What Does
Weight Loss Analysis Mean?
This is a quantitative method used in monitoring and measuring external or internal corrosion in metallic structures. It involves recording the difference in weigh over specific time intervals. This is perhaps the simplest corrosion monitoring since it only deals with time and weight, which are easy indices to obtain. It is used to establish the type of corrosion in a certain environment and the suitability of different materials in design.
Corrosionpedia Explains Weight Loss Analysis
The weight loss analysis is characterized by the use of coupons. It is a process which involves the placement of the coupons in a specific environment, the removal of the specimens after a designated time interval, cleaning them for net weight and recording the weight difference in accordance to the time intervals.
The data obtained can be inputted in a known engineering formula and thus generate the corrosion rates. The estimated period of coupon exposure is mostly between 60–180 days depending on the efficiency required, but most laboratories prefer 90 days.The analysis requires readily available and reliable equipment for accurate information.
It is a suitable method for determining corrosion levels in intricate structures. Some weight loss analysis includes probes which give finite details of the corrosion events; the polarization indicates the corrosion rate variance. The atomic weight, density, charge number, and Faraday constant will help in estimating the corrosion rates. Apart from corrosion rates, the data from the analysis can be used to estimate the thickness reduction.