Passive layers on high alloyed chromium nickel steels protect the metal from corrosion. The protective effect of the passive layer, however, does not immediately exist after the final surface treatment. Some time is necessary to form the protective layer. The exposure conditions are also decisive for the formation and further development of the passive layer besides the surface treatment. Samples of different chromium nickel steels are pickled and active passivated before they are exposed under laboratory conditions and in outdoor climates at different locations. The state of the corrosion resistance of the surface is determined with electrochemical noise measurements after different exposure times. The decreasing activity of the surface with an increasing exposure time indicates the further formation process of the protective qualities of the passive layer. An index which quantifies the state of the surface at the time of the measuring is calculated from the measured potential and potential noise signals. With these results, the development of the passive layer can be assessed and the corrosion resistance of the metal can then be estimated.

SUMMARY There is a continuous need for the monitoring of engineering structures, especially when scheduled inspections are difficult to perform or if they are too expensive. The present paper gives some results on the performance of sensors on the basis of percolation thresholds that are able to detect leakage of diverse harmful liquids, such as water, hydraulic liquids, kerosene and jet engine oils. The focus here lies on sensor systems that give semi‐quantitative, fuse‐like information on the presence of harmful liquids, which indirectly gives evidence on the presence of structural damage. The common underlying principle is the interruption of percolation conductivity when the respective sensing material is exposed to harmful liquids; that is, the electrical conductivity is essentially lost by sorption and swelling of a dedicated matrix material. The temperature dependence and response times give valuable information on the usability of the sensor in the respective environments. The sensor can be manufactured as a cord sensor or as self‐adhesive patches where the functional layer is deposited by screen printing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An efficient industrial corrosion monitoring system would give information about the corrosion activity and corrosion damage of critical components within a chemical plant in real time. A research project to develop an industrial tool for the simultaneous monitoring of general and localized corrosion was initiated. General and localized corrosion can be monitored by combining several non‐destructive techniques.An industrial probe for corrosion monitoring is an excellent tool for an intelligent material selection, to identify critical process conditions or to optimize the use of corrosion inhibitors.The highest added value of an industrial tool for corrosion monitoring is its capacity to optimize periodic inspections.