Description

An ER (Electrical Resistance) Corrosion Probe measures and tracks the rate of metal loss due to corrosion in various environments. Industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, chemical processing, and others widely use this type of probe where the corrosion of pipelines, tanks, or other metallic structures could pose operational and safety risks.

How ER Corrosion Probe Work

ER Corrosion Probe function is based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a metal element changes as the metal corrodes. The probe typically consists of:

A metallic element (probe element) is usually a cylindrical rod made from the same material as the system being monitored. When the corrosion occurs, the cross-sectional area of this probe element decreases, leading to an increase in its electrical resistance.

Measuring and reference electrodes are integral to the probe setup and precisely measure the change in resistance of the probe element over time.

A connection to a monitoring system involves connecting the probe to an electronic device that records resistance measurements at set intervals. This device uses these data points to calculate the rate of corrosion.

Key Features of ER Corrosion Probes

Direct Measurement: ER probes provide direct measurements of the corrosion rate by assessing the loss of metal over time. This is quantified by the increase in electrical resistance as the cross-sectional area of the probe decreases.
Real-Time Monitoring: These probes can offer real-time monitoring capabilities. Therefore it allows for immediate detection of changes in corrosion rates. This is crucial for proactive maintenance and preventing failures.
Versatility: ER Corrosion Probes can operate in a variety of environments, including under insulation, submerged in water, buried underground, or exposed to the atmosphere.
Material Specific: Manufacturers can produce the probe from the same material as the system being monitored, offering specific insights into the material’s behavior under actual operating conditions.

Parameters

Applications

ER Corrosion Probes are employed in a variety of applications across several critical industries. Specifically, these probes are indispensable in the Oil and Gas Industry, where they monitor corrosion to prevent leaks and failures. Transitioning to Water Treatment Facilities, workers use these probes to check pipe and tank integrity, ensuring safe, efficient operations. Moving on to Chemical Plants, the probes monitor equipment handling corrosive chemicals, preventing failures and upholding safety standards. Finally, in Marine Applications, these probes assess ship hulls and offshore structures, protecting against potentially severe failures.

Benefits

ER Corrosion Probes offer a cost-effective method for continuous corrosion monitoring. This makes them vital tools for industries where corrosion can lead to significant operational and safety issues. These probes assist in planning maintenance and predicting the need for repairs, thereby facilitating preventive maintenance strategies. Additionally, they enhance the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure by providing early warnings of increased corrosion rates. As essential tools, ER Corrosion Probes help manage asset integrity efficiently and effectively, ensuring sustained operation and safety across various sectors.