Flexible ER corrosion sensors

Corrosion sensor that measures the amount of metal corrosion thinning by using the electrical resistance value. In order to compensate for changes in resistance due to temperature, the metal electrodes are arranged on the same side, and one side is covered with an anti-corrosion material. By using a thin base material(thickness=125μm), it can be installed in a bent state. By placing it in close contact with the curved surface of a structure, it is possible to measure in a state that is closer to the actual structure

Materials: The materials are provided by the client (including steel and coatings).

Thickness: Below 0.5 mm (flexible and easy to bend).

Specifications: 20 mm (width) x 35 mm (length) (customizable).

Flexible corrosion rate sensors can be categorized into two main types: flow-type sensors and hanging-type sensors.

1. Flow-type Sensors: These sensors are designed to monitor corrosion rates in environments with flowing fluids. They can further be divided into:

   • Flat-type (anti-water accumulation corrosion): This design prevents water from accumulating on the sensor surface, making it suitable for applications where fluid can't stagnate. It's particularly useful for measuring corrosion rates in continuously flowing environments without the risk of accumulation affecting the readings.
   • Convex/Concave-type (testing with water accumulation corrosion): These sensors have a design that allows for the measurement of corrosion in scenarios where water can accumulate. They are suited for environments where stagnant water may affect the corrosion rate, providing insights into localized corrosion phenomena.

2. Functionality: The sensors typically incorporate materials such as carbon steel or aluminum as the base substrate. The corrosion rate of the sensor is then calculated by comparing the corrosion rate of the built-in material against that of the parent material being monitored. This is done using a correlation coefficient that relates the corrosion performance of the reference material (the sensor itself) with that of the target material (the material of interest).

This comparative approach allows for real-time monitoring of corrosion, providing data that can indicate the severity of corrosion in various environmental conditions, ultimately aiding in the prevention of structural failures and material degradation