Fiber Optic Water Corrosivity Monitoring System

Advanced corrosion control for water piping systems reduces maintenance time and costs, and increases component service life. The Department of Defense estimates that a 1% improvement in Army utility operations and maintenance can save $18 million per year. To address this critical need, Luna Innovations is developing a real time ultra-sensitive corrosivity monitoring system. Luna Innovations has clearly demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring corrosion rate (corrosivity) in flowing water systems with an innovative sensor technology. Luna’s corrosivity sensors are highly sensitive, highly accurate (one to one relationship and excellent correlation (R2 > 0.99) between theoretical electrochemical measurements and sensor signal response), and repeatable. The Phase I results also suggest that Luna’s sensors have extended service lifetimes when compared to conventional electrochemical sensor techniques. The focus of the Phase II program will be to achieve the proper balance of corrosion rate sensitivity, sensor service life, and durability by optimizing corrosivity sensor design, materials selection and construction. The optoelectronic system hardware, software algorithms will also be optimized and tailored for monitoring corrosivity in piping systems. At the end of the Phase II, Luna will demonstrate and deliver a prototype system for monitoring corrosivity and corrosion control.