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Options for the Gill 8 or Gill 12
Although already of a high specification
these instruments have a wide range of available options. One of the most commonly selected
is the Weld Test for use with multiple electrode Galvanic couples.
Additional Gill 8 / 12
Up to thirty two Gill 8 / 12 can be operated from the same PC with independent and simultaneous operation. Software does not need to be purchased
additionally for each extra instrument. The benefit of running several instruments at the same time is the ability to synchronise the start of tests on all channels
thus
overcoming the usually unavoidable test time error associated with Sequential or Multiplexed instruments.
4 and 8 way COM cards
Each additional instrument requires a communication port in order to operate it. For example a 24 instrument system will require three 8 way COM cards. We can supply four or eight way communication ports. Both cards require a half size PCI slot. Due to our experience
it is often more convenient to ask ACM to supply a fully working PC to do the job.
Additional software for incorporation in the Sequencer program.
Linear Polarisation Resistance Noise (Patent Applied for)
A new corrosion monitoring technique that employees the virtues of LPR and Noise. The method is good for multi phase environments
such as
those experienced in splash zones and multi-phase flow. The technique may also be of assistance when used with Rotating Disc Electrode systems. In multiple-phase environments such as splash zones or in multiple phase oil / brine solutions
the technique gives two
results: the average monitored corrosion rate and the corrosivity of the conductive phase. In many cases
it is the corrosivity of the conductive phase that is most important. Especially as in the case of an oil/brine mixture
where the more corrosive brine has a chance of separating out and causing enhanced corrosion rates at a place where a probe does not exist. Note that as far as I am aware
no other technique including Electrochemical Noise and Electrical Resistance can do this. Further details on the technique are available under
application notes.
Advanced Options for Gill 8/12
Voltage Input
Voltage inputs can be used to monitor other parameters that have a voltage output
such as temperature
pressure or velocity. Each voltage input can be selected as a test within the Sequencer program enabling a
voltage measurement to be taken at the start or end of any electrochemical test. These inputs can be configured and scaled for display with the correct units together with the long term electrochemical data. Up to four voltage inputs per Gill AC are available on board. Additional voltage inputs are available on request. If requested
voltage Inputs can be configured at 0 or 4 to 20mA inputs at no additional charge. A small additional charge is made for direct measurement of a thermocouple.
Paint Buffer
The Paint Buffer is fitted with ultra high impedance components and switches that can handle low currents of the order of 10pA
with a good level of resolution below that. It is recommended for use with high impedance cells such as those that are coated or for miniature electrodes. It is housed in a small die-cast box and connects via a cable to the rear panel of appropriately fitted Gill AC’s.
DC Weld Test option
(Weld test animation)
This option enables the host instrument to test multiple electrode couples with up to five elements
such as encountered with welds or mixed metal systems. Each element in the couple is attached to its own Zero Resistance Ammeter complete with automated current ranges. Thus the individual current response from each element is monitored in both the galvanic and polarisation mode. Versions of the following programs are supplied with this
option: Long Term; Cyclic Sweeps and C&V Noise. These programs are operated through the sequencer program in the normal way. The maximum read rate for C&V Noise is reduced to one reading per second whilst using this option. The specification of the additional ZRAs is as
follows:-
- Current Range 10pA to 500mA
- Seven Current Ranges per ZRA.
- Seven
Counter Resistors 10
100
1K
10K
100K
1M
10M Ohms
- Input Offset Voltage 10µV
AC Weld Test option
This option enables AC Impedance tests to be applied to the multiple electrode couple. The individual current response to a polarising AC signal is obtained from each of the test electrodes whilst it remains
galvanically coupled to the other test electrodes in the cell. It includes the same hardware as with the DC weld test option.
Offsetting Ability for Weld Test option
This technique enables more than one electrode to be tested in the same cell at the same time. Each test is performed around each
electrode's rest potential
as if it were isolated from the other electrodes in the couple. A typical use for this technique may be to test 100 painted sample simultaneously during an accelerated exposure test
thus reducing the immersion time and also ensuring the test time occurs at the same time for all samples being tested. Letting our minds run free and with quite a bit more complexity
the technique enables each of the electrodes in the multiple electrode system to be running completely different tests at the same time
whilst still using a single Auxiliary and Reference Electrode. We would like to do a product like this
trouble is finding a customer who wants one!
Instrument Control DLL
The Instrument Control DLL is a library of commands that enables operators to control the instrument using their own software. It can be used in Microsoft’s or Borlands C type programming languages. A version that can be controlled from other languages can be supplied at an additional charge.
Electrical Resistance
This option enables the instrument to measure an Electrical Resistance Probe with high resolution. A lot has been made of high accuracy ER measurements in recent times and indeed the electronics is perfectly capable of giving very high resolution measurements and corrosion
rates. However
to obtain high accuracy it is important to have very stable temperatures with no variations. In our opinion
even temperature fluctuations between the corroding and check elements of a 1/1
000 °C will lead to significant errors when trying to calculate
the corrosion rate over a short period of time
especially when the corrosion rates are low. Operators can reduce external temperature variations by insulating the probe with waterproof material to reduce the chance of cooling by evaporation. Other than that
it comes down to probe design. For higher accuracy
try to select a probe that endeavours to reduce any heat difference between the corroding and check elements. ACM can get an indication of the accuracy of the measurement by measuring the resistance of the check element. If this
resistance remains constant throughout the test period
there is a good likelihood that the corrosion measurements obtained are satisfactory. By measuring the check elements resistance at a set temperature
the temperature of the probe whilst in use can be calculated
provided the materials thermal coefficient of resistance is known. Our software will include a list of materials with such coefficients.
GPS Tracking System
This technique enables the location of the corrosion measurement to be recorded
with the data for later cross referencing. It does not include the GPS device
itself which will interface with the PC. ACM can provide this part with the
system if required. The option gives the ability to pre-program the instrument
with sequences of electrochemical tests for specific probe locations
such that
as the operator goes from probe to probe
the instrument knows the location of
the probe and which tests it is programmed to perform. The data will
automatically be added to previous data for that probe.
Bubble Test Software [Software details]
The Bubble Test program is designed for the repetitive testing of corrosion inhibitors. Unlike our standard Sequencer based software
which gives great flexibility
the Bubble Test program appears to already know what is required of it. Once its initial parameters are set
it is ready to perform tests on inhibitors day after day
with minimum operator intervention. Tests are typically done in triplicate to gain a level of confidence in the results. Results
are presented in a report-ready
graphical form
that can be printed out at the end of a test
including:-
- LPR graph showing LPR; corrosion current or corrosion rate vs time.
- As above but with markers and labels showing the corrosion rate immediately before the inhibitor was added and the corrosion rate and % inhibition after 1
2
5
10 and 15 hours.
- As above but with operator set titles above and below the graph.
- Corrosion rate bar graph displaying the corrosion rate on each channel immediately before the inhibitor was added
2 hours after and 16 hours after. Parameters can be changed.
- % inhibition bar graph displaying the % inhibition on each channel at 2 hours and 16 hours after the inhibitor was added. Parameters can be changed.
- Result table displaying the results from the above two bar graphs in a table format with titles and extra information above and below the table.
- Cyclic Sweep or Tafel type graph showing the results of a Cyclic Sweep done at the end of the Bubble Test. Titles can be added both above and below the Tafel graph.
Traditionally we have used multiple channel sequential instruments for the Bubble Test
such as the Gill 12. This
can lead however
to a timing error between inhibitor injection and the actual time the measurement is taken. This is especially the case between channel 1 and channel 12
as channels 2 to 10 are tested first. To prevent this
we can now supply the Bubble
Test software to work with multiple instrument systems. For instance a 12 channel system could comprise of 12 separate instruments all performing their tests at exactly the same time. This would also apply to tests done on different days provided the same settings are used.
Option for BTS: Bubble Test Software including Linear Polarisation Resistance Noise.
This option uses the same software as the Bubble Test program
however it enables ACMs patent applied for technique to be used. Linear Polarisation Resistance Noise can give the same results as LPR
however it comes into its own when used in multiple phase environments. In multiple phase flow the technique gives two readings
the average monitored corrosion rate and the corrosivity of the conductive phase.
Critical Pitting Temperature Test
This is an automated test to detect the pitting temperature of passivated metals. The option comprises of a small enclosure that couples to the rear of the host instrument and a remote temperature probe for insertion into the cell. The CPT enclosure is capable of measuring both the remote 7mm diameter temperature probe and switching a mains supply that is used to heat the cell. The software enables the following to be set:-
Potentiostatic Polarisation; Temperature Ramp Rate (either as a sweep or as predefined
steps); the critical pitting current or current density; critical current continuously exceeded time and the time taken to isolate the test after the critical current continuously exceeded time has been exceeded itself.
Limited Distance Modem
This option enables the host instrument to be operated several kilometres away from the host PC using limited distance modems. This method
uses a base station instrument close to the PC fitted with modules for each instrument
controlled by the Limited Distance Modem method.
Customised Software and Automated Emailing and Internet Storage of Data
Our reliable Sequencer and Core Running programs form the backbone of our standard software. However these programs have been designed in a way that accommodates customisation. Typical forms of customisation include:
- Test customised to specific requirements.
- Real time presentation of data
possibly involving dials.
- Alarms
both audible and visual
triggered by monitored levels.
- Automated control.
- Written operator input
perhaps indicating action taken due to an alarm.
- Schematic visualisation of the monitored system.
- Automated emailing of data.
- Automated transfer of data to a web site for storage and access.
Such customisation is normal at ACM Instruments
hence the depth of options. Just ask for what you want and we will be pleased to supply it.
Replacement Electrode Cables
Replacement cables can be provided to any length required or with any type of termination. It is quite common for operators to specify a complete set of straight through cables for connection directly to a specific
probe.
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The Gill 8 and Gill 12 instruments are high power potentiostats with either 8 or 12 sequential channels respectively. They comprise of a switched automated
Potentiostat; Galvanostat; Zero Resistance Ammeter and Frequency Response Analyser in one neat enclosure. They can be used on their own or as part of an array of Gill 8s or Gill 12s controlled from the same PC. These instruments are typically used for multiple cell test work over a long period
of time where the delay between tests imposed by a sequential system causes little error. They represent
very good value. The Gill
8 / 12 is electrically isolated at both the mains supply and the RS 232/COM port connection
hence there are no troublesome earth loop problems. It has an extensive range of off the peg options to suit most requirements. Plug and Play technology ensures ease of use. Simply load the software and connect the instrument to any available com port. The Gill
8 / 12 is typically controlled via our Sequencer and Core Running programs. Program nodules within the Sequencer dictate what tests the Gill 8 / 12 can perform. In this specific case the instrument is supplied with the following nodules:-
Download the manual for our Gill 8
and Gill 12.
This is a Word file so you will need Microsoft's Word or a Word viewer to observe it.
