Laboratory corrosion studies can utilize standard reference electrodes to good effect. However, the "real-life" plant, corrosion monitoring, situation often involves process conditions where reference electrodes are impractical or difficult to use satisfactorily. Electrochemical techniques can use either two- or three- identical "working" electrode arrangements, enabling simultaneous monitoring of current and potential at the free
corrosion potential. Benefits and experiences of corrosion measurement without reference electrodes are reviewed.
Keywords: Corrosion monitoring, reference electrodes, electrochemical noise, harmonic distortion.