Comparison of corrosion rate assessment methods

Variable Time Instrument

S.No Method Advantages Limitations
Measured Required (Cost Level)
Corrosion coupon loss of weight of simple; measures not clear if location of coupon
1 1-4 week low
installed on surfaces coupon corrosion directly represents entire surface

simple; can determine temperature cannot be closely

Air-cooled corrosion loss of weight of
2 1-4 week low corrosion as a function controlled without relatively
probe for flue gas test coupon
of temperature high expense

can determine
Multipoint corrosion short-range loss low to corrosion over a wide difficulty extrapolating short-
3 5-7 hour
probe of iron moderate temperature range; range to long-range results
rapid indication

more technical knowledge

direct measurement of
flue gas sulfur required to operate equipment;
4 Sampling of flue gas 4-5 hour high SO3; then dew point
trioxide not a direct indication of
temperature is accurate
corrosion

low sulfur trioxide gives

temperature at
inaccurate and
which acid
Electrical nonreproducible results; high
condenses on
conductivity, dew quick; gives some idea dust loadings interfere with
5 probe; rate of 2-4 hour high
point and rate of acid of corrosion problem rate of acid buildup
acid deposition
buildup meter measurements; does not
below the dew
measure surface coating
point
additive effect