Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus (1) is disclosed for monitoring the effect on a material of exposure to a fluid, and thereby monitoring the effect on a section of pipe (9) for carrying the fluid. The apparatus includes a sensor element (51) exposed to the fluid and formed as a ring of the material coaxially mounted within, but electrically insulated from, the section of pipe (9). Changes in the electrical resistance of the sensor element (51) are monitored. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a reference element (31) electrically insulated from the pipe (9), electrically connected in series to the sensor element (51) and protected from exposure to the fluid. The elements may both be made from the same material as the pipe (9) and, as they are contained within it, experience the same temperature and pressure variations as the pipe (9). In this manner a change in the resistance of the sensor element (51) caused by corrosion/erosion by the fluid accurately indicates the degree of corrosion/erosion of the pipe (9) carrying the fluid.

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First Claim