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1.1 This guide outlines the procedure for conducting corrosion monitoring in laboratories and plants by use of the coupled multielectrode array sensor (CMAS) technique.

1.2 For plant applications, this technique can be used to assess the instantaneous non-uniform corrosion rate, including localized corrosion rate, on a continuous basis, without removal of the monitoring probes, from the plant.

1.3 For laboratory applications, this technique can be used to study the effects of various testing conditions and inhibitors on non-uniform corrosion, including pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

4.1 Guide G96 describes a linear-polarization method and an electrical resistance method for online monitoring of corrosion in plant equipment without the need to enter the system physically to withdraw coupons. These two online monitoring techniques are useful in systems in which process upsets or other problems can create corrosive conditions. An early warning of corrosive attack can permit remedial action before significant damage occurs to process equipment. The two methods described in Guide G96 are suitable for uniform corrosion, but may not be sensitive enough for non-uniform corrosion, especially localized corrosion. This guide describes a new method for monitoring non-uniform corrosion, especially localized corrosion.

4.2 The CMAS technique measures the net anodic current or net cathodic current from each of the individual electrodes (I^a_ex or I^c_ex in Fig. 1), which is the characteristic of non-uniform corrosion such as localized corrosion and uneven general corrosion. Therefore, the CMAS technique can be used to estimate the rate of uneven general corrosion and localized corrosion (see Section 5).

4.3 Unlike uniform corrosion, the rate of non-uniform corrosion, especially localized corrosion, can vary significantly from one area to another area of the same metal exposed to the same environment. Allowance shall be made for such variations when the measured non-uniform corrosion rate is used to estimate the penetration of the actual metal structure or the actual wall of process equipment. This variability is less critical when relative changes in corrosion rate are to be detected, for example, to track the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors in an inhibited system.

4.4 The same as the method described in Guide G96, the CMAS technique described in this guide provides a technique for determining corrosion rates without the need to enter the system physically to withdraw coupons as required by the methods described in Guide G4.

4.5 The same as the methods described in Guide G96, the CMAS technique is useful in systems in which process upsets or other problems can create corrosive conditions. An early warning of corrosive attack can permit remedial action before significant damage occurs to process equipment.

4.6 The CMAS technique provides the instantaneous corrosion rate within 10 to 40 s making it suitable for automatic corrosion inhibitor dosing control.

4.7 The CMAS technique is an online technique and may be used to provide real-time measurements for internal corrosion of pipelines and process vessels, external corrosion of buried pipes and structures, and atmospheric corrosion of metal structures.