GB2323172A - Computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces - Google Patents
Computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2323172A GB2323172A GB9705145A GB9705145A GB2323172A GB 2323172 A GB2323172 A GB 2323172A GB 9705145 A GB9705145 A GB 9705145A GB 9705145 A GB9705145 A GB 9705145A GB 2323172 A GB2323172 A GB 2323172A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- adapter
- computer
- cell
- testing
- digital
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract 7
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000003869 coulometry Methods 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000002848 electrochemical method Methods 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 238000007739 conversion coating Methods 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000012956 testing procedure Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- QPILHXCDZYWYLQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCC1OCCO1 QPILHXCDZYWYLQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract 1
- 101000851593 Homo sapiens Separin Proteins 0.000 abstract 1
- 102100036750 Separin Human genes 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000000691 measurement method Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000005518 electrochemistry Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004381 surface treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
- G01B7/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
- G01B7/06—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/28—Electrolytic cell components
- G01N27/283—Means for supporting or introducing electrochemical probes
- G01N27/286—Power or signal connectors associated therewith
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/416—Systems
- G01N27/42—Measuring deposition or liberation of materials from an electrolyte; Coulometry, i.e. measuring coulomb-equivalent of material in an electrolyte
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Testing Resistance To Weather, Investigating Materials By Mechanical Methods (AREA)
Abstract
An adapter containing a current source, controlled by a computer via one of the computer ports, to which it is electrically connected, the current being then applied to an electrochemical cell for characterising or measuring by electrochemical methods a finish or coating on a metallic or conductive surface or a treated or untreated conductive surface of a solid. Means are provided for the voltages set up in the cell to be recorded in, and processed by the computer. the adapter may provide 8 or 12 bit digital to analogue and analogue to digital conversion and may provide a high impedance (> 10Mohm) potential measurement circuit. specified measurement techniques using the adapter are coulometric thickness testing, linear polarisation corrosion testing, galvanostatic testing of surface cleanliness or conversion coatings, solderability testing by oxide cathodic reduction (SEPA), electrocatalytic activity of anode or cathode and STEP test.
Description
COMPUTER ADAPTER FOR TESTING AND CHARACTERISING SURFACES
This invention relates to a computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces
Before or after a surface treatment or finishing operation has been carried out, it is highly desirable for the extent of the said treatment or finishing, and/or its efficacy, to be quantitatively measured or for the physical or chemical properties of the surface before, during or after treatment to be characterised. A wide range of instruments for such measurements are available. Many are relatively expensive and are limited as to the range of functions and measurements of which they are capable. Lower cost instruments tend to be inaccurate and usually do not allow production of a paper or magnetic record of the measurement made or for the results to be easily stored, manipulated or held in a computer.
Known in the art, are so-called'Girtual instruments" which make use of commercially-available computers to carry out many of the functions necessary in any instrument, such as data processing and display and which provide a means for controlling the operation of a measurement or test process. By so doing, the total cost of a highly specialised instrument may be greatly reduced and its performance improved because ofthe extent to which it incorporates a mass-produced product, namely a computer.
According to the present invention, there is provided an adapter, which, when electrically connected to a computer by means of a standard bi-directional computer port on the one hand, and to an electrochemical cell on the other hand, as indicated in the Figure, allows the computer to be used as a virtual instrument for characterising or measuring a finish on a metallic or otherwise conductive surface of a solid, using the principles of electrochemistry to carry out such a measurement or measurements. The computer and its peripherals are used for selection of the test procedure (where more than one is available), for initiation and implementation of said selected test procedure(s) and for display of the results of said procedure. The computer shall be used for storing, in digital form, such instructions as are necessary for implementation of the test procedure(s) and for such computational procedures as are required to provide results in useful form and to display them visually, print them or store them in memory.
The adapter shall embody a controlled current source, the magnitude of the current being controlled by digital signals from the computer. Optionally, the adapter shall also include a digital to analogue converter and an analogue to digital converter, the resolution of said converters being not less than 8 bits, preferably 12 bits.
Optionally, the adapter shall also include, in association with the analogue to digital converter, a high impedance input amplifier. By these means, a computer-controlled current is applied to the electrochemical cell and voltages or voltage changes set up in said cell are converted to digital form, using an analogue to digital converter for recording and subsequent processing by the computer.
Claims (15)
1. Adapter which, when electrically connected to a computer on the one hand, and an electrochemical cell on the other, as shown in the Figure, provides a means for characterising or measuring, by electrochemical methods, a finish or coating on a metallic or conductive surface, or a means for characterising the treated or untreated conductive surface of a solid. Said adapter being reliant on the attached computer for executing control functions and for the display of results from its use. Said adapter defined in that all programs and all data such as look-up tables necessary for its functioning are held within the computer, using the memory and computational power of the computer, and not within the adapter. Said adapter containing electronic circuitry capable of providing a controlled current which is applied to the test cell, the magnitude and duration of said current being controlled by digital signals passed from the computer. Said adapter making provision for the recording, by the computer, of voltages and voltage changes taking place in the electrochemical cell. Optionally, said adapter shall include electronic circuitry for analogue to digital and digital to analogue signal conversion. The latter shall serve to control the current source in the adapter.
The former to be used so that voltages or voltage changes taking place in the cell, after conversion to digital format, be recorded by the computer. The resolution of such conversions shall be not less than 8 bit, preferably 12 bit. A further option shall be provision of a high impedance potential measurement circuit, with input impedance of at least 10 megohm and preferably exceeding 1000 megohms
The adapter shall be capable of being electrically connected to a computer (known in the art as "interfacing") through at least one of the standard bi-directional digital connections (ports) provided as part of the computer.
2. Adapter as described in Claim 1 where electrochemical methods are implemented using a "clamp-on" electrolytic cell, as known in the art, to which it is electrically connected, said cell provided with a downwards-facing orifice, a means of sealing said orifice to the metal surface to be tested in a substantially watertight manner, using a sealing gasket at the orifice and means for application of sufficient mechanical force to maintain a substantially watertight seal between the gasket and the surface being tested. Said cell to incorporate at least one electrode (which may be the body of the cell itself) which is connected to the adapter, a means for electrically connecting the surface to be tested to the adapter such that it forms a second electrode. Optionally, said cell will make provision for a third electrode of a type known in the art as a reference electrode.
3. Adapter as claimed in Claim 1 where electrochemical surface test or characterisation methods are implemented using a cell to which it is electrically connected, where the surface to be tested forms part of a sample which is wholly or partly immersed in the said cell. Optionally, said cell will allow for use of a third electrode, of a type known in the art as a reference electrode.
4. Adapter linked to a computer, as claimed in Claim 1, and using a cell as under
Claims 2 or 3, the computer so programmed and configured that a means is provided for carrying out the thickness testing of metallic coatings by the so-called coulometric method. (BSS 5411: pt 4 (1977).)
5. Adapter as claimed in Claim 1, linked to a computer and using a cell as in Claims 2 or 3, the computer so programmed and configured that it is capable of carrying out more than one type of surface testing procedure involving the application of a constant current and measurement of the consequential voltage response.
6. Adapter linked to a computer as claimed in Claim 1 and used with cells as claimed in Claims 2 or 3, and, as claimed in Claim 5, allowing the implementation of at least two of the following test methods, all of which are based on the principles laid down in Claim 5 in that they involve measurement of a potential or a change in potential of the surface to be tested relative to some other potential, consequent on the application of a controlled current.
- coulometric thickness testing
- linear polarisation corrosion testing
- surface cleanliness testing by galvanostatic method
- solderability testing by oxide cathodic reduction (SERA) method
- galvanostatic testing of conversion coatings
- electrocatalytic activity of an anode or cathode
- STEP test where said methods are known in the art and have been many times described in the technical literature.
7. Adapter as claimed in Claim 1 where magnitude and/or duration of controlled current output is determined by digital signals output from the computer, said signals being less sensitive to spurious electrical interference than analogue signals.
8. Adapter as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 7 where said adapter is mounted or otherwise located in the immediate proximity of the electrochemical cell or where adapter is integrally housed within the electrochemical cell stand or housing
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Adapter which, when electrically connected to a computer on the one hand, and an electrochemical cell on the other, as shown in the Figure, provides a means for characterising or measuring, by electrochemical methods, a finish or coating on a metallic or conductive surface, or a means for characterising the treated or untreated conductive surface of a solid.
2. Adapter, as defined in Claim 1. which is reliant on the attached computer for executing control functions and for the display of results from its use, with said computer used to store all programs and all data such as look-up tables necessary for functioning of the adapter, using the memory and computational power of the computer, and not within the adapter.
3. Adapter as defined in Claims 1 and 2, containing electronic circuitry capable of providing a controlled current which is applied to the test cell, the magnitude and duration of said current being controlled by digital signals passed from the computer and making provision for the recording, by the computer, of voltages and voltage changes taking place in the electrochemical cell.
4 Adapter, as defined in Claims 1 to 3, provided with electronic circuitry for analogue to digital and digital to analogue signal conversion with the latter serving to control the current source in the adapter and the former used so that voltages or voltage changes taking place in the cell, after conversion to digital format, be recorded by the computer.
5. Adapter, as defined in preceding Claims, so configured that resolution of analog to digital or digital to analog conversions shall be not less than 8 bit, preferably 12 bit and optionally including a high impedance potential measurement circuit, with input impedance of at least 10 megohm and preferably exceeding 1000 megohms 6. Adapter as defined in Claims 1 to 6, capable of being electrically connected to a computer (known in the art as "interfacing") through at least one of the standard bidirectional digital connections (ports) provided as part of the computer.
7. Adapter as described in Claims 1 to 6, where electrochemical methods are implemented using a "clamp-on" electrolytic cell, as known in the art, to which it is electrically connected, said cell provided with a downwards-facing orifice, a means of sealing said orifice to the metal surface to be tested in a substantially watertight manner, using a sealing gasket at the orifice and means for application of sufficient mechanical force to maintain a substantially watertight seal between the gasket and the surface being tested.
8. Adapter, as defined in preceding Claims, used with a cell as defined in Claim 7 where said cell incorporates at least one electrode (which may be the body of the cell itself) which is connected to the adapter, and a means for electrically connecting the surface to be tested to the adapter such that it forms a second electrode.
9. Adapter, as defined in preceding Claims used with a cell as defined in Claims 7 and 8, where said cell has provision for a third electrode of a type known in the art as a reference electrode.
10. Adapter as defined in Claims 1 to 6, used to implement electrochemical surface test or characterisation methods with a cell to which it is electrically connected, where the surface to be tested forms part of a sample which is wholly or partly immersed in the said cell, said cell optionally allowing use of a third electrode, of a type known in the art as a reference electrode.
11. Adapter linked to a computer, as claimed in Claims 1 to 6, and using a cell as described in Claims 7 to 9, the computer so programmed and configured that a means is provided for carrying out the thickness testing of metallic coatings by the so-called coulometric method. (BSS 5411: pt 4 (1977).)
12 Adapter as claimed in Claims 1 to 6, linked to a computer and using a cell as in
Claims 7 to 10, the computer so programmed and configured that it is capable of canying out more than one type of surface testing procedure involving the application of a constant current and measurement of the consequential voltage response.
13. Adapter linked to a computer as claimed in Claims 1 to 6, and used with cells as described in Claims 7 to 10, and, as claimed in Claim 12, allowing the implementation of at least two ofthe following test methods, all of which are based on the principles laid down in Claim 12 in that they involve measurement of a potential or a change in potential of the surface to be tested relative to some other potential, consequent on the application of a controlled current.
- coulometric thickness testing
- linear polarisation corrosion testing
- surface cleanliness testing by galvanostatic method - solderability testing by oxide cathodic reduction (SERA) method
- galvanostatic testing of conversion coatings
- electrocatalytic activity of an anode or cathode
- STEP test where said methods are known in the art and have been many times described in the technical literature.
14. Adapter as claimed in Claims 1 to 6, where magnitude and/or duration of controlled current output is determined by digital signals output from the computer, said signals being less sensitive to spurious electrical interference than analogue signals.
15. Adapter as claimed in Claims 1 to 6 and Claim 14 where said adapter is mounted or otherwise located in the immediate proximity of the electrochemical cell or where adapter is integrally housed within the electrochemical cell stand or housing
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9705145A GB2323172A (en) | 1997-03-13 | 1997-03-13 | Computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9705145A GB2323172A (en) | 1997-03-13 | 1997-03-13 | Computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9705145D0 GB9705145D0 (en) | 1997-04-30 |
| GB2323172A true GB2323172A (en) | 1998-09-16 |
Family
ID=10809132
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9705145A Withdrawn GB2323172A (en) | 1997-03-13 | 1997-03-13 | Computer adapter for testing and characterising surfaces |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2323172A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2004102177A1 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2004-11-25 | Endress+Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft Für Mess- Und Regeltechnik Mbh + Co. Kg | Adapter for connecting a sensor module to a transducer module |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4495558A (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1985-01-22 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for determining oxide film thickness |
| WO1991019972A1 (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1991-12-26 | Max-Planck-Institut Für Eisenforschung GmbH | Process and device for inspecting coated metal surfaces |
| WO1993008460A1 (en) * | 1991-10-22 | 1993-04-29 | Isi Abt Services Limited | Surface sensing equipment |
| WO1995002189A1 (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1995-01-19 | Abaxis, Inc. | System and method for incorporating analytical instruments within personal computers |
-
1997
- 1997-03-13 GB GB9705145A patent/GB2323172A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4495558A (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1985-01-22 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for determining oxide film thickness |
| WO1991019972A1 (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1991-12-26 | Max-Planck-Institut Für Eisenforschung GmbH | Process and device for inspecting coated metal surfaces |
| WO1993008460A1 (en) * | 1991-10-22 | 1993-04-29 | Isi Abt Services Limited | Surface sensing equipment |
| WO1995002189A1 (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1995-01-19 | Abaxis, Inc. | System and method for incorporating analytical instruments within personal computers |
Non-Patent Citations (4)
| Title |
|---|
| [Elektor Electronics, December 1996, pages 6-9, RS232 data acquisition card. * |
| [Elektor Electronics, September 1996, pages 56-59, RS232 interface for A-D converter ICL7106 * |
| Elektor Electronics, October 1996, pages 56-60, Focus on measuring with the PC * |
| Maplin Catalogue, September 1995- August 1996, pages 390-391& 1076-1079. * |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2004102177A1 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2004-11-25 | Endress+Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft Für Mess- Und Regeltechnik Mbh + Co. Kg | Adapter for connecting a sensor module to a transducer module |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9705145D0 (en) | 1997-04-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |