Abstract
The evolution of computer technology has enabled substantial improvement in both accuracy and cost-efficiency of corrosion measurement. From the early days of strip chart recorders, through stand-alone computer-controlled systems to state-of-the-art control system interfacing, in-plant electrochemical corrosion measurement is seeing 'promotion' to the status of process variable.
As operators strive for improvement in production performance, so engineers may suffer due to use of corrosion measurement technology that either does not provide the level of information needed or requires labor-intensive data appraisal.
New technologies and system packaging are available that provide a 'real-time' indication of both corrosion rates and severity of attack - 'on-line' direct to the control system and into the hands of the plant operator. Expert data interpretation is not required as simple corrosion-related variables are presented automatically. Data handling is reduced significantly by the use of 'on-board' firmware, relieving both user intervention and system implementation costs.
The technology, its implementation and example data handling are reviewed with reference to real in-plant applications.
