A new controlled potentiostatic electrochemical noise (P-ECN) technique was developed to improve the correlation between current and potential noise. This technique enhances monitoring of both general and localized corrosion. P-ECN uses a standard one-working, three-electrode
electrochemical cell where both current noise and potential noise are measured at the same working electrode. Potential noise is measured at the open-circuit potential by applying a potentiostatic control (delta V=0) during which the current noise is recorded. By switching between the open-circuit and potentiostatic mode with potentiostatic control (<= 1 sec) the polarization of the working electrode is greatly minimized. The
comparison between the standard ZRA and P-ECN noise measurements is presented using a mild steel/brine corrosion system.
Keywords: electrochemical noise, potentiostatic control, localized corrosion, on-line monitoring, flow, inhibitor, oilfield