What is Corrosion Engineering? 1

merbas · Jan 18, 2000

Introduction to Corrosion Monitoring 
 
What is Corrosion Monitoring? 
The field of corrosion measurement, control, and prevention covers a very broad spectrum of technical activities. Within the sphere of corrosion control and prevention, there are technical options such as cathodic and anodic protection, materials selection, chemical dosing and the application of internal and external coatings. Corrosion measurement employs a variety of techniques to determine how corrosive the environment is and at what rate metal loss is being experienced 
. 
Corrosion measurement is the quantitative method by which the effectiveness of corrosion control and prevention techniques can be evaluated and provides the feedback to enable corrosion control and prevention methods to be optimised. 
 
A wide variety of corrosion measurement techniques exist, including: 
 
Non Destructive Testing Analytical Chemistry 
Ultrasonic testing 
Measurement of pH 
Radiography 
Dissolved gas (O 2, CO 2, H 2 S) 
Thermography 
Metal ion count (Fe 2+, Fe 3+) 
Eddy current/magnetic flux 
Microbiological analysis 
Intelligent pigs 
Operational Data Fluid Electrochemistry 
Potential measurement 
Flow rate (velocity) 
Potent-static measurements 
Pressure 
Potent-dynamic measurements 
Temperature 
AC impedance 
Corrosion Monitoring 
Weight loss coupons 
Electrical resistance 
Linear polarisation 
Hydrogen penetration 
Galvanic current 
 
Some corrosion measurement techniques can be used on-line, constantly exposed to the process stream, while others provide off-line measurement, such as that determined in a laboratory analysis. Some techniques give a direct measure of metal loss or corrosion rate, while others are used to infer that a corrosive environment may exist. Corrosion monitoring is the practice of measuring the corrosivity of process stream conditions by the use of “probes” which are inserted into the process stream and which are continuously ex-posed to the process stream condition. Corrosion monitoring “probes” can be mechanical, electrical, or electrochemical devices. Corrosion monitoring techniques alone provide direct and on-line measurement of metal loss/ corrosion rate in industrial process systems. 
 
Typically, a corrosion measurement, inspection and maintenance program used in any industrial facility will incorporate the measurement elements provided by the four combinations of on-line / offline, direct/indirect measurements. 
 
Corrosion Monitoring Direct, On-line 
Non Destructive Testing Direct, Off-line 
Analytical Chemistry Indirect, Off-line 
Operational Data Indirect, On-line 
 
In a well-controlled and coordinated program, data from each source will be used to draw meaningful conclusions about the operational corrosion rates with the process system and how these are most effectively minimised. 
 
The Need for Corrosion Monitoring 
The rate of corrosion dictates how long any process plant can be usefully and safely operated. The measurement of corrosion and the action to remedy high corrosion rates permits the most cost effective plant operation to be achieved while reducing the life-cycle costs associated with the operation. 
 
Corrosion monitoring techniques can help in several ways: 
 
(1) By providing an early warning that damaging process conditions exist which may result in a corrosion-induced failure. 
(2) By studying the correlation of changes in process parameters and their effect on system corrosivity. 
(3) By diagnosing a particular corrosion problem, identifying its cause and the rate controlling parameters, such as pressure, temperature, pH, flow rate, etc. 
(4) By evaluating the effectiveness of a corrosion control/prevention technique such as chemical inhibition and the determination of optimal applications. 
(5) By providing management information relating to the maintenance requirements and ongoing condition of plant. 
 
Corrosion Monitoring Techniques 
A large number of corrosion monitoring techniques exists. The following list details the most common techniques that are used in industrial applications: 
 
Corrosion Coupons (weight loss measurements) 
Electrical Resistance (E/R™) 
Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR) 
Galvanic (ZRA) / Potential 
Hydrogen Penetration 
Microbial 
Sand/Erosion 
 
Other techniques do exist, but almost all require some expert operation, or otherwise are not sufficiently rugged or adaptable to plant applications. Of the techniques listed above, corrosion coupons, E/R, and LPR form the core of industrial corrosion monitoring systems. The four other techniques are normally found in specialised applications that are discussed later. These corrosion-monitoring techniques have been successfully applied and are used in an increasing range of applications because: 
 
The techniques are easy to understand and implement. 
Equipment reliability has been demonstrated in the field environment over many years of operational application. 
Results are easy to interpret. 
Measuring equipment can be made intrinsically safe for hazardous area operation. 
Users have experienced significant economic benefit through reduced plant down time and plant life extension. 
 
Corrosion Coupons (Weight Loss) 
The Weight Loss technique is the best known and simplest of all corrosion monitoring techniques. The method involves exposing a specimen of material (the coupon) to a process environment for a given duration, then removing the specimen for analysis. The basic measurement which is determined from corrosion coupons is weight loss; the weight loss taking place over the period of exposure being expressed as corrosion rate. 
 
The simplicity of the measurement offered by the corrosion coupon is such that the coupon technique forms the baseline method of measurement in many corrosion monitoring programs. The technique is extremely versatile, since weight loss coupons can be fabricated from any commercially available alloy. Also, using appropriate geometric designs, a wide variety of corrosion phenomena may be studied which includes, but is not limited to: 
 
Stress-assisted corrosion 
Bimetallic (galvanic) attack 
Differential aeration 
Heat-affected zones 
 
Advantages of weight loss coupons are that: 
 
The technique is applicable to all environments - gases, liquids, and solids / particulate flow. 
Visual inspection can be undertaken. 
Corrosion deposits can be observed and analysed. 
Weight loss can be readily determined and corrosion rate easily calculated. 
Localised corrosion can be identified and measured. 
Inhibitor performance can be easily assessed. 
 
In a typical monitoring program, coupons are exposed for a 90-day duration before being removed for a laboratory analysis. This gives basic corrosion rate measurements at a frequency of four times per year. The weight loss resulting from any single coupon exposure yields the “average” value of corrosion occurring during that exposure. The disadvantage of the coupon technique is that, if a corrosion upset occurs during the period of exposure, the coupon alone will not be able to identify the time of occurrence of the upset. Depending upon the peak value of the upset and its duration may not even register a statistically significant increased weight loss. 
 
Therefore, coupon monitoring is most useful in environments where corrosion rates do not significantly change over long time periods. However, they can provide a useful correlation with other techniques such as E/R and LPR measurements. 
 
Electrical Resistance (E/R™) Monitoring 
E/R probes can be thought of as “electronic” corrosion coupons. Like coupons, E/R probes provide a basic measurement of metal loss, but unlike coupons, the value of metal loss can be measured at any time, as frequently as required, while the probe is in-situ and permanently ex-posed to the process stream. 
 
The E/R technique measures the change in ohmic resistance of a corroding metal element exposed to the process stream. The action of corrosion on the surface of the element produces a decrease in its cross-sectional area with a corresponding increase in its electrical resistance. The increase in resistance can be related directly to metal loss and the metal loss, as a function of time is by definition the corrosion rate. Although still a time averaged technique, the response time for E/R monitoring is far shorter than that for weight loss coupons. E/R probes have all the advantages of coupons, plus: 
 
They are applicable to all working environment gases, liquids, solids, and particulate flows. 
Direct corrosion rates can be obtained. 
Probe remains installed in-line until operational life has been exhausted. 
They respond quickly to corrosion upsets and can be used to trigger an alarm. 
 
E/R probes are available in a variety of element geometrises, metallurgy’s and sensitivities and can be configured for flush mounting such that pigging operations can take place without the necessity to remove probes. The range of sensitivities allows the operator to select the most dynamic response consistent with process requirements. 
 
Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR) Monitoring 
The LPR technique is based on complex electro-chemical theory. For purposes of industrial measurement applications it is simplified to a very basic concept. In fundamental terms, a small voltage (or polarisation potential) is applied to an electrode in solution. The current needed to maintain a specific voltage shift (typically 10 mV) is directly related to the corrosion on the surface of the electrode in the solution. By measuring the current, a corrosion rate can be derived. 
The advantage of the LPR technique is that the measurement of corrosion rate is made instantaneously. This is a more powerful tool than either coupons or E/R where the fundamental measurement is metal loss and where some period of exposure is required to determine corrosion 
 
The disadvantage to the LPR technique is that it can only be successfully performed in relatively clean aqueous electrolytic environments. LPR will not work in gases or water/oil emulsions where fouling of the electrodes will prevent measurements being made. 
 
Galvanic/Potential Monitoring 
The galvanic monitoring technique, also known as Zero Resistance Ammetry (ZRA) is another electrochemical measuring technique. With ZRA probes, two electrodes of dissimilar metals are exposed to the process fluid. When immersed in solution, a natural voltage (potential) difference exits between the electrodes. The current generated due to this potential difference relates to the rate of corrosion that is occurring on the more active of the electrode couple. 
 
Galvanic/Potential monitoring is applicable to the following electrode couples: 
 
Bimetallic corrosion 
Crevice and pitting attack 
Corrosion assisted cracking 
Corrosion by highly oxidising species 
Weld decay 
 
Galvanic current measurement has found its widest applications in water injection systems where dissolved oxygen concentrations are a primary concern. Oxygen leaking into such systems greatly increases galvanic currents and thus the corrosion rate of steel process components. Galvanic monitoring systems are used to provide an indication that oxygen may be invading injection waters through leaking gaskets or de-aeration systems. 
 
Specialised Monitoring 
Biological Monitoring 
 
Biological monitoring and analysis generally seeks to identify the presence of Sulphate Reducing Bacteria - SRB’s. This is a class of anaerobic bacteria that consume sulphate from the process stream and generate sulphuric acid, a corrosive that attacks production plant materials. 
 
Sand / Erosion Monitoring 
These are devices that are designed to measure erosion in a flowing system. They find wide application in oil/gas production systems where particulate matter is present. 
 
Hydrogen Penetration Monitoring 
In acid process environments, hydrogen is a by-product of the corrosion reaction. Hydrogen generated in such a reaction can be absorbed by steel particularly when traces of sulphide or cyanide are present. This may lead to hydrogen induced failure by one or more of several mechanisms. The concept of hydrogen probes is to detect the amount of hydrogen permeating through the steel by mechanical or electrochemical measurement and to use this as a qualitative indication of corrosion rate. 
 
Instrumentation 
There exists a variety of instrument options associated with the various corrosion monitoring techniques. Three classifications are: 
 
Portable 
Continuous Single Channel 
Continuous Multi-Channel 
 
In some applications such as those experienced in oil/gas production and refining, instrumentation required to be certified for use in “hazardous areas”. For portable instruments this is most often achieved by having the equipment certified as “intrinsically safe” by a recognised authority such as 
BASEEFA (U.K.), U.L. (U.S.A.), or CENELEC (Europe). For hard-wired continuous monitoring electronics, isolation barriers can be used to ensure that, in the event of a fault condition, insufficient energy is transmitted to the hazardous field area so that an explosive spark cannot be produced. 
 
Probe Fitting Styles 
There are two fundamental fitting styles for corrosion probes: fixed and removable under pressure. 
Fixed styles of probes/sensors have typically a threaded or flanged attachment to the process plant. For fixed styles of sensors, removal can only be accomplished during system shut down or by isolation and depressurization of the sensor location. From time to time, corrosion coupons and probes require removal and replacement. It is some-times more convenient to be able to remove and install sensors while the process system is operational. To facilitate this, there are two distinct systems that permit removal/installation under pressure. 
 
In refinery and process plant environments where pressures are normally less than 1500 psi, a Retractable System is used. This consists of a packing gland (stuffing box) and valve arrangement. For environments such as those experienced in oil/gas production where pressures of several thousand psi are experienced, a special High Pressure Access System is used. This permits the safe and easy installation/removal of corrosion monitoring devices at working pressures up to 3600 psi. 
 
Applications of Corrosion Monitoring Techniques 
 
Corrosion monitoring is typically used in the following situations: 
 
Where risks are high - high pressure, high temperature, flammable, explosive, toxic processes. 
Where process upsets can cause high corrosivity. 
Where changes in operating condition can cause significant changes in corrosion rate. 
Where uses corrosion inhibitors 
In batch processes, where corrosive constituents are concentrated due to repeated cycling. 
Where process feedstock is changed. 
Where plant output or operating parameters are changed from design specifications. 
Where evaluations of corrosion behaviour of various alloys. 
Where induced potential shifts are used to protect systems and/or structures. 
Where products contamination, due to corrosion, vital concern. 
 
Corrosion monitoring may be used in virtually any industry where corrosion prevention is a primary requirement. Some examples of industries and specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 
 
Oil/Gas Production Refining 
Flow-lines 
Crude Overheads 
Gathering Systems, 
Vis-breakers 
Transport Pipelines 
Vacuum Towers 
Water Injection Facilities 
Sour Water Strippers 
Vessels 
Amine Systems 
Processing 
Cooling Systems 
Water Systems 
Chemical Injection Systems Pulp and Paper 
Drilling Mud Systems 
Digesters 
Water Wash Systems 
White Liquor 
De-salters 
Boiler Systems 
Utilities Petrochemicals/Chemicals/Processing 
Cooling Systems 
Process Systems 
Effluent Systems 
Cooling Systems 
Make-Up Water Systems 
Boiler Water Systems 
 
In any corrosion monitoring system, it is common to find two or more of the techniques combined to provide a wide base for data gathering. The exact techniques that can be used depend on the actual process fluid, alloy system, and operating parameters. 
 
Corrosion monitoring offers an answer to the question of whether more corrosion is occurring today as compared to yesterday. Using this information it is possible to qualify the cause of corrosion and quantify its effect. Corrosion monitoring remains a valuable weapon in the fight against corrosion, thereby providing substantial economic benefit to the user. 
 
SPI Engineering & Foreign Trade Ltd. 
Acibadem AYPIM 242 Istanbul 81020 
Tel: +90-216-325-94-99 
Fax: +90-216-326-02-00 
Mail: <A HREF="mailto:merbas@garanti.net.tr">merbas@garanti.net.tr</A> 
Web: <A HREF="

http://www.members.tripod.com/termotest"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.members.tripod.com/termotest</A>

Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet

Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals

What is Corrosion Engineering? 1

merbas

Electrical

Similar threads