Patent ID: 7678260

Claim:
A method of using a multielectrode sensor to measure localized corrosion, comprising: (a) exposure of the sensor to the corrosion environment of interest; wherein the sensor has an array of substantially similar metallic electrodes arranged such that each electrode has a surface area operable to be exposed to the corrosion environment, and such that each electrode is electrically insulated from other electrodes; wherein each electrode is operable as an anode or cathode, depending on the electrochemical property of that electrode; wherein each electrode is connected to a coupling joint, such that the collection of the electrodes simulates a one-piece electrode surface; (b) measurement of the anodic or cathodic current from each electrode to the coupling joint; (c) calculation of the anodic charge for each electrode by integrating the anodic current passing through the electrode; (d) calculation of the cumulative maximum localized corrosion rate using the anodic current from the electrode that has the maximum anodic charge.