Much higher sensitivity than competitive machines and at much lower cost.   UNIQUE: Includes current scans,
for BOTH vertical and horizontal currents.

A unique feature is an automatic height sensor to ensure uniform proximity while scanning across a non-flat surface, such as a weld bead.
This feature also eliminates any need for specimen levelling before scanning and makes results independent of operator skill.
The instrument is computer-controlled and corrosion data from a chosen area of the specimen immersed in an electrolyte, is logged in.

A real-time colour plot is produced on the monitor screen during the scan. x & y are position and z is mV.  Field and current scans in both vertical AND horizontal directions are also plottable.

The potential input signal obtained during the scan
is amplified and processed to produce data in 3    columns for loading into a (supplied) graphics         programme. The data is also re-arranged in a         matrix format suitable for immediate plotting in       Excel. The result is a sophisticated and clear map
of the corrosion state of the surface, giving               topographic detail which cannot be obtained by     
conventional methods such as Tafel plots.             
CorMap is ideal for investigation of coating failure, weld corrosion (unpainted), pitting,  inhibitor efficiency, et
.
CorMap is an advance on the earler simple scanning reference electrode technique is referred to as SRET in the corrosion literature.
.
3-D plots show corroding defects which are not visible by optical microscope and long before they become visible.  

           CLICK BELOW FOR:

CorMap
A unique computer controlled scanning corrosion microscope & profilometer

A microprobe electrode is automatically rastered across a painted or unpainted specimen, producing a high resolution corrosion sites colour map, giving higher peaks where corrosion rates are locally higher.
A unique feature is an automatic height sensor ensuring proximity while allowing a non-flat surface to be scanned (e.g. a weld bead). This feature also eliminates any need for levelling the specimen before scanning and gives ease of use - results are not operator-dependent.
A real-time two-dimensional coloured electrochemical potential plot is produced on the computer screen during the scan, to follow progress
.
 

Corrosion Mode:
Our unique software CorMap allows both potential and current maps to be produced.
The instrumentation and software allow BOTH vertical and horizontal components of
potential and current to be collected, making it a superior instrument for corrosion mapping.

Profilometer mode:
A simultaneous (or separate) profilometer scan can be performed.
An example of a surface profile scan (3-D net & 2-D below it) is shown here ---->>
 

Scan area:
Up to 40x40 mm. The (operator selectable) x or y movement is 1.25 microns minimum and the maximum is 40 mm.  A larger scan area can be provided on request (please enquire about additional costs).   Step resolution is 1.25 microns (enquire for smaller resolutions).
.
Multiple scans:
Up to 9 scans can be performed fully automatically at different operator-preset times,
on the same precise specimen location. The probe is automatically held away from the scanned zone during any waiting periods.
.
The data is automatically logged into the computer.
CorMap adds to features obtained by either the simple scanning reference
electrode (SRET) technique or the Scanning vibrating electrode (SVET)technique.
CorMap is versatile and easy to use. The electrode arrangement used is highly sensitive
and also gives high resolution. The background noise level is well below 1 microvolt.

CorMap is also available as macro instrumentations for larger areas or other geometries, which can be produced to suit your test requirements.
The unit can be used alongside a factory production line for paint quality control, as well
as in the laboratory.
.

Scan over a pit in stainless steel:
Scanning electron microscope picture of a defect in a paint
Electrochemical microscope scan over the painted steel surface
shown on the left.
The scan area (10x10 mm) is larger than the SEM picture on the left and the paint defect is the tall peak .

Detects location and extent of pitting
      - effect of temperature
      - effect of inhibitors
Detects defects in paints
Detects effect of cathodic protection on paint integrity
Detects weld defects and heat affected zones
Tracks stress corrosion cracking
Detects corrosion of composites
Detects changes in water cut in oil/water mixtures
Monitors performance of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, homogeneous and heterogeneous alloys, composites with metallic phases, cermets.

The unit assesses unpainted alloy or painted metal performance in specific environments. When used with a potentiostat, the effect of cathodic protection on paint integrity can be assessed.

Suitable for research and for materials selection for the following industries:
oil, single or multiphase fluids, process, chemical, water treatment, paint and other coatings, construction and marine, aerospace and any other environment containing an aqueous medium.

Scratch in paint seen as high corrosion rate
These 5 pictures show :
(a) 3 pits in duplex stainless steel in FeCl3 + conc HCl
 at 70
º C, then cooled to 45 º C.
 (b) At 14 minutes, 35
º C.
 (c) At 28 minutes, 29
º C.
 (d) At 41 minutes, 29
º C., showing repassivation. 
 (e) At 54 minutes, 29
º C., more repassivation.
.
A  scan across a weld bead on stainless steel.The CorMap scanner can scan over the raised weld bead.
Grinding flat is not required for CorMap but is required for other instruments such as SVET

Surface profile of a paint blister showing it raised above  surface

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