Electrochemical Noise - the First Two Octaves

Abstract

Abstract Electrochemical noise techniques have been used to study corrosion related processes since the early 1980's. Preliminary studies of the electrochemical characteristics of localised corrosion phenomena, in particular pitting and cavitation attack, established the sensitivity of the technique for the detection of spontaneous changes in corrosion processes. Throughout the last sixteen years, the fundamental principles and methodology behind the measurements has changed little, but with the advent of the computer age, improved data acquisition, signal processing, and fast analysis techniques have enabled the technique to be routinely used in the field. The evolution of electrochemical noise monitoring techniques is reviewed with relation to the development of electrochemical noise measurement for metallic corrosion, and the analysis and interpretation of the observed noise response. Practical site applications have been an intrinsic part of the evolutionary process, and the development of the technology is discussed with relation to the database obtained for a wide variety of corrosion circumstance.