Does
VTI provide system dataloggers, cellular transceivers,
and solar panels for ECI networks?
Answer: VTI has partnered with Campbell Scientific,
Inc. to provide network components beyond ECI
corrosion monitors and NetCon-10 interface modules.
Such components may include dataloggers and related
software, cellular transceivers, and solar panels.
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How many instruments should
be embedded in a structure for complete corrosion
coverage?
Answer: Optimally, one instrument should
be used to monitor every 100 square feet. Structure
managers may use a smaller number of instruments,
however, by positioning these at locations that
are especially prone to corrosion, such as areas
where water or road salts accumulate. In this
scenario, managers are urged to focus particularly
on points that may be vulnerable to corrosion
but will not be readily accessible to traditional
probes after construction.
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Is the ECI-1 enclosure subject to corrosion?
Answer: No. The ECI-1 enclosure is molded from GE VALOX plastic, which is highly chemical resistant. The instrument's power and communications cable is comprised of three 22-gauge conductors, which are insulated with cross-linked Teflon, encased in a Teflon jacket. Teflon provides superior water and chemical resistance, and is highly resistant to abrasion.
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Does the ECI-1 require calibration after installation?
Answer: No. Calibration and test data are provided for each ECI corrosion monitor at the time of delivery. The instrument requires no further calibration after installation. Integrated software automatically compensates for its calibration.
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Can the ECI-1 monitor the corrosion of epoxy coated and stainless steel clad rebar?
Answer: The ECI’s working electrode
is a sacrificial component composed of black steel.
It is designed to corrode at the same rate as
the ASTM 615/A-compliant steel that it monitors.
Defective areas in protective coatings over structural
steel, such as epoxy or stainless steel cladding,
may be expected to demonstrate corrosion characteristics
comparable with those of black steel.
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How is the ECI-1 installed?
Answer: Installers mount the ECI-1 within a structure by using four lengths of #3 rebar. They wire these rebar segments to the support members of the structure. In this way, the ECI-1 becomes a permanent part of the structure once concrete is poured. Please note that the ECI-1 is not in electrical contact with the structure.
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Does the ECI-1 compromise the integrity of a structure?
Answer: Managers are urged to perform structural
analysis to provide assurance on this point, and
to optimize the trade-off between monitoring coverage
and any impact on structural strength. For an
example of such structural analysis, please
click here.
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