NACE 3T199

Assessment of corrosion in the field is complex due to the wide variety of applications, process conditions, and fluid phases that exist in industrial plants where corrosion occurs.

A wide range of direct and indirect measurement techniques is available, but each technique has its strengths and weaknesses. In some applications certain techniques cannot be used at all. Some techniques can be used online, while others are done off-line. Commonly more than one technique is used so that the weaknesses of one are compensated for by the strengths of another. In other cases, a combination of different techniques can be synergistic, such as process sampling along with detection of a corrosion upset.

The purpose of this technical committee report is to analyze the various techniques with respect to their benefits and limitations across the wide spectrum of industries in which they are employed. One technique, such as pH measurement, has considerably different features depending on the industry and environment in which it is used. Input to this report has been taken from as wide a spectrum of experienced field users as possible.

This report is intended as a practical reference for both new and experienced users. For new users, it will assist in providing an understanding of the practical aspects of each technique. For experienced users, it will be helpful in assessing less commonly used techniques, or the implications of using a familiar technique in a totally different operating environment.