Improved Corrosion Monitoring Using ER Probes

Inspections of submerged waterfront structures and fuel tank interiors are conducted on a five to seven year cycle.  Improved corrosion monitoring systems are needed to detect any accelerated corrosion that may occur between inspections.  Recently developed ER monitoring systems operate by measuring the change in electrical resistance of a metallic element immersed in a product media relative to a reference element sealed within the probe body.  If the corrosion occurring in the structure is roughly uniform, a change in resistance is proportional to an increment of corrosion.  Although universally applicable, the ER method is uniquely suited to corrosive environments having either poor or non-continuous electrolytes such as vapors, gases, soils, hydrocarbons, and non-aqueous liquids.  The novel use of ER probe technology in DOD fuel tank interiors and submerged waterfront structure is being demonstrated.  This paper/presentation discusses the findings and lessons learned to date.