Probes and Monitoring Systems

Electrochemical impedance. spectro.scopy, AC probe.s. EIS, although around since the 1960s, has primarily been a laboratory technique. Commercially available probes and monitoring systems that measure EIS are becoming more widely used, especially in plants that have on-staff corrosion experts to interpret the data or to train plant personnel to do so. 

Microbiauy induced corrosion (MIC) probes. Devices are available to measure the amount of microbial activity in some environments. MicrobiaUy induced corrosion is known to be an actor in many corrosion-related problems in processing plants. The monitoring devices for MIC are limited in their range and, at present, are available only for a few specific environments. This is an exciting area for development of corrosion probes and monitoring systems. 

Limitations of Probes and Monitoring Systems There are limitations even with the most up-to-date systems. Some of the things which cannot be determined using corrosion probes include ... 

Incorrect information can result if the probe is made of the wrong material and is not heat treated in the same way as the process equipment (as well as because of other problems). The probe must be as close as possible to the material from which the equipment of interest is made. Existence of a critical condition, such as weldments or galvanic couples or occluded cells in the eqmpment of concern, makes the fabrication, placement, and maintenance of the probes and monitoring system or critical importance, if accurate and useful data are to be obtained. 

The data obtained from probes and monitoring systems are most useful when analyzed by a corrosion specialist. Data not taken, analyses not made, or expertise not sought can quickly lead to problems even with the most up-to-date corrosion probes and monitoring system. 

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