A growth model of pitting corrosion of carbon steel in cooling water systems was developed based on microscopic observations of pits and electrochemical studies. Results of pitting corrosion measurements in laboratory and field conditions with the model using a newly developed electrochemical device are discussed. For an actual heat exchanger up to a year operation. the values of pitting depth estimated were in good agreement with the measured values.
Keywords: pit, pitting corrosion, localized corrosion, on-line measurement, cooling water, heat exchanger, carbon steel