The measurement of corrosion and the action to remedy high corrosion rates permits the most cost effective plant operation to be achieved while reducing the life-cycle costs associated with the operation. A large number of corrosion monitoring techniques exist. Other techniques do exist, but almost all require some expert operation, or otherwise are not sufficiently rugged or adaptable to plant applications. The four other techniques are normally found in specialized applications which are discussed later. Equipment reliability has been demonstrated in the field environment over many years of operational application.
Results are easy to interpret.
Measuring equipment can be made intrinsically safe for hazardous area operation. Users have experienced significant economic benefit through reduced plant down time and plant life extension. The Weight Loss technique is the best known and simplest of all corrosion monitoring techniques. The simplicity of the measurement offered by the corrosion coupon is such that the coupon technique forms the baseline method of measurement in many corrosion monitoring programs. The technique is extremely versatile, since weight loss coupons can be fabricated from any commercially available alloy.