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CORRDATA SYSTEM
REFERENCE MANUAL
CORRDATA Basic Software for use with RDC-CORROSOMETER,
RDC-CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER, RDC-CORRATER,
RDC-CORROTEMP CORRATER, CORROSOMETER, CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER, and CORRATER probes

ROHRBACK COSASCO SYSTEMS, INC.


11841 E. Smith Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Tel: (562) 949-0123
(800) 635-6898
Fax: (562) 949-3065

P/N 723002-Man Rev. G


12-98

Contents

CORRDATA Corrosion Monitoring System


1991 - 94 Rohrback Cosasco Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
CORRDATA, CORROSOMETER, CORRATER, CORROTEMP, and COSASCO are registered
trademarks, and ICMS is a trademark of Rohrback Cosasco Systems Inc.
MS, MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
LaserJet, PaintJet, DeskJet are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
IBM, proprinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose, without the express written
permission of Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc.

Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RDC Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PC Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing an RDC Unit on a Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Intrinsic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CORRDATA Basic PC Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 4 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


RDC's - Remote Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..21
CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CORRDATA Basic PC Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25


System Configuration from the PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Clock on the Mate II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Configuration from Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration of Probes with RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration of Probes without RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing Probe Reading Frequency on RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearing Memory on CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearing Memory on RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25
32
33
41
45
45
47
48

Contents

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . 49


Collecting Stored Data from RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Collecting Data from Probes without RDC's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Displaying Probe Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER
probe of the same type on an RDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER
probe of a different type on an RDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER
probe of the same type without an RDC (Mate II only) . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER
Probe Electrodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
RDC Battery Check and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Transferring Collected Data to PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Resolving any Data Merging Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Archiving and Retrieving Old Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71


Displaying CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER Metal Loss Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing and Analyzing CORROSOMETER Probe Graphs . . . . . . . .
Displaying CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER
Corrosion Rate Data Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing and Analyzing CORRATER Probe Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying Temperature on CORROTEMP Probe Versions . . . . . .
Printing Corrosion Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Graphical Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72
74
77
78
80
81
82

Chapter 8 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
RDC Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PC CORRDATA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii

85
85
86
86

Contents
Chapter 9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
RDC Unit Power Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Functional Operation of RDC
with Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Mate II Operation on Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mate I & II Self Check System Reprogramming Utility . . . . . . . . .
PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If Problems Still Occur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

89
89
95
95
95
96
96

Chapter 10 ASCII Transfer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97


Chapter 11 Mate Operation with Downhole
Corrosion Monitor System (DCMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Appendix A
Theory of Operation of CORROSOMETER
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Appendix B
Theory of Operation of CORRATER
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appendix C
Special Conditions or Limitations for use of
Intrinsically of Safe Equipment to European
Harmonized Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Appendix D
Lithuim Battery Pack Material Safety Data Sheet,
Handling and Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Appendix E
CORRDATA System Certification
Interconnect Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Appendix F
Operation of CORRDATA Basic Software
With Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

iii

Contents
Figures and Drawings
Figure

Page

1.1

CORRDATA Measurement System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2

Data Transfer from CORRDATA Mate I & II to PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3.1A

Single Channel RDC (Metal Enclosure) Mounting Dimensions . . . . . . . 10

3.1B

Single Channel RDC (Plastic Enclosure) Mounting Dimensions . . . . . . . 11

3.2A

Connecting RDC Batteries - Version I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2B

Connecting RDC Batteries - Version 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2C

RDC Unit Version 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.3

CORRDATA Mate I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.4

Mate I & II Start-Up Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.5

Cursor and Low Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1

Typical RDC-CORROSOMETER Probe Entry Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4.2

Typical CORROSOMETER Probe Metal Loss Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.1

Main Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.2

Configuration Mode - Probe Listing Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.3

Configuration Mode - Input Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.4

Configuration Mode - Information Entry Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.5

CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER


Probe Types and Spans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.6

Battery Life with RDC - CORROSOMETER


or CORROTEMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

iv

Contents
5.7

Battery Life with RDC - CORRATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

6.1

CORRDATA PC Software Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

6.2

Resolving Conflicts during Receive Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Contents
Figures and Drawings (continued)
6.3

CORRDATA PC Software File Saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6.4

CORRDATA PC Software File Retrieval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

7.1

Probe Display Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

7.2

CORROSOMETER Probe Metal Loss Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

7.3

CORROSOMETER Metal Loss Graph with Rate Date Display . . . . . . . 75

7.4

CORROSOMETER Probe Selecting Y-Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

7.5

CORROSOMETER Probe Selecting X-Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

7.6

CORRATER Probe Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

7.7

CORRATER Probe - Selecting Y-Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

7.8

CORROSOMETER Test Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

7.9

CORRATER Test Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

vi

Chapter 1
Introduction

Figure 1.1 CORRDATA Measurement System

2 CORRDATA Reference Manual


The CORRDATA Corrosion Management system is extremely flexible in its operation. The Mate
I & II operate with Remote Data Collectors (RDC's) to gather time-related corrosion data, even
from remote locations where power is unavailable. In addition, the Mate II allows for automated
data collection directly from CORROSOMETER, CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER and
CORRATER probes used without an RDC.
CORROSOMETER probes measure metal loss in any process environment. CORRATER probes
directly measure corrosion rates in sufficiently conductive fluids, normally water. CORROTEMP
versions of the probes add temperature measurement to assist in the correlation of corrosion rates
with temperature.
RDC's combined with probes take and store readings at pre-programmed intervals for retrieval by
the Mate I & II and transfer to your PC. This provides continuous time-related history,
complementary to the continuous, on-line ICMS (Integrated Corrosion Monitoring Systems) used
primarily in process plants.

Figure 1.2 Data transfer from CORRDATA Mate I & II to PC


The RDC-CORROSOMETER or RDC-CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER units take automatic
readings from a probe at pre-programmable time intervals ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours.
The data is time-stamped and stored for later retrieval. The RDC-CORRATER and RDC

Chapter 1 Introduction 3
CORROTEMP CORRATER units have a corresponding range of time intervals from 30 minutes
to 24 hours.
The Mate II also automates direct reading and logging of probes, without an RDC. This avoids
potential errors from incorrect recording of readings.
A basic CORRDATA software package is included free of charge with the Mate I & II for DOS
based PC's. This copyrighted software provides for system configuration, storage and
manipulation of the corrosion data.

Chapter 2
Specifications
RDC Units
Electronics

RDC - CORROSOMETER
CORROSOMETER probes

RDC - CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER unit (RDC-COT) compatible with all


CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER and CORROSOMETER probes

RDC - CORRATER unit (RDC-CA) with solution resistance compensation (SRC)


compatible with all CORRATER probes

RDC - CORROTEMP CORRATER unit (RDC-CAT) with solution resistance


compensation (SRC) compatible with all CORROTEMP CORRATER and
CORRATER probes

Output: RS 232 to CORRDATA Mate I and CORRDATA Mate II

Battery Life:

unit

(RDC-CO)

compatible

with

RDC - CO and RDC - COT


14 Ah Battery Pack - Typical life 177 days @ 1 reading/hour
RDC4 - COT
14 Ah Battery Pack - Typical life 177 days @ 1 reading/4 hour
RDC - CA and RDC - CAT probes:
14 Ah Battery Pack - Typical life 91 days @ 1 reading/hour

Reading Storage:
RDC - CO: 2048 Readings
RDC - COT: 1024 Readings
RDC - CA: 1024 Readings
RDC - CAT: 512 Readings

all

6 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Repeatability over temperature range -40oF to +160oF (-40oC to +70oC)


RDC - CORROSOMETER:
Typical 0.1% of probe span on W40 carbon steel probe
Typical 0.5% of probe span on T20 carbon steel probe
Typical 0.5% of probe span between RDC units
RDC - CORRATER Unit
Typical 0.75% of 20 mpy span at 5 mpy on carbon steel, based on
a Randl's equivalent circuit with Cdl 10 F/cm2, conductivity 250
mhos, and 5 cm2 electrodes
RDC - CORROTEMP Versions
Temperature range -40 to +260C, System absolute temperature
accuracy 3C

Mechanical

NEMA 4 (Version 1) or NEMA 4X (Version 2) weatherproof enclosure

Integral 10 foot probe connection cable

Dimensions 7.5"H x 6.25"W x 4.25"D ( 190.5 mm x 158.7 mm x 108 mm )

Weight 7 lbs. (3.2 Kg)

Weatherproof RS 232 connector

CORRDATA Mate I & II


Electronics

Sealed membrane keyboard

Battery Powered:
6 x AA Alkaline cells - Typical life 10 hours continuous reading only
RDC's
6 hours continuous reading only probes (Mate II only)

Communication with RDC and PC adapter cable "Mate to RDC" cable

Chapter 2 Specifications 7

Communication with CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER


probes via "CORROSOMETER cable" (Mate II only)

Communication with CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER probes via


"CORRATER cable" (Mate II only)

Supplied with RDC test probes

Automatic power shut off in 45 secs after reading or non-use

Mechanical

Splash-proof enclosure

Dimensions 7.75"H x 4.30"W x 2"D ( 196.8 mm x 109.2 mm x 50.8 mm )

Supplied in carrying case

Weight without carrying case 1.5 lb. ( 680g )

Weight with carrying case 5.5 lb. ( 2.5 Kg )

Environmental

Temperature range:
Operating - 0oF to 122oF ( -18oC to 50oC )
Storage
- 0oF to 150oF ( -18oC to 70oC )

Humidity 0 - 95% ( non-condensing )

PC Requirements

IBM PC or compatible

VGA or EGA graphics

640k memory

1 floppy disk drive

Hard disk (Memory requirement: 400K plus 40K per RDC)

MS DOS 3.3 or higher operating system ( MS DOS 4.01, 5.0, 6.0 or 6.2 preferred)

8 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Serial port available (adapter cable provided for easy access to Mate I & II cable)

Chapter 3
Installation
NOTE: Your CORRDATA system components were carefully tested,
inspected and packaged prior to shipment. Before unpacking the
instruments, please inspect the packaged materials for shipping
damage and retain damaged packaged materials to support any claim
against your freight carrier should this become necessary.

Unpacking
Carefully remove the instruments from their packages. Included in the package you should
find:

CORRDATA Mate I & II

Hand held CORRDATA Mate I or II unit.


Instrument carrying case.
"Mate to RDC" cable for use with RDC's and PC adapter cable.
"CORROSOMETER" cable for use with CORROSOMETER and
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes. (Mate II only)
"CORRATER" cable for use with CORRATER and CORROSOMETER
CORRATER probes. (Mate II only)
"Mate to PC" RS 232 serial port connector assembly (3 ft) with 25 pin D
type connector for PC serial port.
25 pin to 9 pin adapter serial port adapter.
CORRDATA System Quickstart and Reference Manuals.
CORRDATA System Diskette.
CORROSOMETER test probe.
CORRATER test probe.

Remote Data Collector Unit

RDC unit in NEMA 4 wall mounting enclosure with integral 10 foot probe to
instrument cable and probe connector.
Battery pack (mounted inside the RDC).

10 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Installing an RDC unit on a probe
RDC units permit unattended reading and logging of probes at pre-programmed intervals
to provide continuous corrosion data for latter analysis.
WARNING! Before installing the RDC unit, verify that you have
the correct RDC for the CORROSOMETER, CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER, CORRATER, or CORROTEMP CORRATER
PROBE to be monitored, and that the cable connector on the RDC
unit matches the probe connector.
NOTE: If your RDC has a Type A probe connector use a Type A to
Type B adapter P/N 028030 for probes with a Type B connector.
The RDC unit should be mounted adjacent to the probe that is to be monitored and in a
position that permits easy access for data collection by the Mate I or II. Figure 3.1A shows
the RDC unit and its mounting hole dimensions.

Figure 3.1A Single Channel RDC (Metal Enclosure) Mounting Dimensions

Chapter 3 Installation 11

Fig. 3.1B Single Channel RDC (Plastic Enclosure) Mounting Dimensions


The RDC unit is supplied with a 10 ft. long probe cable which meets most installation
requirements. Longer cable lengths are permissible on a special order basis with a
maximum length of 100 ft. No external power supply is necessary since the unit is battery
operated. For Solar powered options, and remote modem or cellular phone communication
contact Rohrback Cosasco Systems about Communication Power Modules (CPM's)
NOTE: The instrument to probe cable specification is critical to the
performance of the instrument. No substitutes should be made without
consultation with the factory.
Within the RDC, memory back up of data is provided by a small rechargeable battery.
This battery is separate from the main battery supply to avoid loss of data even when the
main batteries have expired, and provides a back up for approximately 3 months. This
battery must be switched ON before connecting the main battery and before start up of the
unit by setting the DIP switches, item 1, to ON as shown in Figure 3.2A for metal

12 CORRDATA Reference Manual


enclosure units, or setting DIP switch number 1 to ON, item 1, as shown on Figure 3.2B
for plastic enclosure units.
WARNING! If the memory back up cell is not connected, stored
data in the RDC will be lost if the main batteries run down, or when
the main batteries are changed. In addition if the back up battery
is switched ON after connecting the main battery at start up erratic
data will be recorded.
The main Lithium battery pack is installed in the RDC unit as supplied, but with the plug,
item 2, left unconnected to avoid battery drainage. Lithium batteries are used exclusively
in the RDC because of their much greater capacity than conventional batteries. The two
pin plug, item 2, should be connected to the circuit board connector item 3 as shown in
Figure 3.2A, 3.2B or 3.2C prior to setting the RDC into operation.

Figure 3.2A Connecting RDC Batteries - Version 1

Chapter 3 Installation 13

Fig. 3.2B Connecting RDC Batteries - Version 2


WARNING! It is extremely important for correct operation and
correct intrinsic safety readings to use the correct battery as
originally supplied in the RDC unit and identified inside the lid of
the RDC
RDC 14 Ah Battery Packs
Non Intrinsically Safe RDC - P/N 748065-3
Intrinsically Safe RDC - RDC-CO & RDC-CA only - P/N 748073-3
UL/CSA Certified RDC - RDC-COT & RDC-CAT only - P/N 748100-3
BASEEFA Certified RDC-RDC-COT & RDC-CAT only - P/N 748073-3

14 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Fig. 3.2C RDC Unit - Version 3


NOTE: RDC Version 3 the main battery must be tested seperately
on a test plug which connects to item 2. Normally a bad battery is
indicated by a loss of communication between the RDC and Mate.
To test the battery condition press push-button, item 4, and check that the red indicator,
item 5, adjacent to the battery connector illuminates (for more information see "RDC
Battery Check and Replacement" in Chapter 6).
Once the RDC unit has been mounted and the probe cable connected to the probe, the
connector clamp ring must be firmly tightened.

Chapter 3 Installation 15
WARNING! Care should be taken to see that any regulations
that exist in your area regarding the shipment and disposal of
lithium batteries are met. See Appendix D for further details and
Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the battery pack.

Intrinsic Safety
The probes, RDC units, and Mate I & II systems have intrinsic safety ratings for use in
electrical hazardous area environments. Applicable certifications are identified on the
System components according to units ordered.
The intrinsically safe system has been certified with a rating of EEx ia IIC T4 at
temperatures of up to 500C. For temperatures from 500C to 700C the rating is EEx ia
IIC T3. This means that the system is safe for use in the severest of electrical hazardous
areas, where explosive gases are always present (Zones 0, 1, and 2; Divisions 1 and 2,
all groups) even with up to two fault conditions (designated by ia).
The gas classification IIC is the most stringent including gases such as acetylene and
hydrogen. This part of the rating relates to the spark energy that is required to create an
explosion.
Gases have a separate classification for explosive tendency based on hot surface
temperatures which are not necessarily the same as the spark ignition energy. The
temperature rating T4 indicates that no temperature of the equipment exceeds 1350C at
500C even under fault conditions. This rating includes all listed gases except carbon
disulfide (which requires T5 rating)
Care must be taken with intrinsically safe systems to maintain their carefully designed
integrity. The major features to note are as follows:
1. Mate I or II batteries must be replaced in a safe area.
2. Only the correct RDC batteries must be used, since they have integral
current limiting devices to permit their replacement in the hazardous area.
3. Only the intrinsically safe "Mate to PC" cable should be used between the
Mate I or II and the PC even though this is in the safe area. This prevents
any excess power from being passed onto the Mate II, which could then be
carried into the hazardous area.
4. Absolutely no substitution of parts or unauthorized repairs must be
undertaken or the certifications are rendered invalid.

16 CORRDATA Reference Manual


See Appendix C for intrinsic safety certification documents relating to
BASEEFA/CENELEC approvals.

CORRDATA Mate I & II


The Mate I or II is supplied with a set of six 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries. To install
these batteries remove the access panel on the back of the unit (see Figure 3.3) and
install the batteries with the polarities as indicated.

Figure 3.3 CORRDATA Mate I & II


To check that the unit is operational press the ON button. The screen should appear as
in Figure 3.4.

Chapter 3 Installation 17
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Figure 3.4 Mate I & II Start-Up Screen.


If the batteries are low or in need of replacement, the cursor on the screen will alternate
the standard cursor with cursor LB (see Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.5 Cursor and Low Battery Indicator


Battery back up for memory in the Mate I & II is provided by lithium batteries mounted
internally within the unit. These batteries should provide 7-10 years of back up
capacity. Replacement of these batteries requires the unit to be returned to Rohrback
Cosasco Systems or an authorized dealer.

18 CORRDATA Reference Manual


CORRDATA Basic PC Software
The minimum requirements for the PC are as follows:

IBM PC or compatible.

EGA/VGA graphics card.

640 K memory.

One floppy disk drive.

Hard disk.

MS-DOS 3.3 or higher operating system (MS-DOS 4.01, 5.0, 6.0 or 6.2
preferred).

Serial port on the PC.

The CORRDATA basic software package is included with the CORRDATA Mate unit
on 3 " diskettes.
To install the CORRDATA software, place the appropriate diskette in your floppy
drive. At the DOS prompt, change the drive to this floppy and type install. The
program gives the choice of the directory where the files are to be installed and the
serial port COM1 or COM2 to be used. Follow the on-screen instructions.
The default for the directory is CORRDATA installed in the root directory on the C
drive.
When the installation is complete, remove CORRDATA Software diskette and save as
a backup.
For users of Microsoft Windows it is possible to run the CORRDATA Software as a
DOS application under Windows. Set the Command line to CD2 as applicable and set
the working directory to CORRDATA. See the Windows manual for details.
To commence the program in DOS select the CORRDATA directory and then type
"CD2". If using Windows double click on the Icon for CORRDATA.
Fit the "Mate to RDC" cable to the Mate I or II and connect it via the "Mate to PC"
cable to the required serial port, COM 1 or COM2, of your PC. The "Mate to PC"
cable brings the Mate I or II to PC connection to the front of the PC for ease of use. On
intrinsically safe units this cable also includes special isolation components.

Chapter 3 Installation 19
The serial port on the PC has either a 9 pin or 25 pin connector. If it has a 9 pin serial
port, you will need to use the 25 pin to 9 pin adaptor supplied with the cable assembly.

20 CORRDATA Reference Manual

21

Chapter 4
System Overview
RDC's-Remote Data Collectors
There are several versions of RDC's including a CORROTEMP temperature measurement
unit. The options and capabilities for CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER units are as follows:
PROBES
CORROSOMETER (CO)

RDC UNIT

CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER (COT)

Metal Loss

Temp

Metal Loss

Temp

RDC-CO

YES

NO

YES

NO

RDC-COT OR RDC4-COT
Configured as RDC-CO

YES

NO

YES

NO

RDC-COT or RDC4-COT
Configured as RDC-COT

YES

-200C 1

YES

YES

Default display with open circuit temperature loop

For CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER systems the options and capabilities
are as follows:
PROBES
CORRATER (CA)

RDC UNIT

Corrosion
Rate

Imbalance

RDC-CA

YES

RDC-CAT
Configured as RDC-CA
RDC-CAT
Configured as RDC-CAT
1

CORROTEMP CORRATER (CAT)

Temp

Corrosion
Rate

Imbalance

Temp

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES1

-200C 1

YES

YES

YES

Default value with open circuit temperature loop

22 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Once programmed with the probe parameters and the frequency of readings required, the
RDC unit "sleeps" between readings to minimize power consumption. At the appropriate
time it powers up the probe and electronics, processes the probe reading, and stores the
value before going back to sleep. The stored probe reading and times are retrieved as
required when interrogated by the hand held Mate.

CORRDATA Mate I & II


The CORRDATA Mate I is a portable instrument capable of programming and gathering
data from all RDC's. It does not gather data directly from probes. The CORRDATA Mate
II is a multi purpose portable instrument capable of programming and gathering data either
from probes monitored by RDC units, or directly from probes without RDC units.
NOTE: The Mate II is not able to directly read the temperature of
CORROTEMP CORRATER probes. This can only be done with an
RDC-CAT.
The system configuration can be made with the Mate I or II alone. However, it will
normally be more convenient to set up the probe configuration on the PC and then to
transfer this to the Mate I or II, which in turn configures any RDC units.

CORRDATA Basic PC Software


The basic CORRDATA software supplied with the Mate I & II provides the following
features.

Menu style selection.


Probe configuration for transfer to the Mate and any RDC units.
On-line help screens.
Selection of units (mils, millimeters or micrometers).
Graphical display of metal loss data for CORROSOMETER and
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes.
Graphical display of metal loss and temperature from CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER probes.
Graphical display of corrosion rate and imbalance from CORRATER
probes.
Graphical displays of corrosion rate, imbalance, and temperature from
CORROTEMP CORRATER probes.
Zooming in on graphical displays.
Editing of metal loss data to show corrosion rates over selected periods.
Up to 9,000 corrosion data points may be displayed for each probe.

A typical RDC CORROSOMETER entry screen is shown below in Figure 4.1, and a
typical metal loss graph output is shown in Figure 4.2

Chapter 4 System Overview 23

Figure 4.1 Typical RDC CORROSOMETER Probe Entry Screen

4.2 Typical CORROSOMETER Probe Metal Loss Graph

25

Chapter 5
System Configuration Procedures
System Configuration from the PC
System configuration is easily accomplished on the PC with CORRDATA basic software.
This configuration is subsequently downloaded to your Mate I or II and then to any RDC's
being used. Additional probe location information may also be stored on the CORRDATA
software, but is not transferred to the Mate I or II.
To commence system configuration on the PC, select the CORRDATA directory in which
the CORRDATA program is located and type CD2. Press Enter to clear the RCS
CORRDATA introduction screen, and display the main menu. Help screen information
is available via the F1 key for the menu items.

Figure 5.1 Main Menu Screen

26 CORRDATA Reference Manual


For first time configuration select Configure.
NOTE: Menu items may be selected using the cursor keys, space bar,
tab (forward), shift + tab (backward) keys and Enter, or by typing the
highlighted letter.
Select Mate/RDC. This will display any existing entries on the probe list together with an
entry menu bar, such as the list in Figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2 Configuration Mode - Probe Listing Summary.

For this first time configuration, or for new additions to the existing list, select NEW to
display the sub-menu of input selections.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 27

Figure 5.3 Configuration Mode - Input Selection.


Select the appropriate configuration required according to the probe type and whether an
RDC will be used with the probe. Press Enter to bring up the information entry screen.
For a CORROSOMETER probe with an RDC, the screen would appear as follows.

Figure 5.4 Configuration Mode - Information Entry Screen.


The dialogue box provides for all the information needed for this channel. Some items
must be completed, while others are optional.

28 CORRDATA Reference Manual


For an RDC-CORROSOMETER unit, the fields that must be completed are:
a)
b)
c)
d)

ID Number
Type
Span
Reading Interval

(Range 1 to 50)
(See Probe or Figure 5.6)
(See Probe or Figure 5.6)
(See "Choosing Probe Reading Frequency"
in Chapter 5)

Use the 8 or 9 keys to move between the highlighted entry fields. Press the Enter key to
gain access to the data entry box. Type in the required data, using the backspace, 6 or 7
arrows, or delete keys as necessary. For fields with pre-selected values use the 6 or 7
arrows. When a field entry is correct, press Enter to complete.
The entry screens for each type of probe are similar except as noted below:
Probe Tag

This is an optional field of 12 character maximum, normally used for probe


tag numbers such as AE 3041. Alternatively, a brief description or location
may be used. The tag is the only ID description that appears on the Mate
II. The location field appears only on the PC.

ID No.

This is the number to be allocated to this probe or probe/RDC combination.


Each ID must be a unique number between 1 and 50, and is the primary
means of identifying each probe or probe/RDC.

Location

This is an informational field only which allows additional identification


information up to 30 characters in addition to the tag number field.

Model
Number

This is a convenient field to store the probe identification information


which can be useful for reordering purposes. Example: 3500-T10-K0300518-0-0-0.

Alloy

This is the field for identification of the probe element alloy for
CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes or the
probe electrode alloy for CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER
probes. Typically the UNS alloy code is used such as K03005 for pipe
grade carbon steel. Alternatively Carbon Steel, 304 SS, Monel 400, or
other appropriate alloy references may be used if within the 8 character
maximum.

Type

For CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes


this is the probe type identified on the probe and detailed in Table 5.1.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 29


For CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER probes the designation
E is for standard electrodes (5cm2 electrode surface area) and F for flush
electrodes (0.5 cm2 electrode surface area).
Span

(For CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes


only). This is identified on the probe and entered in mils even if millimeters
or micrometers display units are selected. The mils range is the only figure
listed on the probe for reasons of space.

Multiplier

(For CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER probes only). This


provides the proportionality constant that applies to different alloys (see
Appendix B). The value may be manually entered or it may be selected
from a listing provided of the common alloys. To select from this list press
F5 before entering the selection box, and move the highlight to the required
alloy. Press Enter to load this value.

Alarm
Rate

This is provided for informational purposes only. Since the corrosion


data is historical, active current alarms in the normal sense are not
applicable.

Reading
Interval

This entry only applies to probes using an RDC, and sets the frequency
with which readings will be taken automatically by the RDC unit. For
information on the selection of the most suitable interval see "Choosing
Probe Reading Frequency" later in this chapter. For the CORRATER or
CORROTEMP CORRATER probe, the only minutes selection is 30
minutes. Shorter times are not permitted since under some operating
conditions cycle times of up to 30 minutes are required to obtain accurate
measurements. For RDC4-COT multiplexer units the minimum time that
MUST be set is 15 minutes. If set to a shorter time it will default to 15
minutes when configuring the RDC4-COT.

Once all the necessary information has been completed on this screen and is correct, press
F2 to save the information. This will then return to the configuration mode - input
selection Figure 5.3.
Repeat the procedure with the next probe or probe/RDC entry until all the necessary entries
have been completed. When the final entry has been saved, use the Esc key as necessary
to move back up the menu tree.
To edit any of the entries, select Configure from the main menu to display the existing
probe list summary. Use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the required probe.
Select Edit from the menu bar. The information entry screen will appear which may then
be edited as required and saved with the F2 key. If you wish to exit without making any
changes use the Esc key.
WARNING! Editing is primarily for use at initial configuration.
Changing probe type, span, multiplier, or time interval after data

30 CORRDATA Reference Manual


has been collected may distort the data and may show up as a
discrepancy for resolution at data merge on the PC (See
"Transferring Collected Data to PC in Chapter 6).
To delete an entry select Configure from the main menu to display the probe list. Select
the required entry with the highlight bar, and select Delete from the menu bar.
Once all the configuration information has been loaded into the PC, the data is ready for
transfer to the Mate I or II, and from there to each probe/RDC combination to configure
the RDC for data collection.
NOTE: If the Mate I or II has been used previously, or used for
initial familiarization, we recommend clearing the Mate I or II memory
completely by following "clearing memory on Mate I or II" section
later in this chapter.
Before loading the configuration information from the PC to the Mate I or II, check that
the "Mate to PC" serial cable assembly, labelled "Mate to PC,"is connected to the correct
serial port of the PC. The cable assembly is provided with a 25 pin connector for the serial
port, and a 25 to 9 pin adapter for use with a 9 pin serial port connection.
Attach the "Mate to RDC" cable to the Mate I or II and plug the Mate I or II into the "Mate
to PC" serial cable assembly. Select Configure from the main menu of the CORRDATA
software, and then Load. Press the green ON switch on the Mate I or II. A short self test
is made before the main menu appears.
WARNING! If a check sum error is indicated see chapter 9 Mate
I & II reprogramming utility.

ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS

Press Setup (F4)

Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 31


Configuration
Options
Mate

RDC

Route

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Mate (F1)


Mate Configuration
AUTO MANUAL CLR
CONF CONF MEM

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Auto Configure (F1)


Connect Mate to PC
PC must be running
CORRDATA Software
START
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press START (F1) to commence the configuration information transfer from the PC to the
Mate I or II. During this process the Mate I or II will display the following message:

32 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Configuring Mate
Please Wait
ABORT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

On completion of the configuration the CORRDATA Mate will display the message:
Mate Configured
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press the red OFF key on the Mate I or II to switch off the unit, and disconnect it from the
serial cable assembly to the PC. The Mate I or II is now configured ready to transfer the
configuration information to any probe/RDC units. Now for the Mate II only, the clock
must be set on the Mate II before it can gather readings directly from probes without
RDC's, as described in the next section. This is required so that the probe readings are
correctly date and time stamped. For probes with RDC units, the controlling clock is in
the RDC and is set by the Mate I or II as described in the section "Configuration of the
RDC" later in this chapter. Exit the CORRDATA PC software if required with the Esc key
and Quit from the main menu.
To configure the RDC units with the CORRDATA Mate see "Configuration of the RDC"
later in this chapter.

Setting the Clock on the Mate II (Mate II only)


This is only required for monitoring of probes without RDC's since probes with RDC's
have their own clock in the RDC. This enables correct date and time stamping of the
recorded probe data. To set the Mate II clock, proceed as follows:
1.

Switch ON the Mate II.

2.

After the self test screen clears, press: SetUp (F4); Mate (F1); MANUAL CONF
(F1); SET TIME (F2); SET (F2). Enter the date and time in the format indicated:

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 33


YY
MM
DD
HH
MM
SS
3.

2 digits for year


2 digits for month (1 to 12 months)
2 digits for date (note 2 = 02)
2 digits for hour (0 to 24 hours)
2 digits for minutes
2 digits for seconds

Press ENTER (F1) to synchronize the clock to the set time.


CAUTION: Check the Mate II clock before each use of the
instrument and adjust if necessary.

System Configuration from Mate I or II.


NOTE: Reading of this section of the chapter may be omitted if the
Mate I or II has been configured directly from the PC. See previous
section in this chapter.
It is generally easier to set up all the probe information on the PC and transfer it to the
Mate I or II, which in turn is used to program any RDC units on the system. However, it
is also possible to configure the system entirely from the Mate I or II, and transfer this
information back to the PC later.
The Mate I or II may be programmed with the probe information for the whole system and
then taken to configure any RDC's on the system. Alternatively, the Mate can be
configured one probe at a time and then used to configure any RDC's as you progress to
various probes and RDC's. Before configuring the Mate, first check that the batteries have
been installed. Switch on the Mate. After the self test screen clears, the main menu is
displayed.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS

Press SetUp (F4)

Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

34 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Mate

Configuration
Options
Phone
RDC Timer

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Select Configure Mate (F1) to program the probe data into the Mate II which will be
used to configure any probes with RDC's. The following screen will be displayed:
Mate Configuration
AUTO MANUAL NEW
CONF CONF PROBE EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

NOTE: Auto configuration (F1) is used for configuration of


the Mate I or II direct from the PC
NOTE: New probe (F3) appears on the Mate II only
For Mate I, press MANUAL CONF (F2). For Mate II, press MANUAL CONF (F2)
and CONFIG ID (F1)
This will display:

Enter ID # > . . < 1-50


ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The system has a capacity of up to 50 probes per route. Each probe or probe with RDC
is identified by its allocated ID number.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 35


Enter the ID number from the keyboard, using CLR (F2) and BkSp (F3) if necessary,
and press ENTER (F1) when complete. The screen then displays:
Enter Probe Tag
>............<
ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

There is a provision for 12 alpha numeric probe identification or tag number characters.
Enter the required designation and press ENTER (F1).
NOTE: Different cursors indicate either alpha or numeric
entries (See Figure 3.5). Use the alpha/numeric keyboard
button to toggle between the modes as required.
NOTE: Additional descriptive probe information such as
company name, location, etc., may only be added on the PC
program, but not on the Mate II.
The next screen involves setting the frequency with which readings are taken if an RDC
is used.
On the RDC CORROSOMETER unit or RDC CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER unit the options are intervals of 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes, or 1, 2,
3, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 hours. For the RDC4-COT multiplexer unit this MUST NOT be set
less than 15 minutes. For the RDC CORRATER unit or the RDC-CORROTEMP
CORRATER unit the hourly settings are the same but the minute setting is limited to
30 minutes due to the automatic cycle time of the unit required for the measurement.
For choice of the most appropriate interval see "Choosing probe reading frequency",
later in this chapter. For the Mate II, if the probe to be read does not have an RDC
enter 0 and press ENTER (F1).
WARNING! Do not select a Mate I unit to read probes
since the unit does not have this capability.
The first of the two selection screens shows the hourly selections.

36 CORRDATA Reference Manual


RDC Time Interval
Enter ZERO if Probe
(1-24) > . . < hours
ENTER CLR mins
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Either enter the number of hours required from the keyboard, using the CLR (F2) if
required and then press ENTER (F1), or press mins (F3) for selection of a minutes
range in which case the display will show the following for an RDC
CORROSOMETER unit or an RDC CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER unit:
RDC Time Interval
Enter ZERO if Probe
(5-30) > . . < minutes
ENTER CLR
hours
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

or the following for an RDC CORRATER unit or an RDC CORROTEMP CORRATER


unit:
RDC Time Interval
Enter ZERO if Probe
(30) > . . < minutes
ENTER CLR
hours
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For a minute selection, only the preset values will be used. Enter the required value and
press ENTER (F1).

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 37


WARNING! When using a Mate II for a probe without an
RDC, make sure that 0 is entered for the time interval.
Otherwise, the Mate II will be looking for an RDC at this
ID number.
The next screen to appear is for selection of the element alloy of CORROSOMETER
or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes or electrode alloy of CORRATER or
CORROTEMP CORRATER probes being monitored.

Enter Probe Alloy


>........<
ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Up to 8 alpha numeric characters may be used for the alloy description. This may be
an abbreviated verbal description such as "C.Steel", "304 S.S.", or the 6 digit UNS
material code designation on the probe model or electrode set such as "K03005" or
"S30400". Type in the description and press ENTER (F1). This will display a
selection screen for the probe type.

Enter Probe Type > <


(A thru F)
TYPE
ENTER CLR
LIST
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To see a listing of the possible selections press TYPE LIST (F3).


A=WIRE E=CA
B=TUBE F=CA-FLUSH
C=STRIP
D=CYLINDRICAL
EXIT

>

>

>

F1
F2
F3
Press EXIT (F4) to return to the selection screen.

>
F4

38 CORRDATA Reference Manual


If a CORROSOMETER probe is selected (Type A, B, C, or D), a prompt will be
displayed to check if the probe is a CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe.
Is this a CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER Probe?
NO

YES

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press NO (F1) or YES (F4) as appropriate.


CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes are marked with
both their type A, B, C or D, and their probe span in "mils" (0.001 inch). For additional
reference the probe type and span are included in Figure 5.5.
CORROSOMETER OR CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER PROBE ELEMENT

TYPE

SPAN
mils

mm

Strip Loop S4

1.0

0.025

25

Flush Element S4*


Atmospheric Element S4*
Strip Loop S8
Tube Loop T4

2.0

0.051

51

4.0

0.102

102

C
B

Flush Element S8*


Atmospheric Element S8*
Tube Loop T8

Flush Element S10*


Cylindrical Element T10

B
D

5.0

0.127

127

Flush Element S20*


Cylindrical Element T20
Wire Loop Element W40

B
D
A

10.0

0.254

254

Wire Loop Element W45

11.25

0.285

286

Flush Element S40*


Wire Loop Element W80

B
A

20.0

0.508

508

Cylindrical Element T50

25.0

0.635

635

* Indicates corrosion occurs only from one side of element.


Figure 5.5 CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER Probe Types and Spans
CAUTION: CORROSOMETER Model 2500, 3500, or
4500 probes are designated as a "cylindrical" element,

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 39


not a "tube" element which refers only to "tube loop"
elements.
CORRATER probes either have standard projecting electrodes or flush electrodes. The
former have a surface area of 5 cm2 per electrode and the latter have a surface area of
0.5 cm2 per electrode. The letters E and F on the probe type screen have been added for
these two selections.
CAUTION:
Different RDC units are required for
CORROSOMETER and CORRATER probes as
designated on the outside of the RDC boxes.
CORROTEMP versions of these units must be used to
read the temperature on CORROTEMP versions of the
probes.
If an incorrect selection between CORROSOMETER and CORRATER has been made,
a subsequent error message will be displayed when the information is used to configure
the RDC unit.
Enter the appropriate probe type and press ENTER (F1). For the case of an RDC
CORROSOMETER the following screen will appear:
Enter Probe Span
> . . . . < Mils
ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The CORROSOMETER probe span is specified on the probe or may be obtained from
Table 5.5.
For the RDC CORRATER the corresponding screen requests input of the Alloy
Multiplier, as the following screen depicts.
Enter Alloy Mult.
>. . . . <
ENTER CLR

>

>

BkSp

>

EXIT

>

40 CORRDATA Reference Manual


F1

F2

F3

F4

Enter the appropriate span or multiplier and press ENTER (F1). The screen will
confirm the configuration information for this RDC is complete, and display the ID
number and Tag.
WARNING! The span is always entered in mils even if the
PC display is selected for millimeters or micrometers. The
probe span is designated on the probe in mils.

Mate Configured for


ID # . .
Tag . . . . . . . . . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press EXIT (F4) to complete the entry for this RDC unit and return to the second
configuration options screen.
At this point, the information for this particular RDC has been completely loaded into
the Mate and is now ready for the next entry, or for loading directly to the RDC unit.
WARNING! Reconfiguring a probe ID number will cause
loss of existing data on the Mate I or II. To avoid this, the
probe should be designated with a new ID. Editing of probe
configuration may be done on the PC, but this may distort
the existing stored data.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 41


Configuration of Probes with RDC's
Switch on the Mate I or II. After the self test screen clears, the main menu is displayed.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press SetUp (F4)


Configuration
Options
Mate

RDC

Route

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Select RDC (F2) to display the screen:

Enter ID # > . . < 1-50


ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Enter the number of the RDC unit to be configured using CLR (F2) or BkSp (F3) if
required.

42 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Press ENTER (F1) to give the following screen:
RDC Configuration
Connect Mate to RDC
DATE CONF TEST
TIME RDC
MODE EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

When configuring an RDC for the first time, it is necessary to set its internal clock that
is used for date stamping the recorded probe values. The clock on the RDC unit itself
has a battery backup so that it is unaffected by changing the main RDC batteries. Once
set the clock should not normally require resetting. In fact, resetting the clock will
cause loss of existing data in the RDC.
It is recommended that clock times are NOT
NOTE:
corrected for daylight savings times or summer time as this
complicates date and time stamping of corrosion data.
Attach the "Mate to RDC" cable to the Mate I or II, if not already connected, and
remove the protective cover from the connector on the front of the RDC. Plug in the
cable from the Mate I or II.
Before configuring the RDC, check that the unit has been set up and the batteries
connected as described in the "Installation of RDC unit" in Chapter 3. Press
DATE/TIME (F1) to display the following screen.
RDC Clock Set To
mm dd, yy hh:mm:ss
READ

SET

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To check the existing time, if previously set, on the RDC, press READ (F1). To set or
reset the time press SET (F2) to display the screen.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 43


Set Date & Time
YYMMDDHHMMSS
>
<
ENTER CLR
BkSp
EXIT

>
F1

>

>

>

F2

F3

F4

Type in the current year, month, date, hour (24 hour), minutes, and seconds, using the
CLR key (F2) and BkSp key (F3) as necessary. Once the entry is correct and the
selected time is reached, press ENTER (F1) to set in the selected time. The previous
screen reappears to confirm the entry.
RDC Clock Set To
mm dd, yy hh:mm:ss
READ

SET

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

This completes the clock entry and the RDC unit may now be configured for the probe
parameters.
To exit the clock setting screen, press EXIT (F4) and return to the screen.
RDC Configuration
DATE CONF
TIME RDC

TEST
MODE

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To prepare the Mate I or II for loading the configuration information into the RDC
press CONF RDC (F2). If the RDC to be configured is a CORROSOMETER unit the
display will be:

44 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Mate connected
to RDC-CO
NEW
START
PROBE

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

NOTE: If the unit to be configured is an RDC CORRATER,


RDC-CA will appear on the screen instead of RDC-CO for an
RDC CORROSOMETER.
To commence the configuration press START (F1). If the Mate I or II is loading
correctly, the following screens will be displayed.
Configuring RDC
Please Wait

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Followed by:
RDC # . .
Configured
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Pressing EXIT (F4) will return the screen to the RDC configuration screen ready for
the next RDC unit.
If there should be any problems with the RDC unit, the probe, or its connections, one
of the following messages will appear:

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 45


WARNING MESSAGE

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Mate Not Connected to RDC-CO

C h e c k t h a t R D C
CORROSOMETER unit is being
used, not a CORRATER unit.

Mate Not Connected to RDC-CA

Check that the RDC CORRATER


unit is being used, not a
CORROSOMETER unit.

No Response from RDC . . .

Check RDC unit batteries and


connections between Mate and
RDC.

This RDC Already Configured . . .

Check that correct RDC is being


configured, continue if RDC
number is being changed.

WARNING! Reconfiguration of an RDC is possible but


it will erase all previous data if the same RDC number is
used. To avoid loss of data, collect the data and then
reconfigure the RDC with a new number.

Configuration of Probes Without RDC's (Mate II only)


Probes without an RDC do not need any further configuration, unlike probes with
RDC's. It is recommended that probes without RDC's are physically labelled with
their ID number. This should help prevent a wrong probe being read accidentally to
a particular ID probe file. Probes with RDC's have the benefit of the RDC
electronics to prevent such an occurrence.

Choosing Probe Reading Frequency on RDC's


There are three factors to consider when deciding the most suitable probe reading
interval. These are:
1) The resolution required on the data.
2) The type of RDC.
3) The frequency of collecting probe data from the RDC.

46 CORRDATA Reference Manual


CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP Units
Battery Life (days)

With 14Ah Battery Pack

Single Channel

RDC4

5 mins

39.5

---

10 mins

68.6

---

15 mins

90.9

30.8

30 mins

134.6

55.1

1 hour

177.2

90.9

2 hours

210.5

134.6

3 hours

224.6

160.3

4 hours

232.4

177.2

6 hours

240.7

198.1

8 hours

245.1

210.5

12 hours

249.6

224.6

24 hours

254.4

240.7

Reading Interval

Figure 5.6 Battery Life with RDC-CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP


NOTE:
Battery life values are based on a 20% safety
margin on nominal battery capacities at 25oC. Battery
capacity is reduced approximately 15% at -40oF (-40oC) and
approximately 40% at 160oF (70oC).
In general, the greater the number of readings taken the better is the resolution on
corrosion events. This must be balanced against battery life, battery costs and the
frequency with which data will be collected.

Chapter 5 System Configuration Procedures 47

CORRATER
Reading
Interval

Battery Life (days) With 14 Ah Battery Pack


Minimum

Typical

Maximum

20 minute cycle
time

5 minute cycle
time

2 minute cycle
time

30 mins

16.4

55.1

104.5

1 hour

30.8

90.9

148.9

2 hour

55.1

134.6

189.2

3 hour

74.7

160.3

207.9

4 hour

90.9

177.2

218.8

6 hour

116.0

198.1

230.8

8 hour

134.6

210.5

237.3

12 hour

160.3

224.6

244.2

24 hour

198.1

240.7

251.5

Figure 5.7 Battery Life with RDC-CORRATER


Using the tables shown in Figure 5.7 and 5.8 the reading intervals should be chosen
so that the battery pack will last at least through the time period between collection
of data from the RDC.

Clearing Memory on CORRDATA Mate I or II


Normally it will not be necessary to clear the memory on the Mate I or II unless
extraneous entries have been made, for example, when initially experimenting with
the system. Alternatively, if the equipment is to be transferred to a new location, or
is used on more than one data collection route then it is recommended to clear the
memory on the Mate to avoid conflict or the addition of other probe data to the probe
list. To clear the memory of the Mate I or II it is necessary to enter the Configure
mode. From the initial screen,

48 CORRDATA Reference Manual


ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For the Mate I press SetUp (F4) and CLRMEM (F3). For the Mate II press SetUp
(F4), Mate (F1), MANUAL CONF (F2), and CLR MEM (F3). On either Mate I
or II the following screen will appear:

CLEARING MEMORY
Please Wait

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

This will take approximately 30 seconds to clear, indicating that the memory is now
cleared.

Clearing Memory on RDC


Normally this will not be necessary, since reconfiguration of the RDC automatically
clears the memory of any previous data. The memory back-up battery can be shut
off (See item 5, fig 3.2) to clear memory, after the main battery has also been
disconnected.

49

Chapter 6
Normal Operating Procedures
Once the system has been configured as described in Section 5, data may be collected from probes
and RDC's at any time for transfer to the PC. Probes with RDC's normally will be left to
automatically collect data, and later at some convenient time, the data may be gathered. The
advantage of probes with RDC's is the improved resolution of corrosion dynamics due to the
increased reading frequency.

Collecting Stored Data from RDC's


With the Mate I or II configured, proceed to the first Probe/RDC location to be
interrogated. Connect the "Mate to RDC" cable and switch on the Mate I or II. After the
self test screen clears, the main menu is displayed.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The following screen will appear. Press Read (F1) which displays the screen:
What to Read?
PROBE

RDC

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For an RDC press RDC (F3) to display:

50 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Connect Mate to RDC
START

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Remove the protective cover on the connector of the front of the RDC unit and connect the
cable from the Mate I or II.
Press Start (F1).
The following screen will show during initial interrogation and data collection by the Mate
I or II.
Interrogating RDC
Please Wait
ABORT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

If the following message appears check the connection between the Mate and RDC and try
the reading again. If the same message appears, check the RDC batteries as described later
in this chapter.
WARNING!
No Response from RDC
Try again in 30 sec.
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Once data collection commences the following screen will appear briefly.

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 51


Collecting Data
Please Wait
ABORT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

This latter process takes only a second or two depending on the amount of data to transfer
so that they may barely be visible unless there is a problem with either process.
On completion of the data collection, the screen will display the identification of the RDC
from which data has been collected as follows:
Data Collected from
RDC # . .
Tag . . . . . . . . . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

If for any reason there is a problem with data collection, one of several messages may
appear.

52 CORRDATA Reference Manual


WARNING MESSAGE

CORRECTIVE ACTION

No response from RDC


Try again in 30 sec.
(Repeating after two tries)

Check RDC unit batteries

RDC not configured

Reconfigure the RDC

Probe life exceeded


(CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER Probe Only)

Data has been collected but probe is


nearing the end of its life. A replacement
should be installed promptly.

Probe over 80% used


(CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP
CORROSOMETER Probe Only)

Order a replacement probe.

Data collection is complete and pressing EXIT (F4) returns to the initial screen shown at
the start of this section ready for the next RDC unit.
Remove the "Mate to RDC" cable from the RDC, replace the protective cover on the RDC
unit connector and switch off the Mate I or II.

Collecting Data from Probes without RDC's (Mate II only)


With the Mate II configured, proceed to the first probe location without an RDC. Attach
the "CORROSOMETER" cable to the Mate II if the probe is a CORROSOMETER or a
CORROTEMP probe. Attach the "CORRATER" cable to the Mate II if the probe is a
CORRATER probe. Switch on the Mate II. After the self test screen clears, the main
menu is displayed.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Read (F1) which displays the screen:

SetUp

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 53


What to Read?
PROBE MODE

RDC EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Select PROBE (F1) to display:

Read CA or CO Probe
by
ID

TAG

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To select the probe by ID number, select ID (F1); to select the probe by TAG number,
select TAG (F2)
NOTE: Search by ID is more rapid than search by TAG.
Enter the appropriate ID or TAG for the selected probe, and press ENTER (F1). For a
CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe the screen will display:
Connect Mate to
CORROSOMETER PROBE
ID: . . . . . . . . . . . .
START
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For a CORRATER probe the screen will display:

54 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Connect Mate to
CORRATER PROBE
ID: . . . . . . . . . .
START
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Check carefully that the correct probe to be monitored has been selected and press START
(F1). The screen will indicate that the probe is being read as it occurs. This time will vary
in length according to the probe being monitored. When complete, the probe reading will
be displayed as follows for a CORROSOMETER probe:
CO PROBE READINGS
Div: . . . Check: . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

or as follows for a CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe:

CO PROBE READINGS
Div: . . . Check: . . .
Temp: . . . degs C
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

or as follows for a CORRATER probe:

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 55


CA PROBE READINGS
RATE: . . .
IMBALANCE: . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The readings with their time and date are automatically recorded by the Mate II, each time the
probe is read. When readings are complete, switch OFF the Mate II and proceed to the next probe
to be monitored.

Displaying Probe Data


After collecting probe data, it is possible to review the last reading on the Mate I or II. In
fact it is possible to view the last reading of any location, where data has been collected on
the Mate I or II.
To view the data, switch on the Mate I or II. After the self test screen clears, the main
menu is displayed.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Disp (F2) to show the screen.


Display Data on Mate
by
CURR
PROBE ID
TAG
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To display the last recorded reading from the most recently read probe, press CURR
PROBE (F1). To select the reading from a different probe, press ID (F2) and the display
will request the ID number.

56 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Enter ID (1-50)
>..<
ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Type in the ID number and press ENTER (F1).


Alternatively, to select a probe by it's tag, press TAG (F3) and the display will request the
tag number:
Enter Probe Tag
>. . . . . . . .<
ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Type in the tag number including trailing spaces to fill the field and press ENTER (F1).
This search is not as fast as for the ID number. During the search the following screen is
displayed:
SEARCHING FOR PROBE
Please Wait
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

After completing the probe search, data is displayed in the following manner:
Two screens are used to display data which vary slightly between standard and
CORROTEMP units. For example, reading a RDC CORROSOMETER the first screen
will display:

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 57


ID: . . . . . . . . . .
Type . . . Span: . . . . .
Div: . . . Chk: . . . (. . .)
MORE
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

"Div" is the probe reading, where 0 to 1,000 is the useful probe life or span. "Check" tests
the integrity of the reference element, and should be within 25 of its initial value given
in the parentheses.
The second screen, viewed by pressing MORE (F1) will display:
. . . . Readings @ . . hrs
Alloy: . . . . . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For CORROTEMP versions the temperature is added to the second screen as follows:
. . . . Readings @ . . time
Alloy: . . . . . . . .
Temp:. . . . Deg C
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

On probes with RDC's, the number and frequency of readings is indicated. On probes
without RDC's (Mate II only), the reading frequency is set to 0. The number of readings
is indicated to a maximum number of 2048 for CORROSOMETER RDC's, 1024 for
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER RDC's, CORRATER RDC's, and 512 for
CORROTEMP CORRATER RDC's. For the Mate II reading probes directly the maximum
number of stored readings is 256. At the maximum number of readings the oldest reading
will be discarded whenever a new reading is added.
NOTE: During the RECEIVE operation the new data and the old
data will be merged in the current file and the old data will be
converted to a backup file automatically with a .BAK extension.

58 CORRDATA Reference Manual


To return to the main menu screen press EXIT (F4). The rest of the collected probe
readings must be viewed on the PC where the data is shown graphically.

Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP


CORROSOMETER Probe of the same type on an RDC
The need for a replacement probe is indicated on the Mate I or II when taking a reading,
and also on the probe list of the CORRDATA Software. A warning to order or replace a
probe "soon" is given at over 80% of probe life, and to replace "now" at over 95% of probe
life.
When replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe with
another one of the same type, it is necessary for the check reading value of the new probe
to be reset so that any subsequent deterioration can be tested. This is the purpose of the
following sequence. If this is not done and the probe is simply replaced, the difference
between the check reading of the new probe and the old probe may be sufficient to trigger
the check reading alarm signal.
On a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe with an RDC, the
Mate I or II will indicate the end of probe life when data is collected from the RDC. End
of useful probe life corresponds to half the probe element thickness. Similarly if there has
been a series of faulty check readings this will also be indicated so that replacement can
be made.
NOTE: Even if faulty check readings have occurred, probe data will
still be collected. The graphical display on the PC however, will
indicate a faulty check by a half thickness graph line.
After the collection of the probe data indicating that the probe needs replacement, plug the
Mate I or II cable into the RDC before disconnecting the probe. This suspends probe data
collection and avoids spurious readings while the RDC and probe are disconnected.
Unscrew the probe cable connector and carefully replace the probe with the new probe.
Make sure the probe and plug connections are clean. Tighten the connector clamp ring
firmly to ensure a good connection.
On the Mate I or II, select SET UP (F1) from the main menu.

Mate

>

Configuration
Options
Phone
RDC Timer

>

>

EXIT

>

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 59


F1

F2

F3

F4

Press RDC (F2)

Enter ID # > . . < 1-50


ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Enter the ID number and press ENTER (F1).


RDC Configuration
DATE
TIME

CONF
RDC

TEST
MODE

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Select CONF RDC (F2).


Connect Mate
to RDC-CO
SET
NEW
START MUX PROBE EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Select NEW PROBE (F3), and EXIT (F4) twice to return to the main menu. Data
collection of the new probe will commence, taking account of the new initial check
reading.
NOTE:
When changing out the CORROSOMETER or
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe with the same type, it is only
necessary to reconfigure the RDC for the new check reading. No
reconfiguration is required of the PC or the Mate I or II since the same
probe type is used. If a different probe type is installed follow the
procedure in the next section of this chapter.

60 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP


CORROSOMETER Probe of a different type on an RDC
When replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe with
a different probe type or span, the simplest method is to first collect the data before
disconnecting the old probe. Secondly, reconfigure the Mate I or II and RDC with a new
ID number for this location by entering the necessary probe parameters for the new probe.
After replacement and re-connection of the new probe, the RDC must be configured for the
new ID number. If the new ID number has already been entered on the PC (see "System
Configuration from the PC in Chapter 5 ) and the Mate I or II configured accordingly, then
proceed with configuration of the RDC as described in "Configuration of probes with
RDC's" in Chapter 5. If the PC and Mate I or II have not been configured for a new ID
number, follow "System Configuration from Mate I or II" in Chapter 5. The transfer of the
information to the PC will be done during the Receive operation and automatically entered
into the probe list.

Replacing a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP


CORROSOMETER Probe of the same type without an RDC
(Mate II only)
It is only necessary to reset the initial check reading when changing out a probe of the same
type, so that any subsequent check alarm will be correctly detected. After collecting the
old probe data, switch ON the Mate II, select SetUp (F4), and Mate (F1) to display:
Mate Configuration
AUTO MANUAL NEW
CONF CONF PROBE EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press NEW PROBE (F3) and Select the ID of the probe being changed and press Enter
(F1) to zero the initial check reading and adjust the installed date. Replace the old probe
if not already done so. Press EXIT (F4) twice to get to opening menu screen. Then read
the new probe in the normal way. This will then generate a new initial check (which will
display in the parentheses) and will change the installed date. The probe list on the PC will
indicate the new installation date.

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 61


Replacing CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER
Probe Electrodes
A CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER probe may be changed out without
needing to reconfigure the Mate, RDC, or PC, provided the probe alloy, or probe type
(either flush or standard) has not been changed. If you specifically wish to record the
change-out time, follow the same procedure as for the CORROSOMETER probe.
With CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER probes, it is not apparent from the
reading when electrodes should be changed as it is with the CORROSOMETER probes,
which indicate when their useful life has been consumed. Consequently, there will be no
automatic message appearing on the Mate I or II to warn of the need for an electrode
change-out.
The following are the indications to be watched:
Indication

Action

1)

An abnormal increase in corrosion rate.

1)

Inspect probe for bridging of


electrodes, particularly by
material at the base of
electrodes. - Clean as
necessary.

2)

An abnormal falling off or decrease in


corrosion rate particularly in high
corrosion rates (over 20 mpy).

2a)

Inspect probe electrodes.


Initial diameter 3/16"
(0.188", 4.78mm). Replace
when diameter is down to
5/32" (0.156" 3.96mm).

2b)

Inspect probe electrodes for


any non-conductive deposits
reducing effective electrodes
area, such as oil film,
paraffins. Replace electrodes.

CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER probes require that the electrodes are always
fully submerged in a sufficiently conductive electrolyte. Consequently, the probes should
NOT be positioned in an environment where:
1)
2)

Electrodes are in an air pocket or cavity.


Non-conductive deposits form on the electrodes, to reduce their effective area
(corrosion rate measurement depends directly on the fixed surface area of the
electrodes).

For further details on the CORRATER theory see Appendix B.

62 CORRDATA Reference Manual


In general, when using CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER probes over an
extended period it is advisable to remove and inspect the probe at intervals, initially each
two weeks depending on the contaminants in the system, to check if cleaning the probe
significantly reduces the corrosion rate. The results of these tests will determine if this
frequency of cleaning is necessary, or whether a longer period may be allowed.
In a number of instances, it may be useful to use the CORRATER or CORROTEMP
CORRATER probe electrodes as weight loss coupons against which to correlate this
integrated corrosion rate against the probe. This removes the question that is often asked
about how to compare CORRATER probe readings with coupons (for more details see
RCS Application Notes AN101 and AN102).
If the probe electrode alloy or probe type is changed, then the RDC must be reconfigured.
In fact if the probe alloy is changed it will be preferable to reallocate an ID number to
avoid two different alloy corrosion rates appearing on the same graph of the PC. Reconfiguring an RDC is the same as initial configuration which is described in Chapter 5.

RDC Battery Check and Replacement


A main battery test switch is provided on the RDC, by a small push button next to the
battery connector onto the circuit board (See Figure 3.2). Press the button to test. If the
battery is in good condition the red indicator next to the push button will illuminate. If the
red indicator does not illuminate or the batteries are to be replaced as a routine matter
proceed as follows:
1)

Disconnect battery connector from circuit board by squeezing the clips at


the sides of the connector (4) and pulling the connector.

2)

Remove the battery holding support and replace the battery.

3)

Replace the battery connector and push the test button (2) to check the new
battery is operating correctly, by illumination of the red indicator (3).

4)

Do not switch off the back up battery during this main battery replacement.

WARNING! Near the very end of battery life there may be a


marginal period where the LED will light but the battery will not
perform under full load conditions. This period is normally only a
few hours, but may be affected by ambient temperature changes.

Transferring Collected Data to PC


Once a set of data has been collected by the Mate I or II, it is a simple matter to transfer the
information to the PC.

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 63


First, start the CORRDATA software program from your shell or menu, or from the DOS
prompt by changing to the CORRDATA directory and typing CD2.
To clear the initial identification screen, press ENTER and the main menu will appear.

Figure 6.1 CORRDATA PC Software Main Menu


Select Receive on the main menu. The PC will indicate when it is "Ready to Receive".
Attach the "Mate to RDC" cable to the Mate II.

Switch ON the Mate II.

ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS

Select Dump (F3)

Read

Disp

Dump SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

64 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Connect Mate to PC
PC must be running
CORRDATA Software
START
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Connect the Mate II to the serial port of the PC with the cable assembly supplied, using the
25 pin connector or the 25 to 9 pin adapter as necessary.
WARNING! Check that the cable is connected to the correct
COM1 or COM2 port corresponding to the version of the
CORRDATA software installed (See Chapter 3 "CORRDATA PC
Software").
To commence data transfer press START (F1). Warnings will show on the Mate II screen
if no communication occurs, or if any bad communication is detected.
WARNING

ACTION

No response from PC
Check connections.

Check connections and


verify that correct serial
port is being used.

Error while dumping


data. TRY AGAIN.

Bad communication.
Repeat the transfer
operation.

During copying of the data to the PC, the following screen will appear on the Mate II,
showing the data copying by ID number.
Dumping Data to PC
Please Wait
RDC # . .
ABORT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The PC will show the file copying as it occurs, and the subsequent merging of the new data
into the existing data files. If any configuration mismatches are detected between the Mate

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 65


I or II and the PC these will be displayed for resolution by a series of options, as described
in the next section of this chapter.
On completion of data transfer, the Mate I or II will revert to its normal main menu. At the
time of merging the new data into the existing files in the CORRDATA directory, backup
files of the previous data are also created with a .BAK extension in the same directory.
The Mate I or II also retains the new data files after the copying process, thereby acting as
a new data backup file. Any new files that have been set up on the Mate I or II in the field
will automatically be added to the probe list, provided they do not conflict with any other
file entries.

Resolving any Data Merging Conflicts


Normally conflicts with data merging on the PC are unlikely to occur, but there are a
number of alternatives to select if they do arise.
Probe monitoring information on the CORRDATA system can be stored at up to three
locations. These are the PC, the Mate I or II, and the RDC. Since the Mate I or II can be
programmed independently of the PC, differences can be generated between the Mate I or
II and the PC. Such changes could affect the accuracy of the data in some instances if
unregulated merging were permitted.
WARNING! If an RDC unit is reconfigured by a Mate I or II, the
previously stored data on that RDC will be deleted. If an ID on the
Mate I or II entry is reconfigured by the PC, that data in the Mate
will be deleted.
If an RDC is to be reconfigured because of a probe type change, the data from the RDC
should first be collected, and then the RDC should be reconfigured using a new ID number
(See "Replacing probes" earlier in this chapter).
When the PC attempts to merge data from the Mate II following the Receive operation, any
discrepancy in the key configuration fields will be displayed in the following manner.

66 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Figure 6.2 Resolving Conflicts during RECEIVE operation


Of the key configuration fields, only probe type, probe span, probe multiplier or time
interval actually can change the basic corrosion data. Discrepancies in these fields will not
allow merging, even if F2=MERGE is pressed. Discrepancies in the other configuration
fields permit F2=MERGE, since these fields are only descriptive. In this case the existing
PC fields will be retained.
F3=OVERWRITE will cause the existing file on the PC to be overwritten by the new
configuration and data from the Mate II, deleting the previous data on the PC.
F4=RENAME enables the configuration and data on the Mate II to be saved as a separate
file leaving the existing one un-disturbed. If this option is selected, a box will be displayed
for the pathname (i.e. directory and filename) where the data is to be saved. The current
CORRDATA directory may be used, provided a different filename is used from any of the
existing files.
F5=DELETE deletes the file received from the mate, and leaves the existing file on the PC
intact.

Archiving and Retrieving Old Data Files


The basic CORRDATA software provides for saving of files one at a time for archiving
purposes, and for retrieving files for viewing one at a time. Any files saved are
automatically given the extension .SAV to avoid any overwriting even if the files are saved
to the CORRDATA directory. For archiving, sub-directories should be set up for the
required time periods (such as CD_MAR94) for storage of data at that time. Each file will
store up to 9,000 data points.
To save the current data to a sub-directory, first create the sub-directory in DOS at the
required location before entering the CORRDATA program. Start the CORRDATA
program and select Save, to select the directory as shown. Pathname is initially defaulted
to the current directory. Press Tab to display files in this directory.

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 67

Figure 6.3 CORRDATA PC Software File Saving


Use the 8 or 9 keys to make the required selection, and press the Tab key. This will
display the selected file into the "Save to" box with the cursor and a .SAV file extension,
and leave a gray highlight bar at the selected probe in the file box above. Modify the
pathname as necessary for the destination sub-directory (such as c:\CORRDATA\MAR
94\RDC_11.SAV) already created in DOS. Press INSERT KEY to change to insert mode
(shown by thin cursor, typeover shown by thick cursor). Press Enter to save the file , or
use Esc to leave this screen without saving.
NOTE: In the CORRDATA basic software, data files can only be
saved to an archive directory one at a time.
Archived data files may also be retrieved for the full viewing and analysis capability of the
CORRDATA program via the Display menu. Only one data file at a time may be viewed
from the archive files in the basic software. Exiting the View or Range on the Display submenu to List or back to the main menu will automatically cancel the archived data file
selection. However range zooming and rate calculations on graphs are fully operational
on the retrieved file before exiting as described.
NOTE: A retrieved file is never added to the probe list in the current
CORRDATA program directory. This may only be achieved by
changing the filename outside the program to an unused ID number,
installing the file in the CORRDATA program directory, and then
selecting this ID number through the NEW entry screen in the
Configure mode, and View in the display mode.

68 CORRDATA Reference Manual


To Retrieve an archived file, select File from the main menu, and Retrieve from the submenu. The box that appears will show a pathname box with a cursor present, and a blank
file box. Modify the pathname as required to select the required directory and files using
wildcards and extensions as convenient to simplify the displayed list of files (example:
C:\CORRDATA\CD_MAR94\*.SAV). This will produce a display similar to the
following.

Figure 6.4 CORRDATA PC Software File Retrieval


Press Tab to switch from the pathname box to a highlight bar in the file list box. Use the
8 or 9 arrows to select the required RDC and press Enter. Press Display and View to
display the graph. The graph may be zoomed as required, and corrosion rates displayed
with the cursor keys and Enter. To return to the current operating probe list, press Esc and
List.

Chapter 6 Normal Operating Procedures 69

71

Chapter 7
Corrosion Data Analysis
In the basic software package the corrosion data may be viewed one probe at a time in a graphical
format which is generally the most useful to interpret corrosion events and trends.
Once data has been collected by the Mate I or II and transferred to the PC, the CORRDATA software
program is ready to display that data.
It should be made clear here the fundamental difference between CORROSOMETER or and
CORRATER probes. CORROSOMETER probes directly measure metal loss whereas CORRATER
probes directly measure corrosion rate. A single reading from a CORRATER prove gives the corrosion
rate at that time. For a CORROSOMETER probe the metal loss over some finite period of time must
be used to calculate corrosion rate.
NOTE:
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes are
CORROSOMETER probes with a temperature measurement sensor
added, and CORROTEMP CORRATER probes are CORRATER probes
with a temperature sensor added.
In a sense the CORROSOMETER measurement can be likened to an automobile odometer or
mileometer, where the CORRATER measurement can be likened to the speedometer.
For a CORROSOMETER probe, the "current corrosion rate" must actually be calculated on the metal
loss occurring over some finite period of time, normally ranging from a few hours to a few days. Hence
for the CORROSOMETER probe corrosion rate is always a calculated number.
The Mate II collects corrosion data both from probes with RDC's, and directly from probes without
RDC's. The advantage of RDC's is to provide much higher frequency of measurements and a much
improved resolution of corrosion dynamics. The graphical display of RDC generated data is similar
to data generated by individual probe readings, in that straight lines are drawn between the individual
readings. The only difference between the two types of data is that data points from direct probe
measurements are identified with small circles around each point.

72 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Displaying CORROSOMETER and
CORROSOMETER Metal Loss Data

CORROTEMP

To display any of the current CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER metal


loss data, it is first necessary to select the sub-directory containing the CORRDATA program
and type the command CD2 .
NOTE: Selection of the sub-directory CORRDATA and issuing of the
command CD2 may be incorporated into your PC shell, menu, or
Windows to give direct entry to the CORRDATA program.
Select Display from the main menu and then List from the sub-menu to display the current
probe list.

Figure 7.1 Probe Display Selection

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 73


CAUTION: Metal Loss versus time graphs are available for
CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER
probes, and only Corrosion Rate versus time graphs are
available for CORRATER. However, Corrosion Rate for
CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER
probes may be computed over any particular period by use of
the cursors on the graph (see the next section of this
chapter).
A probe list summary of all the probes on the system will be added to the screen. To select the
required CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probes use the cursor
keys. Press Esc to return to the display sub-menu, and View to display a metal loss against
time graph such as the following.

Figure 7.2 CORROSOMETER Probe Metal Loss Graph from an RDC


NOTE: If a probe has not been selected from the probe list or no probe
data has been collected for the selected probe or only a single data point
has been collected, a blank graph will briefly appear and then disappear
when VIEW is selected.
Initially the y-axis of the graph is scaled to the full span of the probe life e.g. a T10 probe has
a 5 mil span, a T20 has a 10 mil span (see Table 5.1) and the x-axis has a time period
corresponding to the period of data collected, up to a maximum of 9,000 readings depending
on the type of data. The last recorded probe data is on the right hand side of the screen.

74 CORRDATA Reference Manual


NOTE: Number of readings maximun per file is as follows:
RDC-CO - 9048 data points
RDC-CA - 4524 data points
RDC-COT & RDC-CAT - 2262 data points
Direct CO, COT, CA or CAT probes - 1131 data points
Once the file is filled to its maximun size the oldest data is discarded as new data is added. If
data older than this is to be kept, this may be done by saving the data to a separate file at
intervals as described in Chapter 6 "Archiving and Retrieving Old Data Files".
On the X-axis the scale is identified in days. The date of the last recorded reading is shown on
the bottom of the graph (for example, on the above graph the last data was recorded on April
2, 1992, where April 2 is from 16.0 to 17.0. The first day is from 0.0 to 1.0)

Editing and Analyzing CORROSOMETER Probe Graphs


Select the required portion of the graph with the vertical cursors. To adjust the cursor for this
purpose, use the 6 or 7 arrow keys to move the cursor, and the Space bar to switch between
the two cursors.
NOTE: Initially the cursor lines are on the sides of the graph and may
not be readily visible. The selected cursor at entry is the left hand line.
Once the desired selection has been made press Enter. The corrosion rate will be calculated
and displayed along with the start and finish dates corresponding to the cursor positions. The
corrosion rate is determined by Linear Regression (i.e. the slope of the best straight line through
the selected data)
WARNING! No corrosion rates or dates are displayed in this box
until one or other of the cursor lines has been moved, and the Enter
key pressed.

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 75

Figure 7.3 CORROSOMETER Metal Loss Graph from an RDC with Rate and Date Display

To zoom in on the corrosion data graph press Esc to return to the display sub-menu and select
Ranges. Choose either the X-Select or Y-Select as required. If the Y-Select is chosen the
graph will reappear with two horizontal cursors lines at the top and bottom of the graph.
Use the 8 or 9 keys to move the cursor lines, and the Space bar to toggle between the two
cursors as shown in Figure 7.4. When you are satisfied with the selection press Esc.
If you also wish to zoom in on the X-axis choose the X-Select. The graph will reappear with
the X range zoomed in. Use the 7 or 6 keys to move the cursor lines and the Space bar to
toggle between cursors, and to select the required range. Press Esc twice and View to display
the zoomed in graph.

76 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Figure 7.4 CORROSOMETER Probe Selecting Y-range


Re-entering Ranges on the display sub-menu will cause the X and Y axes to return to the fully
zoomed out ranges ready for the next selection.

Figure 7.5 CORROSOMETER Probe Selecting X-Range


The metal loss graph line will normally be thick for most or all of the graph (2 pixels wide) but
may be thinner near the end of probe life (1 pixel). This is determined by the condition of the
CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe check reading. The probe

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 77


check reading should remain constant within 2.5%. If it does not, it indicates possible
damage to the probe's internal reference element. A bad check reading condition is recorded
along with the metal loss and causes the graph to change to a thin line.
The thin graph line indicates that this part of the metal loss graph may be suspect, and that the
probe should be replaced. Corrosion occurring on the reference element will generally cause
a decrease in the recorded metal loss.

Displaying CORRATER and CORROTEMP CORRATER


Corrosion Rate Data
The method for selection and display is very similar to that of the CORROSOMETER probes.
From the main menu of the CORRDATA software select Display and then List from the submenu.
The probe list summary will be added to the screen and the required CORRATER or
CORROTEMP CORRATER probe may be selected with the cursor keys followed by the Enter
key. Press Esc to return to the display sub-menu, and View to display a corrosion rate versus
time graph such as the following:

Figure 7.6 CORRATER Probe Graph


Initially the Y-axis is set to 50 mpy (1.25 mmpy, or 1250 mpy) or 640 mpy (16.25mmpy or
16,250 mpy) depending on the values in the range. The x-axis has a time period
corresponding to the period of data collected, up to the maximum of data points. The last
recorded probe data is on the right hand side of the screen.

78 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Data older than the maximum file size is discarded as new data is added. If data older than this
period is to be kept, this may be done by saving the data to a separate file at intervals as
described in Chapter 6 "Archiving and Retrieving Old Data Files".
On the X-axis the scale is identified in days. The date of the last recorded reading is shown on
the bottom of the graph. (For example, on the above graph the last data was recorded on April
2, 1992, where April 2 is from 15.0 to 16.0. The first day is from 0.0 to 1.0)

Editing and Analyzing CORRATER Probe Graphs


From the graph it is very simple to identify high corrosion rates and the corresponding period
over which they occurred. The average corrosion rate over any period of the graph can be
displayed at the bottom of the graph, and is the arithmetic mean of the readings selected. The
start and finish dates corresponding to the cursors are also displayed.
WARNING! No average corrosion rate is displayed in this box
until one or other of the cursor lines has been moved and the Enter
key pressed.
To adjust the cursors for this purpose, use the 7 and 6 keys to move the cursor, and the Space
bar to switch between the two cursors. Once the desired selection has been made press Enter.
The average corrosion rate will be calculated and displayed, along with the start and finish
dates.
NOTE: Initially the cursor lines are at the left and right sides of the
graph and may not be readily visible. The selected cursor at entry is the
left hand line.
In addition to corrosion rate measurement the CORRATER system also makes a form of
"Electrochemical Noise" measurement, which is a measure of the current flow between two
nominally identical electrodes. Rohrback Cosasco has been using the measurement for many
years in its CORRATER range under the name of pitting or imbalance. The measurement is
still qualitative rather than quantitative. However, pitting systems will generate current and
potential noise between nominally identical electrodes as a result of the non-uniformity of such
systems. The result in pitting environments is a general increase in the current between the
electrodes and an increasingly erratic signal (for further information see Appendix B).
To obtain the imbalance or pitting values on the corrosion rate graph press "I" on the keyboard
to toggle the readings back and forth. The ranges for Imbalance are separately adjusted in the
same manner as the main corrosion rate displays.

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 79


For convenience of comparison, the x-axis zoom automatically applies to both the corrosion
rate and imbalance graphs. The y-axes are independent.
NOTE:
Only one graph of corrosion rate or imbalance may be
zoomed in on at a time.
Imbalance readings have no units corresponding to a pitting rate. The scaling of the units has
been arranged such that imbalance readings in excess of the corrosion rate value indicate a
higher probability of pitting. Lower values than the corrosion rate value indicate low
probability of pitting.
It is also possible to zoom in on the graph both on the X-axis and the Y-axis. To do this, press
the Esc to return to the display sub-menu and select Ranges. Then choose either the X-Select
or Y-Select. If the Y-Select is chosen the graph reappears with two horizontal cursor lines at
the top and bottom of the graph.
Use the 8 or 9 keys to move the cursor lines, and the Space bar to toggle between the two
points as shown in Figure 7.7. When you are satisfied with the selection press Esc. Either
press X-Select for further X range zooming, or press Esc and View to display the graph. After
a few seconds the graph will reappear to display the zoomed in range.

Figure 7.7 CORRATER Probe Selecting Y-Range


Automatic determination of average corrosion rate is made by movement of the vertical cursor
lines on the graph in the View mode, and pressing Enter. This is particularly useful if

80 CORRDATA Reference Manual


comparison is required with weight loss on the electrodes or coupons over a particular period.

With an imbalance graph, a similar average imbalance value may be automatically read off the
graph.

Displaying Temperature on CORROTEMP Probe Versions


CORROTEMP probes have an added temperature sensing device.
CAUTION: A CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER RDC will
read CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP probes but a
CORROSOMETER RDC will only read CORROSOMETER
probes.
To display the temperature graph on a CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER probe, first select
the probe from the probe List in the normal way. Use the "T" key to toggle between graphs
of metal loss and temperature. The temperature graph may be zoomed in the same way as the
metal loss graph. For convenience, the x-axes of the two graphs zoom together to display the
same time period of data. The y-axes of the two graphs are independent.
NOTE: Only one graph of metal loss or temperature may be zoomed
in on at a time.
The average temperature measurement may be computed automatically over a period of time
by using the vertical cursors to select the desired time span and pressing Enter.
On CORROTEMP CORRATER probe data, these parameters are recorded, namely Corrosion
Rate, Imbalance (pitting), and temperature. To change between the three graphs press "R" on
the keyboard to display rate, "I" to display imbalance, and "T" to display temperature. Only one
graph at a time may be zoomed in on the Y-axis. Zooming in on the X-axis is applied to all
graphs simultaneously.

Printing Corrosion Graphs


Hard copy printouts of CORRDATA Software graphs can be obtained from the MS DOS
operating system via the graphics command, which is loaded during the installation process.
To print any screen use Shift + PrintScreen. DOS 3.3 did not provide graphics print

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 81


capability. DOS 4.01 added graphics printout for dot matrix printers. DOS 5.0 added laser jet
and deskjet options. DOS 6.0 has the same capabilities as DOS 5.0. The printer selections are
detailed below:
NOTE: Depending on the PC and printer in use it may take tens of
seconds to print a full screen graphic display. DOS PrintScreen, however
is one of the faster screen print utilities.
NOTE: For some portable PC's use of a second function key Fn is
required for PrintScreen, such as the Compaq Contura. Consequently for
Shift + PrintScreen it is necessary to press Shift + Fn + PrintScreen.

deskjet: A Hewlett-Parkard DeskJet printer

quietjet: A Hewlett-Packard QuietJet printer

graphics: An IBM Personal Graphics Printer, IBM


Proprinter, or IBM Quietwriter printer

quietjetplus: A Hewlett-Packard QuietJet Plus


printer

graphicswide: An IBM Personal Graphics Printer with an


11-inch-wide carriage

ruggedwriter: A Hewlett-Packard RuggedWriter


printer

laserjet: A Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printer

ruggedwriterwide: A Hewlett-Packard Rugged


Writerwide printer

laserjetii: A Hewlett-Packard LaserJet Printer

thermal: An IBM PC-convertible Thermal printer

paintjet: A Hewlett-Packard PaintJet printer

thinkjet: A Hewlett-Packard ThinkJet printer

For other options or more detail see the MS-DOS Manual.

Test Graphical Displays


CORROSOMETER and CORRATER test graphs are included with software to show the
appearance of several fixed corrosion rates. These graphs may be viewed and allow use of the
cursors to measure the set corrosion rates.
These graphs may be retrieved from the CORRDATA sub-directory through the File and
Retrieve sequence of the CORRDATA software. At the appearance of the pathname and file
box following the Retrieve sequence, change the pathname from *.DAT to *.SAV and press
Enter. This will display the two files CA_TEST.SAV and CO_TEST.SAV, in addition to
any other files that may have been archived or saved to this directory. Press Tab to change to
the file box with a highlight bar. Use the 8 and 9 keys to select CO_TEST.SAV and press
Enter. To view the graph, press Display and View to show the following graph.

82 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Figure 7.8 CORROSOMETER Test Graph


The slopes on this graph are 20 mpy, 10 mpy, 5 mpy, and 0 mpy respectively. Move the
vertical cursor lines to select any constant slope portion of the graph. Press Enter to display
the calculated corrosion rate between the cursors of the metal loss graph displayed.
Similarly the CORRATER test graph may alternatively be selected from the file retrieve box,
to display the following graph with corrosion rates of 20 mpy, 10 mpy, 5 mpy, 2.5 mpy, and 0
mpy respectively.
NOTE: With the CORRATER graph the average corrosion rate is
displayed between the vertical lines, since the CORRATER directly
measures corrosion rate compared to a CORROSOMETER which
measures metal loss, from which corrosion rate must be calculated.

Chapter 7 Corrosion Data Analysis 83

Figure 7.9 CORRATER Test Graph


To exit either of these displays press Esc three times to return to the main program menu.

85

Chapter 8
Maintenance
RDC Units
There is little requirement for maintenance on the RDC unit other than battery change-out and
ensuring that the probe connections remain clean.
Battery check and replacement is described in "RDC Battery Check and Replacement" in
Chapter 6. For guidance on the selection of probe reading intervals, see "Choosing Probe
Reading Frequency" in Chapter 5.
The RDC unit also includes a small rechargeable battery for memory backup on one circuit
board, which is charged by the main battery. This rechargeable battery is set into operation at
start up of the RDC (see Figure 3.2). Its storage capacity with a dead main battery is
approximately three months.
WARNING! If the RDC is to be left inoperative for some time
disconnect the main battery and switch off the back up battery. At
start up the back up battery MUST be switched on BEFORE the
main battery.

CORRDATA Mate I or II
The only requirements for maintenance on these units are battery change-out, general care and
cleanliness of the unit, and occasional inspection of the connectors for damage.
The Mate I or II operates with six AA battery cells. The use of alkaline batteries is
recommended which will give an average operating time of 40 hours when continuously used
with RDC's only, or as few as 8 hours if used with probes only. ( Mate II only)
Low batteries are indicated by the screen cursor which changes from:
~ to LB
The Mate I & II have a small lithium battery back up on an internal circuit board with an
anticipated life of 7 - 10 years. The unit must be returned to Rohrback Cosasco or its
authorized representative for replacement of this battery.

86 CORRDATA Reference Manual


PC CORRDATA Software
This requires no maintenance. If any problems occur contact the factory for assistance.

Software Revisions
The revision level of the PC software can be checked from the part number revision on the
system diskettes.
The revision levels of the RDC unit and the Mate I or II may be checked with the Mate I or II
as follows:
Press the ON switch on the Mate I or II. Select Read (F1) from the start up screen to display:
What to Read?
PROBE MODE

RDC

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press the MODE (F2) to display:

SPECIAL TEST MODE


Run PMATE from PC
to update MATE.
REV
BAUD TEST
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Chapter 8 Maintenance 87
Press REV (F1) to display:
SOFTWARE REVISION
MATE = 7.4
RDC = 6.8
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

If the Mate I or II is not connected to an RDC, the following screen will be displayed:

WARNING!
No Response from RDC
Try again in 30 sec.
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press EXIT (F4). This will display the revision of the Mate I or II without that of the RDC.

SOFTWARE REVISION
MATE = 7.4
RDC = 0.
EXIT
>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Switch OFF the Mate I or II when finished.

89

Chapter 9
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting any CORRDATA system problem will generally be done by treating the electronic
sections as black boxes. By cross checking the basic components of the system i.e. batteries, probe,
RDC, Mate I & II and PC it is possible to narrow down the problem unit. Any faulty electronic units
must be returned to the factory for repair.

RDC Unit Power Check


This unit, except for battery testing must be troubleshot with the Mate I or II. An RDC unit
problem will be suspected if only one RDC unit is malfunctioning.
1)

Test RDC unit batteries with test switch adjacent to the battery connector
inside the RDC unit. Illumination of the red indicator shows a good battery.
No illumination indicates a new battery is required.

2)

A number of warning messages are displayed by the RDC unit which are self
explanatory.

Checking Functional Operation of RDC with Mate


During initial configuration of the system, or at some later time if improper operation of the
RDC or the probe is suspected, various operational tests can be made on the RDC with the
Mate I or II. TEST PROBES are supplied with every Mate I & II unit which can be
connected to the RDC's in place of the actual operating probe. These test probes provide a
predetermined value which is read by the RDC and displayed on the Mate I or II.
To carry out the test, it is first necessary to suspend the normal data collection of the RDC.
This is accomplished whenever the Mate I or II is connected to the RDC.

90 CORRDATA Reference Manual


WARNING! Leaving the CORRDATA Mate connected to the
RDC for periods greater than the normal reading interval will
cause loss of data points.
Switch on the Mate I or II.
ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press SetUp (F4).

Mate

Configuration
Options
Phone
RDC Timer

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press RDC (F2).

Enter ID # > . . < 1-50


ENTER CLR

BkSp

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Enter the ID number of the RDC unit or alternatively "0" if the RDC number is not known.
Press ENTER (F1).

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting 91
RDC Configuration
Connect Mate to RDC
DATE CONF TEST
TIME RDC MODE
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

With the "Mate to RDC" cable attached to the Mate I or II, connect the Mate I or II cable to
the RDC and press TEST MODE (F3). Any problem of communication with the RDC will
be indicated by warning messages.
WARNING MESSAGE

CORRECTIVE ACTION

No Response from RDC


Try again in 30 sec.

RDC may be completing another


operation. Retry in 30 secs. If display is the
same check batteries of RDC

RDC not configured

Exit and configure RDC as described in the


previous section of the Chapter
RDC TEST MODES
READ
TEST READ READ
PROBE CONF TIME
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

To read the test probe, press READ TEST PROBE (F1).


TEST PROBE MENU
START

READ

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

92 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Disconnect the RDC cable from the corrosion probe and connect it to the test probe. Return
to the Mate I or II and press START (F1). This will cause the RDC to take a single probe
test reading. The Mate I or II will indicate that a reading is being taken, as the following
screen depicts.
RDC is now reading
TEST PROBE. This will
take approx. 2 mins.
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press EXIT (F4) to return to the previous screen. Allow at least 3 minutes for completion
of the reading and press READ (F3).
If the RDC is a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER unit the display
should display the divisions value and check value printed on the test probe.
TEST PROBE READINGS
DIV: . . .
CHK: . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For a CORRATER or CORROTEMP CORRATER RDC unit, the display will display a rate
value and imbalance value corresponding to that printed on the test probe thus:
TEST PROBE READINGS
Rate: . . . . MPY
Imbal: . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

If the displayed values are beyond the limits shown on the test probe, the RDC unit may need
repair.

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting 93
Press EXIT (F4) to return to the TEST PROBE MENU.

TEST PROBE MENU


START

READ

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Remove the test probe and reconnect the cable to the working probe. Press EXIT (F4) to
return to RDC Test Modes.
RDC TEST MODES
READ
TEST READ READ
PROBE CONF TIME
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press READ CONF (F2) if you wish to verify the configuration information for the RDC
unit. For an RDC CORROSOMETER the display will be as follows:
RDC . . CORROSOMETER
Tag . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type . . . . . Span . . . .
Alloy . . . . . . . .
MORE

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

For an RDC CORRATER unit the display will be slightly different.

94 CORRDATA Reference Manual


RDC . . CORRATER
Tag . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type . . . . .
Alloy . . . . . . . .
MORE

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

In either case to read the rest of the configuration data press MORE (F4). The screen will
display the readings information. For readings set in hours the display will be:
Interval . . hours
Num. Readings . . . . .
Next. Reading . . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Or for readings set in minutes the display will be:


Interval . . . minutes
Num. Readings . . . . .
Next Reading . . . . .
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

The Num. Readings shows how many readings have been collected (the maximum number
of readings for a CORROSOMETER RDC is 2048 readings for a CORRATER RDC or
CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER RDC is 1024, and for a CORROTEMP CORRATER
RDC is 512 readings).
If all information is correct press EXIT (F4).

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting 95
Mate I or II
If the problems are common to all the RDC units, then the problem is probably with the
Mate I or II or the PC. It is possible to distinguish the difference between Mate I or II and
PC problems, since RDC information can be displayed on the Mate I or II and at the PC.
To verify if the Mate I or II is operational, check the batteries and collect data from an RDC
or probe which is known to be "good" (as much as this is possible) and use the display
routine described in "Displaying Probe Data", in Chapter 6 of the manual. If the reading
displayed is correct the Mate I or II is functioning and the problem may be with the PC or
communication to the PC.

Checking Mate II Operation on Probes


The Mate I & II probe measurement circuitry may be tested by setting up an ID for each
probe type to be tested which is outside the normal ID range in use: such as ID # 50 for
CORROSOMETER probe and ID #49 for CORRATER probe. The probe may then be read
like a normal probe. Use of a separate probe ID will ensure that readings do not corrupt the
main probe files.

Mate I & II Self Check System and Reprogramming Utility


If for any reason the Mate I or II software program has become corrupted, this will be
indicated by the self check system that operates whenever the Mate is turned on. this system
indicates if any corruption of the software program has occurred.
To run this utility, plug the Mate I or II into the PC serial adapter cable. From the
CORRDATA sub-directory type pmate and press Enter. The PC will display the
instructions of keys to press on the Mate I or II. This re-programs the Mate without losing
any of the stored data.
NOTE: If the Mate I or II program has been severely corrupted, the
above utility will indicate that the utility pmatenew must be run. In this
case, select the CORRDATA sub-directory, type pmatenew, and
carefully follow the on-screen instructions.
Whenever the Mate is switched on the self test occurs.

UNIT SELF TESTING


Please Wait!

96 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Normally as the message clears the normal main menu screen will appear. However, if the
following screen appears the Mate should be reprogrammed.

Program ChKSum Error


MUST REPROGRAM MATE
ChKSum IS 29392
EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Pressing EXIT (F4) will clear the screen and allow operation of the unit. However, it is
recommended the Mate be reprogrammed as the effect of corrupted software may be difficult
to predict.

PC
If the CORRDATA program does not start up on your computer, check to see if the
specification of your system meets the requirements listed in Chapter 2 of the manual.
If the program starts up but does not communicate with the Mate I or II, check the interface
connectors and ensure that the correct serial port is being used, and that the appropriate
COM1 or COM2 version of the software has been installed. If another device is using the
selected serial port, either change the serial port being used by CORRDATA or use a switch
box.
Installing the alternate version of CORRDATA software for the other serial port is described
under Installation in Chapter 3.
The CORRDATA program may be run under Windows 3.1 as a DOS application as
described in the Windows operating manual. Care must be taken with Windows set up,
particularly with regard to other devices, such as a mouse, modem, or a network, that may
use the same interrupt as the COM port used for communications with the Mate I or II. If
difficulties are experienced contact RCS for assistance.

If Problems Still Occur


If problems still occur following these basic "building block" tests, contact the factory for
assistance.

97

Chapter 10
ASCII Transfer Utility
When the CORRDATA Software is installed to the hard disk of the PC, a spreadsheet utility file
MAKE_ASC.EXE is also included. This utility may be used to convert the CORRDATA data
files (with extension.DAT) to ASCII files which may be imported directly to spreadsheets such
as Lotus 1-2-3. The file names are automatically created by the utility with the general form
ID_X.PRN, where X is the probe ID number, and saved in the CORRDATA directory.
To operate this utility, change to the CORRDATA directory and type MAKE_ASC.EXE. If
running under Windows, double click on the MAKE_ASC.EXE file in the CORRDATA directory
in File Manager. This will immediately generate converted .PRN files for each .DAT file.
To import the file into Lotus 1-2-3, start the Lotus 1-2-3 program. Select the menu, and enter
File; Import; Numbers. Modify the directory to the location of the saved .PRN files and press
Enter. In Lotus version 4 or 5 for Windows, select File; Open; select the File Type to text (txt,
prn); change the Directory to CORRDATA; click on the required file ONCE; select the
COMBINE button and select formatted and OK. For Excel or other spreadsheets make sure that
the field delimiter is set to comma. Select the file or files as required. The ASCII format for a
CORROTEMP probe, for example, is as follows:
"Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc.
"CORRDATA ASCII TRANSFER UTILITY
"(C)Copyright 1992
"
"","CORROTEMP PROBE"
"
"TAG","","AE 0023"
"ID","","23"
"TYPE","","D"
"SPAN","","10.00"
"INTERVAL",""," - "
"INSTALLED","","30 Sep 92"
"LAST READ","","15:34 30 Sep 92"
""
" TIME ","TEMP","METAL LOSS "
"(DAYS)","(DEG C)","(MILS) "
0.649,28.000000,0.980000

98 CORRDATA Reference Manual


The three columns of data depend on the probe type as follows:
Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

CORROSOMETER

Time

Metal Loss

CORROTEMP CORROSOMETER

Time

Temperature

Metal Loss

CORRATER

Time

Imbalance

Corrosion Rate

CORROTEMP CORRATER

Time

Imbalance

Corrosion Rate

Column 4

Temp

When imported into Lotus 1-2-3, the appearance is as follows:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

A
B
C
D
Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc.
CORRDATA ASCII TRANSFER UTILITY
(C)Copyright 1992
CORROTEMP PROBE
TAG
0023
ID
23
TYPE
D
SPAN
10.00
INTERVAL
INSTALLED 30 Sep 92
LAST READ 15:34 30 Sep 92
TIME
(DAYS)
0.649

TEMP METAL LOSS


(DEG C)
(MILS)
28
.98

The first column is the time base in days from midnight at the start of installation. The decimal
portion indicates the time of day, i.e. 0.25 is 6:00 a.m., 0.5 is mid-day, 0.75 is 6:00 p.m., etc.
This time is computed for every probe reading independent of whether an RDC is used or not. If
the readings are from probes with RDC's, the INTERVAL above will indicate the reading interval
in addition to the actual times computed for column 1.
For graphical displays, set graph type to XY, and select the data range to be displayed as required.

99

Chapter 11
Mate Operation with Downhole Corrosion
Monitor System (DCMS)
The operating of the CORRDATA System with the downhole corrosion monitor is almost identical
to that with an RDC. The main difference is that communication with the downhole tool is carried
out at a data transfer rate of 300 Baud instead of 9600 Baud used between the Mate and RDC, and
the Mate and PC.
This requires that the baud rate is set to 300 to communicate with the downhole corrosion monitor
and then reset to 9600 baud to communicate with its PC.
NOTE: A special interface unit supplied with the downhole tool is
required to connect to the downhole corrosion monitor.
To change the baud rate, switch ON the Mate. After the self test screen clears and the main menu
appears.

ROHRBACK COSASCO
SYSTEMS
Read

Disp

Dump

SetUp

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Read (F1); MODE (F2) to display the screen.

100 CORRDATA Reference Manual

Special Testing Code


Run PMATE from PC
to update MATE
REV

BAUD

TEST

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press Baud (F2) to display.


Baud Rate is 9600
Select 300 for DMT
9600 for RDC or PC
300

9600

EXIT

>

>

>

>

F1

F2

F3

F4

Press 300 (F1) for downhole corrosion monitor tool. This Mate will automatically shut off and
restart with the Baud Rate Changed.
WARNING! Remember to repeat the procedure and set the Baud
rate to 9600 to communicate with the PC.

Appendix A 101

Appendix A
Theory of Operation of CORROSOMETER Systems
CORROSOMETER Systems are based on the electrical resistance method of corrosion monitoring
pioneered by Rohrback in the 1950's and 1960's. CORROSOMETER probes are basically
"electrical coupons." They determine the loss of metal from the probe by measuring the change
in its resistance. Because of the very low resistances involved, very sensitive monitoring circuits
are used in CORROSOMETER instruments to measure the change in probe resistance compared
to a protected reference element resistance series-connected to the corroding measurement element.
A "check" element is also included and is protected from the process along with the reference
element. The ratio of check to reference resistance should remain constant. If it doesn't, this
indicates that degradation of the reference element may be occurring and that metal loss readings
obtained from the probe are questionable. A simplified diagram of a typical electrical resistance
monitoring circuit is shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 1

102 CORRDATA Reference Manual


As with coupons, CORROSOMETER probes must be allowed to corrode for a period of time
before accurate corrosion rate measurements can be made. The actual length of time required
depends upon the corrosion rate--the higher the rate, the shorter the time required, and vice-versa.
CORROSOMETER probes are available in a variety of styles and with useful probe life ("span")
ranging from 2-25 mils, in styles commonly used in process piping systems. Instrumentation to
measure electrical resistance probes divides the probe span into l000 "divisions." A probe with
a 2 mil span is therefore theoretically capable of measuring thickness changes of 0.002 mils. In
practice, however, we recommend that a change in indicated metal loss of l0 divisions be required
before the data is used to calculate corrosion rate. Indications of an upward or downward trend
can be obtained with as little as a 4-division change, but care must be exercised in interpreting
such small changes because other factors (e.g. temperature changes) can also be responsible. The
actual time required to produce meaningful corrosion rate information with common probe spans
at different corrosion rates is shown in Figure 2 and summarized in Table 1.

FIGURE 2

Appendix A 103
Corrosion
Rate
(mpy)

Probe Span (mils)


2

10

20

25

0.1

73 days

5 months

6 months

12 months

24 months

30 months

0.5

15 days

29 days

37 days

73 days

5 months

6 months

1.0

7 days

15 days

18 days

36 days

73 days

3 months

5.0

35 hours

3 days

4 days

7 days

15 days

18 days

10

18 hours

35 hours

2 days

4 days

7 days

9 days

25

7 hours

14 hours

18 hours

35 hours

3 days

4 days

50

4 hours

7 hours

9 hours

18 hours

35 hours

2 days

75

140 mins

5 hours

6 hours

12 hours

23 hours

29 hours

100

105 mins

4 hours

5 hours

9 hours

18 hours

22 hours

TABLE 1
Elapsed Time* To:

Corrosion
Rate*
with 10 mil
Span Probe

Early Trend
Indication
(4 Div.)

Meaningful
Rate Data
(10 Div.)

End of Useful
Probe Life
(1000 Div.)

1.6 hours

4.0 hours

17 days

220 mpy
(5.6 mm/y)

4.0 hours

10.0 hours

1.4 months

88 mpy
(2.2 mm/y)

9.6 hours

1 day

3.3 months

37 mpy
(0.94 mm/y)

18.0 hours

1.8 days

6.0 months

20 mpy
(0.51 mm/y)

1.1 days

2.7 days

9.0 months

13 mpy
(0.33 mm/y)

1.5 days

3.7 days

12.0 months

10 mpy
(0.25 mm/y)

1.8 days

4.6 days

15.0 months

8 mpy
(0.20 mm/y)

2.2 days

5.5 days

18.0 months

6.7 mpy
(0.17 mm/y)

2.9 days

7.3 days

24.0 months

5 mpy
(0.13 mm/y)

* All data shown to two significant digits only.

TABLE 2
From Table 1, it would appear desirable to always choose probes with the lowest span available
in order to get the greatest sensitivity. However, the more sensitive the probe, the faster the entire
probe span will corrode away and require a new probe to be installed.

104 CORRDATA Reference Manual


Table 2 illustrates this relationship.
It is our experience that the objectives of most monitoring programs can be achieved costefficiently by selecting CORROSOMETER probes which will reach the end of their useful life in
6 - 9 months at the expected corrosion rate. Unlike a monthly coupon replacement program, this
electrical resistance probe will continuously produce data that verifies that the average corrosion
rate over the previous 2-3 days is still at the originally-expected (design) rate. If the corrosion rate
increases to twice the design rate, meaningful data to permit the new rate to be calculated will be
available in a day and a half. Conversely, if the actual corrosion rate is below design, a longer
period is required before meaningful data are available to calculate the new rate.
CORROSOMETER probe elements are available in a variety of styles. A selection of the
available styles is shown in Figure 3. Wire, tube, and strip-loop styles all have a loop of metal
exposed to the process. The loop protrudes from the end of the probe body through either a
hermetic glass seal or a Teflon/ceramic, Teflon/epoxy or epoxy seal/packing system. Choice of
materials is dependent upon stream composition, process conditions and performance
requirements. Cylindrical elements utilize specially-made, thin-wall tubing as the measurement
element. Cylindrical probes are generally "all-metal;" i.e., there is no other material exposed to
the process. There are, however, also some cylindrical probes available which join the probe body
at a hermetic glass seal. A variety of flush-mounted probes are also available; so-called because
the measuring element is mounted parallel to the flow stream, flush with the inside pipe wall.

FIGURE 3
CORROSOMETER monitoring systems can be applied to all processes. However, some types
of CORROSOMETER probes are better suited to the requirements of particular applications than
others.
Different styles of CORROSOMETER probes are affected to different degrees by pitting attack.
Figure 4 shows the results of pitting attack on a wire loop probe. Although the remaining wire
thickness shows that only 30% or so of the probe span has been consumed, the probe is obviously
out of service. Cylindrical elements on the other hand, are affected to a much lesser degree by
pitting because of the much larger circumference of the measuring element. Wire loop and tube

Appendix A 105
loop elements also have a tendency to be electrically shorted by a bridge of iron sulfide corrosion
product. This is especially prevalent in low-velocity streams over an extended period. The effect
of such bridging is to reduce the measured metal loss of the probe, creating a misleadingly low
corrosion rate. Cylindrical probes demonstrate more resistance to iron-sulfide bridging due to their
construction and lower inherent resistance per unit length, thus minimizing the effect of the shunt
resistance. Where pitting or substantial FexSy deposition are expected to be problems, cylindrical
probes should be chosen wherever possible over loop-style probes.

FIGURE 4
Most cylindrical probes are of all-welded construction in order to eliminate the need for sealing
metal elements to non-metallic glass, epoxy or ceramic. This all-welded construction gives the
probe superior resistance to leaking. Probes with higher temperature ratings can also be
constructed in the all-welded style. A drawback to the all-welded style is that the element is
electrically connected to the pipe wall which can, in certain conditions, interfere with the corrosion
reaction on the probe. Also, because cylindrical probes are welded, in some conditions preferential
corrosion can occur in the heat-affected zones near the weld.
Flush probe elements are thin, flat metal sections embedded in epoxy or a hermetic glass seal
inside a metal probe body. Flush probes also experience certain characteristic problems, most
notably: lack of adhesion of the metal element to the epoxy, cracking of glass seals due to
differential expansion and erosion of the epoxy or glass due to high velocities, abrasive materials
in the flowstream or both. Flush CORROSOMETER probes mounted on the bottom of the line
have been shown to provide good results in a sour gas gathering system.

Because the measurement element is part of the primary pressure seal, and because it's designed
to corrode, CORROSOMETER probes have a reduced resistance to leaking after prolonged
exposure. Once the measurement element has corroded through, the internals of the probe body
are exposed to the process fluid. Although materials are chosen in part for their strength and lack
of permeability, it is our experience that process fluids will permeate throughout the probe packing
material. For this reason, quality probes are constructed of corrosion-resistant body materials and
include a secondary pressure seal, often consisting of a hermetic glass-sealed connector. Other
back-up seals are utilized in special cases, especially where process fluids will attack glass (e.g.

106 CORRDATA Reference Manual


hydrofluoric acid service). Please contact the factory if you have any questions about the
compatibility of probe materials with your application.
The reference and check elements are protected from the process to which the measurement
element is directly exposed. Temperature changes in the process will, therefore, affect the measure
element before the reference and check elements. Because of the very low resistances involved,
these changes can significantly affect the metal loss readings. CORROSOMETER probes
incorporate special design features to minimize the thermal resistance of the materials insulating
the reference and check elements from the process. It should also be noted that cylindrical probes
are inherently better able to react to temperature changes due to location of the reference and check
elements concentrically inside the measure element.

107

Appendix B
Theory of Operation of CORRATER Systems
CORRATER systems measure the instantaneous corrosion rate of a metal in a conductive fluid
using the linear polarization resistance ("LPR") measurement technique. Corrosion is an
electrochemical process in which electrons are transferred between anodic and cathodic areas on
the corroding metal resulting in oxidation (corrosion) of the metal at the anode and reduction of
cations in the fluid at the cathode.
Sterns and Geary originally demonstrated that the application of a small polarizing potential
difference ()E) from the corrosion potential (E ) of a corroding electrode resulted in a measured
current density (i ) which is related to the corrosion current density (i ) by equation (1):
corr

meas

)E =
i
meas

corr

b b
(2.303 i ) (b + b )
a

corr

where:

(1)

b = Anodic Tafel Slope


b = Cathodic Tafel Slope
a
c

Since the Tafel coefficients are more or less constant for a given metal/fluid combination, i is
proportional to i which is proportional to the corrosion rate. Equation (1) and the entire LPR
technique are only valid when the polarizing potential difference is very low (typically up to 20
mV). In this region the curves are linear, hence the term LPR.
meas

corr

Inspection of Equation (1) shows that the result is a resistance, the Polarization Resistance, R .
While strictly speaking, there are both anodic and cathodic R values, which can differ, they are
usually assumed to be equal. The resistance to current flow between anode and cathode on the
LPR probe is the sum of both polarization resistance values and the resistance of the solution
between the electrodes (R ) as shown in Equation (2):
p

E = i

meas

(2R + R )
p

(2)

From Equations (1) and (2), obtaining results from the LPR technique would seem to require only
instantaneous readings of resistance. In practice, however, the determination of polarization

108 CORRDATA Reference Manual


resistance is complicated by a capacitance effect at the metal-fluid interface (double-layer
capacitance). Figure B-1 is an equivalent electrical circuit of the corrosion cell formed by the
measuring electrodes and the fluid, showing the importance of R and double-layer capacitance
effects.
S

FIGURE B-1: Equivalent Circuit of LPR Probe


The effect of the double-layer capacitance is to require the direct current flow to initially charge-up
the capacitors, resulting in a decaying exponential current flow curve vs. time after application of
the polarizing potential difference. A typical LPR current vs. time curve is shown in Figure B-2.
Each metal/fluid interface has its own characteristic capacitance which in turn determines the
amount of time required to obtain valid measurements of i and corrosion rate. The actual time
required can vary from a few seconds up to 20 minutes, depending upon the metal/process
combination being measured. Choosing too short a polarization time can result in current readings
much higher than the true i thus causing measured corrosion rate to be lower than actual,
sometimes by a significant amount.
corr

corr

Appendix B 109

FIGURE B-2: Typical LPR Current vs. Time Decay Curve


Solution resistance can also have a significant effect on accuracy if it is relatively high compared
to the polarization resistance. In most industrial water applications, conductivity of the solution
is high and solution resistance is low compared to the polarization resistance, so i is an accurate
measure of polarization resistance, and therefore, corrosion rate.
meas

A serious problem develops, however, when the solution resistance increases or the polarization
resistance decreases enough to make the solution resistance a significant portion of the total
resistance to current flow between the electrodes. In these cases, the accuracy of the LPR
measurement is affected. This situation tends to occur at high corrosion rates (low polarization
resistance) and in solutions with low conductivity (high solution resistance) and is manifested by
the indicated (measured) corrosion rate being lower than the actual corrosion rate. The graph in
Figure B-3 shows the effect of this limitation on the recommended operating range of LPR
instruments.

110 CORRDATA Reference Manual

FIGURE B-3 Operating Range of LPR Instruments


Corrosion Rate vs. Solution Conductivity

Appendix B 111
Several techniques have been used over the years to minimize the impact of solution resistance on
LPR measurements. The most common techniques involved the use of a three electrode probe.
The effectiveness of the reference electrode in reducing the effect of solution resistance has been
shown to be dependent upon the proximity of the reference electrode to the measurement electrode.
Rohrback Cosasco three-electrode probes (see Figure B-4) are unique compared to other major
LPR probes because they utilize a closely-spaced electrode.

FIGURE B-4: Rohrback Cosasco 3-Electrode Probe Configuration


A better way to deal with this problem, however, is to directly measure and compensate for the
solution resistance. Rohrback Cosasco has exclusive patent rights to the Solution Resistance
Compensation (SRC) technique incorporated in top-of-the-line RCS-8, RDC CORRATER, 9030
and 9134 instruments. In this method, a high-frequency a.c. voltage signal is applied between the
electrodes short-circuiting R through the double-layer capacitance, thereby directly measuring the
solution resistance. The state-of-the-art, patented SRC technology also eliminates the need for a
third electrode, even in low conductivity solutions. Consequently, Rohrback Cosasco's twoelectrode probes have become the standard RCS offering, with the three-electrode probe available
on special order only.
p

The above points are clearly indicated in ASTM Standard Guide G96 which quotes:
"3.2.8

Two-electrode probes and three-electrode probes with the reference electrode equidistant from the test and
auxiliary electrode do not correct for effects of solution resistance without special electronic solution resistance
compensation. With high to moderate conductivity environments, this effect of solution resistance is not
normally significant.

3.2.9

Three-electrode probes compensate for the solution resistance R by varying degrees depending on the position
and proximity of the reference electrode to the test electrode. With a close-spaced reference electrode, the effects
S

112 CORRDATA Reference Manual


of R can be reduced up to approximately ten fold. This extends the operating range over which adequate
determination of the polarization resistance can be made.
S

3.2.10

A two-electrode probe with electrochemical impedance measurement technique at high frequency short circuits
the double-layer capacitance, C , so that a measurement of solution resistance R can be made for application
as a correction. This also extends the operating range over which adequate determination of polarization
resistance can be made."
dl

CORRATER Instruments
Rohrback Cosasco's current CORRATER product line includes the Model 9000 portable
CORRATER instrument which has a fixed time cycle and does not include the SRC feature; the
Model 9030 single-channel instrument with user-selectable cycle time which pioneered the use of
SRC in CORRATER instruments; and three instruments - the Model RDC - CORRATER, the
Model RCS-8 and the Model 9134 CORRATER Probe Interface Module, which incorporate
proprietary, fully-automatic cycle time selection and advanced SRC features.
Imbalance (or Pitting/Index)
In addition to general or uniform corrosion, localized corrosion (pitting) may occur in a system.
This can result in much more rapid failure of a structure than a simple measure of corrosion rate
would indicate. A pit on the metal surface is the result of a localized, high anodic current density.
Positive ions flow away from the pit into the solution and electrons flow away from the pit into
the surrounding metal.
If it were possible to place a zero-impedance ammeter between the pit and the nearby metal
surface, the current in the anode-cathode system of the pit could be measured. Individual
measurements are not practical because the areas are small. Instead, current flow between the two
metallurgically identical electrodes of a CORRATER probe under short-circuit conditions can be
used to indicate pitting tendency. All Rohrback Cosasco CORRATER instruments include a
imbalance/pitting reading. The user should note that this is a qualitative measurement (or index)
and utilize it accordingly. It has proven very useful in many applications (e.g. cooling water
treatment) and offers information not generally available about a system except by coupons which
lag behind actual events and offer no way of detecting upsets.
If the pitting reading is low compared to the corrosion reading, the pitting problem will probably
be minimal. On the other hand, a pitting reading which is high compared to the corrosion reading
can indicate that pitting or crevice corrosion will be the main form of corrosive attack. When the
readings are about equal, some pitting is indicated, but the pits will probably be broad and shallow.

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