Corrosion coupons manufactured in India are small metal samples used to measure corrosion rates. They work by being placed in the same environment as the metal being monitored, such as in a pipeline or a storage tank. Over time, the corrosion coupon will corrode at the same rate as the metal being monitored. The corrosion rate can be calculated by measuring the decrease in the coupon’s mass or by determining the metal loss through metal analysis. The coupons are then removed, cleaned, and weighed to determine the amount of corrosion that has occurred. This information can then be used to predict the life of the metal and make decisions on maintenance or replacement.
What are the steps in conducting a corrosion coupon test
The preparation for conducting a corrosion coupon test includes the following steps:
- Design and Fabrication of Coupons: Coupons are small pieces of metal that are similar in composition to the metal in the system being tested. The coupons are usually rectangular or circular in shape and have a specific surface area.
- Cleaning and Preparation of Coupons: Before installing the coupons, they need to be cleaned to remove any contaminants that may affect the accuracy of the test. This can be done by using a solvent or abrasive cleaning method.
- Installation of Coupons: The coupons are installed in the system being tested, usually with a holder or clamp. It is important to ensure that the coupons are installed in a representative location in the system to get accurate results.
- Monitoring of Coupons: The coupons are left in the system for a specified period of time, usually several weeks to several months. During this time, the coupons are monitored for any changes in weight, appearance, or other physical characteristics.
- Removal and Weighing of Coupons: After the specified time period, the coupons are removed from the system and weighed to determine the amount of corrosion that has occurred. This weight loss can be used to calculate the corrosion rate.
- Calculation of Corrosion Rate: The corrosion rate is calculated by dividing the weight loss of the coupon by its surface area and the time it was exposed to the environment. This information can be used to predict the rate of corrosion in the system over time and help determine the need for corrosion control measures.
1. Design and Fabrication of Coupons
Step 1 in conducting a corrosion coupon test involves the design and fabrication of coupons from the same material as the system being tested. The following are some of the important considerations for designing and fabricating coupons:
- Material Selection: The coupon material should be the same or similar to the material of the system being tested. This ensures that the coupon accurately reflects the corrosion behavior of the metal in the system.
- Coupon Shape and Size: The coupons should have a specific shape and size, such as rectangular or circular, with a known surface area. This makes it easier to calculate the corrosion rate based on the weight loss of the coupon.
- Thickness: The thickness of the coupon should be appropriate for the material and the system being tested. A thicker coupon can provide a larger surface area for corrosion, but may also be more difficult to handle and install.
- Finish: The surface finish of the coupon should be appropriate for the material and the system being tested. A smooth surface finish may be preferred for some materials and systems, while a rough surface finish may be preferred for others.
- Fabrication: The coupons should be fabricated using a method that accurately reproduces the material properties of the system being tested. This may include using a similar manufacturing process, heat treatment, or surface finishing process.
Designing and fabricating coupons that accurately reflect the conditions experienced by the metal in the system is an important step in conducting a corrosion coupon test. It helps ensure that the test results are accurate and representative of the actual corrosion behavior of the metal in the system.
2. Cleaning and preparation of Coupons
Step 2 in conducting a corrosion coupon test is the cleaning and preparation of the coupons. This step is important to ensure the accuracy of the test results. The cleaning process involves removing any contaminants from the surface of the coupons that could affect the corrosion rate. The following are some of the common methods for cleaning coupons:
- Solvent Cleaning: This involves using a solvent to clean the surface of the coupon. This method is commonly used for removing oils, grease, or other organic contaminants.
- Abrasive Cleaning: This method involves using an abrasive material, such as sandpaper or a wire brush, to remove any surface contaminants. This method is commonly used to remove rust, corrosion products, or other inorganic contaminants.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: This method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove contaminants from the surface of the coupon. This method is commonly used for removing small particles that are difficult to remove using other methods.
It is important to ensure that the cleaning method used is appropriate for the type of contaminants present on the surface of the coupon. The cleaning process should also not affect the material properties of the coupon or introduce new contaminants. After cleaning, the coupons should be dried and carefully handled to prevent re-contaminating the surface.
3. Installation of Coupons
Step 3 in conducting a corrosion coupon test involves the installation of the coupons in the system being tested. This step is important to ensure that the coupons are exposed to the same environment as the metal in the system and to obtain accurate test results. The following are some of the important considerations for installing coupons:
- Coupon Holder or Clamp: A coupon holder or clamp is used to secure the coupon in the system. It is important to choose a holder or clamp that is compatible with the material of the coupon and the system being tested.
- Representative Location: The coupons should be installed in a representative location in the system that accurately reflects the conditions experienced by the metal in the system. For example, if the metal in the system is exposed to both flow and stagnant water, the coupon should be installed in a location that experiences both conditions.
- Proper Orientation: The coupon should be installed with the correct orientation to ensure that it is exposed to the same environment as the metal in the system. This may include orienting the coupon in a specific direction, such as perpendicular to the flow, or orienting it in a specific position, such as vertically or horizontally.
- Protection from Physical Damage: The coupons should be protected from physical damage during installation and removal. This may include using a protective cover or handling the coupon carefully to avoid scratches or other damage to the surface.
Proper installation of the coupons is important to ensure that the test results are accurate and representative of the conditions experienced by the metal in the system.
Click here for part 2
Step 5. Removal and Weighing of Coupons
Step 6. Calculation of Corrosion Rate

Contact us
Crystal Industrial Syndicate Pvt Ltd.
Telephone : +91-22-27563850 |
Telefax : +91-22-67939439
sales@crystalindustrial.in
Crystal Industrial Syndicate from India, manufactures a variety of corrosion coupons for a range of industrial processes. Our world-class corrosion coupons manufactured in India comply with the world’s most stringent certifications. We have clients the world, from Europe and North America to Africa and the Middle East. Please contact us for details about how we can meet your corrosion coupon requirements. Contact us
Copyright © 2023 by Crystal Industrial Syndicate Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. www.crystalindustrial.in