Laboratory and Plant Applications of Recording Electrical Resistance Corrosion Meters

The application to plant and laboratory corrosion studies of instruments which continuously record the thickness of corrosion test probes is discussed. A discussion of the instrument components involved and general precautions necessary to obtain meaningful results is included. Careful consideration of design features of the test probes is required in order that they be installed properly to obtain the type of information desired. The use of the electrical resistance method for determining corrosion rates has been increasing rapidly during the past five years. Continuous recording of the results of such tests makes it possible to determine when corrosion occurs in order that additional studies can be made to show how it occurs. Several plant applications of the method are described which demonstrate the usefulness and reliability of the equipment. Laboratory tests which are described not only demonstrate the usefulness of the equipment for corrosion studies but also show that good indications of the presence and concentration of transient corrosive intermediates may be obtained. Such measurements have aided in identifying chemical reactions occurring in chemical processes being developed, and have influenced the process design of the commercial plants. 2.4.2