, an electrical conductor with insulator as the signal line, damage to or destruction of the insulator and/or the conductor being utilized to generate an external signal as an indication of the end of the service life of the contact element.

Abstract: The transition temperature curve of irradiated low-alloy reactor pressure steel is calculated utilizing results from a notched impact bending test performed on irradiated samples of steel. The transition temperature curves for the partial energy, the hydrogen and oxygen concentrations and the metallographic structure are determined and the transition temperature curve is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of various corrosive gases present in a corrosive environment, which uses a metal plate having a thin metalic film thereon formed by sputtering or deposition, instead of the conventional hand made metal sheet, and which measures the thickness of a corrosion film formed on the metal film by utilizing an X-ray spectrum instead of the conventional cathode reduction method, and without destroying the corrosion film, through use of a calibration curve. The invention also provides a novel casing for holding the metal plate in the corrosive environment during measurement.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a surveillance program to monitor the environmental effect of radiation and high-temperature oxygenated water on the shroud material in an operating reactor. The device is a holder containing shroud material specimens and encapsulated neutron flux monitors. The holder is installed on the shroud wall and left in place for a predetermined period of reactor operation time for the purpose of monitoring the neutron fluence effect on the shroud material specimens housed in the holder. The specimen holder is later removed from the reactor. The specimens are removed from the holder and examined in a laboratory to determine any changes in material properties. The specimen holder comprises a bolt-like device having a hollow head and a threaded shaft. The hollow head provides space for material specimens and neutron flux monitors. The specimen holder is attached to the shroud wall by screwing the threaded shaft into a threaded hole in shroud wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and test method for determining the cleanliness (based on corrosivity) of a specific area on an electronic circuit assembly, such as the area between holes or pads on a single side of an assembly. The apparatus includes: (1) an extraction cell for providing an extraction fluid to an electronic circuit assembly ("ECA") area to be measured; (2) an extraction fluid for extracting residue from the ECA area to be measured; (3) a test cell with two or more electrodes and a voltage source for providing a voltage to the electrodes; and (4) a timer for measuring the time between the application of the voltage and an electrical short between the electrodes.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to permit the non-destructive examination of the embrittlement of two-phase stainless steel. There remains anxiety about the reliability of methods based on conventional formulae because an actual machine is not examined to confirm its degree of embrittlement, and its Charpy impact absorption energy at room temperature cannot be estimated accurately.

Abstract: Switching components with contact parts that are mounted on a contact carrier in a switch housing may include devices for monitoring the contact erosion. The contact carrier may be split (sub-divided) and contact parts can be slotted at the rear and mounted on the sub-divided contact carrier. Thus, the oscillation response (vibration response) of the contact carrier in particular can be used as a measure of the erosion of the contact parts.

Abstract: A consumable probe is installed in an elbow zone of a well. The consumable probe is subject to ablation caused by abrasive particles suspended in the fluid being transported by the conduit. As the probe is ablated pressure sensitive chambers will be exposed and the pressure in the conduit will pressurize the pressure sensitive chambers and signal a readout station in a position remote from the location of the probe in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a detector for the detection of abrasive material being carried by fluid passing through a wellhead, the detector including an erosion block having a passage therein and a bore intercepting the passage; a probe which is inserted into the bore of the erosion block, this probe having a contact zone exposed to the passage when the probe is inserted in the bore and a first bore extension inboard of the surface of the contact zone which communicates with a first bore; and a first pressure transducer provided for sensing pressure in the first bore and in the first bore extension connected thereto; the pressure transducer providing an electrical output indicative of a change in pressure in the first bore and being electrically coupled to a device which is responsive to the electrical output of the first pressure transducer.

Abstract: The device is an electrically insulating tube which is rigidly mounted between the ends of two dissimilar metal pipes. Longitudinally spaced, annular electrodes are mounted in grooves formed in the cylindrical interior wall. The electrodes are electrically connected to the fluid within the chamber. The chamber is defined by the interior walls of the pipes and the tube. A current source is electrically connected to the electrodes, for generating a current between the electrodes, creating an ohmic potential drop in the fluid that minimizes the potential shift of the pipes from that naturally existing in the absence of the dissimilar metal couple. Sensors sense the naturally existing potential of the pipes for varying the current between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring the aging of coolants circulating in heat exchange circuits. It includes an element (4) in contact with said liquid to be monitored, an electric element (51) separated from element (4) in contact with the liquid by an insulating volume (6) containing a fluid at a given pressure, said electric element reacting to the corrosion level of the element in contact, and an alarm (8) reacting to a signal variation of the electric element. According to the invention:the element in contact with the liquid to be monitored consists of at least one pellet (41) made from a material also present in the circuit and in contact with said fluid (3) in the circuit, andthe electric element consists of an element made from a piezoelectric material whose frequency varies with a pressure variation in the insulating volume (6).

Abstract: A sensor for deposit build-up in plant, for example a paper-making installation, comprising a probe mounted with respect to a mounting body and including at least one strain gauge for measuring the flexural strain in a flexurally deformable body strained by imbalance in the probe in response to the combined mass of the probe and the deposit build-up thereon. The process of the invention envisages using the resulting signal for controlling the application of a deposit-controlling composition. An optional further sensor enables detection of the nature of the deposition whose quantity is sensed by the strain gauge.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved gasket and coupon for use with a corrosion measurement system. The gasket includes a pair of collar portions which fit into an end of the coupon. The central rib of the gasket has a pair of beveled faces each of which fit flush with the exterior edge of a coupon when the coupon and gaskets are pressure fit into the sleeve. The central rib includes a flat outer edge that contacts the inner wall of the sleeve to stabilize the coupon within the sleeve and to prevent liquid from leaking between two adjacent gaskets. The coupon includes a first material, copper, a portion of which is coated with a second material, lead/tin, such that a galvanic cell is formed. Preferably, the lead/tin coating is placed on the interior and exterior of the upper or lower half of the coupon, the other half of the galvanic cell of the coupon remains uncoated copper.

Abstract: A non-intrusive device for attachment to a pipe or vessel through which a fluid flows for monitoring the accumulation of deposits on the interior surface of the pipe or vessel. The device comprises a tubular member having an internal cross-sectional configuration substantially matching that of the pipe or vessel. Additionally, the tubular member is made of an electrically insulating material and having associated therewith three spaced electrodes for monitoring the change of dielectric constant within the pipe or vessel.

Abstract: A method of detecting microbiological fouling in an aqueous system. The method includes determining a baseline corrosion rate. A corrosion rate is continuously monitored. A change in the corrosion rate is measured. A maximum corrosion rate is measured. A baseline fouling factor is determined by measuring and monitoring parameters of a fluid in the aqueous system. An increase in fouling factor over the baseline is determined. A change in the corrosion rate is integrated with respect to time over an interval of from a time of the determination of the baseline corrosion rate to a time that the maximum corrosion rate occurs. A change in the fouling factor is integrated with respect to time over an interval from a time of the determination of the baseline fouling factor to a time of the determination of the increase in fouling factor. The fouling factor and the corrosion rate are compared to determine if the fouling is microbiological.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring apparatus and method for determining the corrosive effects of a chemical environment, having an environmental pressure, on a vessel containing the chemical environment. A probe is exposed to the environment and is made of a material substantially similar to that of which the vessel is made. The probe has a sealed internal chamber which contains a pressurized fluid which is monitored. A pressure transducer is in communication with the sealed internal chamber of the first probe for translating any pressure change within the chamber into a (preferably electrical) signal which is indicated by an electrical meter or similar device. Stress corrosion cracking of the probe causes fluid leakage and, therefore, a pressure change.

Abstract: An incineration kiln of the slagging mode, which has an outer shell and a protective layer inside the shell with quantum failure identifiers. The quantum failure identifiers recognizes one or more stages of increasing degree of failure of the protective layer, so that an operator may be warned and take suitable measures to protect further deterioration of the protective layer and restore the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of an electrical generator formed of a stator core punching assembly having a plurality of winding slots for receiving a plurality of generator windings. The plurality of winding core slots lie along an interior cylindrical surface of the stator core punching assembly, and the stator core punching assembly has an outer cylindrical surface opposite the interior cylindrical surface. The stator core punching assembly also has a plurality of internal vent openings extending from the outer cylindrical surface toward the inner cylindrical surface. A first optical probe is disposed outside of the stator core punching assembly and is formed of a plurality of optical acquisition devices each of which is formed from at least one optical fiber strand. Each of the optical acquisition devices is disposed to acquire light generated at one of the winding slots and passing through one of the internal vent openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of an electrical generator having at least one conductor. An insulator is provided for surrounding the conductor, the insulator includes a light generating material for producing a distinctive optical signature when the insulator degrades. An optical acquisition device is provided for acquiring the optical signature when the insulator degrades. A light detector means is coupled to the optical acquisition device and detects and then converts the optical signature to an electrical signal. A signal processor, responsive to the electrical signal, then monitors degradation of the insulator by sensing the electrical signal.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator positioned externally of a non-ferrous metallic tructure being examined, is rotated at a relatively low speed to produce a rotating magnetic field penetrating the metallic structure to a selected depth as a function of spacing between magnetic poles of the generator parallel to a planar surface of the metallic structure. Traction between the metallic structure and the magnetic field accompanying its rotation is measured. Corrosion of the metallic structure at subsurface depths is detected and quantified from such traction measurements.

Abstract: An autoclave-enclosed sidestream model boiler is used to predict the onset of intergranular attack ("IGA") and stress corrosion cracking ("SCC") within tubing associated with a power generator. Power generator final feed water is fluid coupled to a pipe within the model boiler, which pipe is strain-gage monitored, preferably using welded fiber optic strain gage devices. The monitored pipe includes a crevice region that produces a water-starved region in which chemical impurities in the feed water become concentrated. A cylindrical heater, located within a portion of the monitored pipe, promotes the water-starved region. A cylindrical portion of the pipe wall preferably is thinned, generally in the region bounding the crevice. Thinning promotes the onset of IGA/SCC within the monitored pipe and also passively amplifies the effects of IGA/SCC to promote easier strain detection. To further promote stress, the monitored pipe is subjected to loading and unloading from an axial load.

Abstract: An apparatus of provided for simulating corrosion activity of a high temperature liquid stream. The apparatus includes a canister in which is positioned a plug, occupying part of the internal volume of the canister. A stream of high temperature liquid enters the canister through an inlet, flows around the plug, and exits the canister through an outlet. The volume and configuration of the plug may be varied to simulate corrosion activity under various flow regimes. Probes may be placed in the liquid stream to detect corrosion activity and temperature. Several canisters may be arranged in series, and corrosion activity may be simulated in each canister simultaneously to determine effects of various parameters such as liquid impingement, velocity, and temperature on corrosion activity.

Abstract: A feed water steam nozzle erosion detector composed of an erosion detection pipe alongside and immediately adjoining the feed water steam nozzle, and at least one sensor connected with the erosion detection pipe to detect that the erosion of the feed water steam nozzle has proceeded to the point of eroding into the erosion detection pipe. It is preferred that three sensor modalities be provided. A temperature sensor detects a rise in temperature occasioned because of steam entry into the erosion detection pipe. A metal fragment sensor detects the presence of metal fragments associated with the erosion of the erosion detection pipe and the feed water steam nozzle. A steam pressure sensor detects a build-up of steam pressure in the erosion detection pipe and further serves as a steam discharger with built-in pressure relief. Each of the sensors is associated with an electrical circuit which provides one or more signals to the boiler operator when erosion has been detected by the sensors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for the corrosion condition evaluation of unbonded prestressing elements in post-tension concrete structures. The method involves locating a prestressing element in the structure and providing at least two openings in the structure at positions along the length of the element. One of the openings is an inlet port and the other is an outlet port, each of the ports permitting communication with the gaseous environment within a conduit surrounding the prostressing element. The gaseous environment is accessed through the outlet port by extracting a sample of gas therethrough. The sample is then measured to determine its humidity and thereby evaluate the corrosion condition of the prestressing element between the inlet port and the outlet port. A method and apparatus is also provided for the on-site corrosion protection of unbonded prestressing elements whereby the gaseous environments within the conduits are cyclically pressurized with a dry gas.

Abstract: A template for taking erosion/corrosion measurements of a piping system for logging a history of the piping system over time using a method which comprises the steps of: (a) Wrapping a template about the pipe component; (b) Aligning the template with a reference marking on the pipe component; (c) Taking a wall thickness measurement at each of the spaced holes; (d) Recording at least the wall thickness measurement at each of the spaced holes and the indicia of the spaced hole location. The template extends circumferentially about the pipe component and has a plurality of spaced holes arranged in a grid pattern which holes extend through the template for receiving a probe for measuring wall thickness of the pipe component. The template has indicia for identifying each of the spaced holes.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new mechanism which induces the cracking and spalling of metal-reinforced concrete. Methods and compositions for preventing such cracking and spalling are provided. Methods of testing compositions or admixtures for effectiveness in preventing cracking and spalling are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating corrosion activity of a process stream on equipment and transport lines. The apparatus includes a series of modular canisters coupled to a process stream source and a process stream discharge point. A cooling coil is positioned within each canister and the cooling coils are interconnected in series. The first cooling coil is coupled to a coolant source and the last cooling coil is connected to a coolant discharge. The process stream flows thorough the series of canisters and the coolant flows through the coils in counterflow to the process stream to cool and partially condense the process stream. Corrosion activity and temperature within the canister are monitored using corrosion probes and/or coupons. Modular construction of the canisters permits disassembly and reassembly to adapt the simulator to different simulation applications.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the diffusion of hydrogen atoms from a second surface to a first surface of a ferrous metal body as a means of measuring the magnitude of corrosion occurring at the second surface. The apparatus comprises a chamber-defining member which can be sealed to the first surface of the body so as to define with the first surface a sealed chamber. The chamber-defining member is constructed of material sufficiently flexible that upon evacuation of the sealed chamber the chamber-defining member deflects toward the first surface to reduce the chamber volume. The apparatus provides a connecting means for attaching an evacuating pump which is used to evacuate substantially all of the contents of the chamber.

Abstract: A retrieving device for the assembly and disassembly of probes into process pipes and tanks comprising a hydraulically activated cylinder attached to a nipple and ball valve mounted on the wall of a pipe or tank and the cylinder may be operated by applying a suitable pump. A pair of pistons are inserted within the cylinder and these pistons are arranged in telescoping fashion. A piston rod attached to one of the pistons is constructed so that it can securely attach to a probe or other device. a fluid pressurizing means which includes a pair of hydraulic tubes are attached to the upper and lower ends of the hydraulic cylinder so that hydraulic pressure can be applied to extend the pistons and insert the probe or retract the pistons and remove the probe. The ball valve is closed and the retrieving device can then be removed from the valve to service and replace the probe. When the probe is inserted within the nipple a sealing device seals the probe against fluid leakage from the pipe or tank.

Abstract: A method of taking erosion/corrosion measurements of a piping system for logging a history of the piping system over time comprises the steps of: (a) Wrapping a template about the pipe component; (b) Aligning the template with a reference marking on the pipe component; (c) Taking a wall thickness measurement at each of the spaced holes; (d) Recording at least the wall thickness measurement at each of the spaced holes and the indicia of the spaced hole location. The template extends circumferentially about the pipe component and has a plurality of spaced holes arranged in a grid pattern which holes extend through the template for receiving a probe for measuring wall thickness of the pipe component. The template has indicia for identifying each of the spaced holes.

Abstract: The use of a sacrificial anode in a plumbing system or in the cooling system of an internal combustion engine or the like to protect the system against the destructive effects of electrolysis caused by the many different metals employed in modern plumbing systems or engines is disclosed, along with several methods and apparatus for monitoring the condition of the sacrificial anode to indicate when replacement is needed for continued protection of the system. Physical, optical and electrical systems are taught, each designed to indicate the need for replacement of the anode in an easily discernable manner.