Real-Time Solutions Integrate Corrosion Monitoring with Process Control

摘要

One of the problems associated with reducing the costs of corrosion is that corrosion is commonly dealt with in a historical context, after the damage has occurred. Corrosion measurements are frequently integrated with maintenance functions. Monitoring data are recorded offline and not viewed in real-time with the process conditions that often initiate high-level corrosion activity. Recent developments in monitoring technology, along with an evolving purpose of the corrosion engineer in the online, real-time process control/optimization and asset management, are changing this concept. Online, real-time technologies have increased the accuracy of data and their relevance and value to the goal of increasing productivity; these developments have reduced corrosion damage, failures, and unplanned outages, thereby decreasing downtime and increasing run time. These technologies also provide online connectivity for corrosion engineers, bringing them closer to those who control processes and manage facilities, making the corrosion engineer's role much more relevant. Under this concept, corrosion becomes another real-time process variable. The corrosion measurement device becomes the "tachometer" for the facility, showing in real-time when processes go awry, and prompting remedial action before substantial damage occurs.