Corrosion Probe Type
Corrosion Probe Type
Corrosion Probe Type
Probe Type
ER probe
LPR
Sand probe
(ER) Introduction
The electrical resistance (ER) technique is an on-line method of monitoring the rate of
corrosion and the extent of total metal loss for any metallic equipment or structure.
The ER technique measures the effects of both the electrochemical and the mechanical
components of corrosion such as erosion or cavitation.
Although universally applicable, the ER method is uniquely suited to corrosive
environments having either poor or non-continuous electrolytes such as vapors, gases,
soils, wet hydro-carbons, and nonaqueous liquids.
Examples of situations where the ER approach is useful are:
Oil/gas production and transmission systems
Refinery/petrochemical process streams
External surfaces of buried pipelines
Feedwater systems
Flue gas stacks
Architectural structures
REFERENCE
Principles of Operation
The electrical resistance of a
metal or alloy element is given
by:
where:
L = Element length
A = Cross sectional area
r = Specific resistance
Metal
loss
Resistan
ce
Principles of Operation
Practical measurement is achieved using ER probes equipped with an element
that is freely
exposed to the corrosive fluid, and a reference element sealed within the
probe body. Measurement of the resistance ratio of the exposed to reference
element is made as shown in Figure.
Measurement of the ER probe may
either be taken periodically using a
portable instrument, or on a
continuous basis using a permanently
installed unit.
ER Probes
Can be used in all systems
(Gas, Water, Oil)
Can measure erosion
Low sensitivity -- Thinner elements
improve sensitivity at the cost of
probe life.
ER Sensing Elements
Sensing elements are available in a
variety of geometric configurations,
thicknesses, and alloy materials.
Probe type
Wire loop elements
Cylindrical elements
Flush mount
elements
The graphical relationship between corrosion rate, probe life, and response
time for all elements normally available from Metal Samples Corrosion
Monitoring Systems is shown in Figure 4.
ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE
(ER)
Tubular ER Probe
(left) in
retractable
assembly. Max
pressure 1000 psi
Principle of Measurement
Reference
Cormon - ER & LPR Monitoring Systems