Galvanic Corrosion Experimental Sequence

The Galvanic Corrosion standard technique is run by selecting Experiment>DC Corrosion>Galvanic Corrosion from the Framework™ menu bar. This initiates the following sequence of events:

  1. Framework creates a Runner window, and the Galvanic Corrosion.EXP script is run in this window.
  2. The script creates the Setup dialog box and accepts changes in the parameters.
  3. The script now obtains the use of the potentiostat specified during Setup, and opens the data file using the Output name. If the potentiostat is in use or the file cannot be opened, the script returns you to the Setup dialog box.
  4. The file header information is written to the data file. This header information includes:
    1. Tags identifying possible analyses
    2. The current time and date
    3. A list of the Setup parameters

    This information is written to the file prior to data acquisition. If the experiment is aborted, the output file contains only this information.

  1. The potentiostat is turned on with an applied potential of zero volts. This assures that the two metal specimens are at the same potential.
  2. After a delay of one Sample Period, a current reading and a potential reading are taken. The potential that is recorded is the difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode. After another delay the next readings are taken. This process of delaying and taking readings is continued until the Run Time parameter is exceeded.
  3. After each point the current range is automatically switched to the optimal range for the measured cell current. If IR-Compensation has been selected, the applied potential is adjusted for the measured IR-drop of the preceding point. The adjustment results in an IR-free potential of zero volts between the specimens. A plot of I and E vs. Time is displayed during the scan.
  4. The data are written to the output file, and the script cleans up and halts.
  5. When the scan is over, the cell is turned off. The acquired data are written to the output file.
  6. The script then waits for you to click the Skip button. When you do , the script closes everything that is open, including the Runner window.