Product Data Sheet

March 2018

Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor

Non-intrusive Corrosion Monitoring

Corrosion and erosion are some of the most

important cost elements in the oil and gas
industry, taking into account repairs,
replacements, plant shutdowns and corrosion
protection activities. At the same time,
uncontrolled corrosion and erosion is a key
challenge for the integrity and safety of plants,
production platforms and pipelines, with
possible risks for assets, people and
environment. Accordingly, there is an increasing
focus on corrosion and integrity management.
Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor March 2018

Corrosion challenges vary, and even with the available range of corrosion monitoring technologies, there is
no solution that meets all needs. As an example, refineries see high temperatures in furnaces, transfer lines
and distillation units. This is not only a problem for the temperature rating of the monitoring equipment, but
also a measurement challenge due to the naphthenic acid corrosion that is common under such conditions.
The ability to monitor localized corrosion is a limitation for many of the commercially available technologies.
Similarly, process fluids may be very aggressive, and users would avoid intrusive sensors, as they could cause
a possible leak path for aggressive and possibly dangerous. High H2S concentration is a good example
where emissions of gas could have dramatic consequences for personnel and surroundings.
Localized corrosion may also be an issue for particular materials and fluids. Again, high H2S levels is an
example. H2S will cause an Iron Sulfide (FeS) film, which will cause an uneven corrosion distribution.
For underground pipelines, access to the most critical points for internal corrosion (normally bottom of line,
low spots) can be a challenge. Intrusive sensors can be difficult to install and retrieve at the relevant
locations, and data communication to remote areas can also be challenging.
Roxar FSMLog offers an attractive alternative for corrosion and erosion monitoring for the challenges
described in this section.

Roxar FSMLog technology

The Roxar FSMLog technology is based on an array of sensing pins welded directly to the external surface of
the monitored object. Localized corrosion is measured between the sensing pins. Roxar FSMLog is delivered
with an instrument for continuous monitoring, that is most commonly online to the user, and that
communicates directly with a PC and Server with the Fieldwatch software installed for system control, data
management and reporting.

Measurement principles
The Roxar FSMLog technology is based on feeding an electric current through a monitored section of a pipe,
pipeline or vessel. The applied current sets up an electric field. The electric field is monitored as the voltage
drop values are measured between a set of sensing pins that are installed on the external pipe wall.
The initial measurement sequence measures the voltage drop between all pairs of sensing pins and is called
the Field Signature. Later measurements are compared to the Field Signature, where general corrosion can
be seen as an uniform increase in voltage drops between all pin pairs, whereas localized corrosion can be
seen as a local increase in the values. Note that corrosion is measured between the sensing pins, meaning
that the complete monitored area is covered, and not only under each sensing pin.

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The following figure shows the principle of Field Signature measurements. An electric field is set up in the
area of the pipe, and measured between pairs of sensing pins. Field pattern is changed if there is metal loss
on the pipe, like a crack as shown in the one on the left.

Since metal conductivity and resistance are changing with temperature, it is important to install a reference
plate that is not exposed to corrosion at the pipe wall. In addition, temperature is measured continuously,
and further temperature compensation can be done in the system software. In order to ensure same pipe
quality, the reference plate is normally client provided.
A Roxar FSMLog monitoring system comprises of the following components:
 Sensing Pin Matrix
 Roxar FSMLog instrument connected via cable to the sensing pin matrix
 Communication via cable to Field Interface Unit (FIU) (hazardous area certified solution) or directly to the
server with Fieldwatch software
 Server with Fieldwatch server for instrument control, data management and reporting
The following figure shows a Roxar FSMLog pipe section with a reference plate installed.

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Sensing pin matrix

Sensing pins are stud-welded to the monitored object in order to ensure good and stable electric contacts.
In addition, current feeding pins are welded to the pipe surface.
Sensing pin matrices comes in multiples of 64 sensing pins, that is, 64, 128, 192 up to a maximum of 256
sensing pins. Each sensing pin is marked and identified for allocation of measurement in the instrument and
software. Distribution of sensing pins within the monitored area can be adapted to each individual
application, for example, focusing on welds, bends or bottom sections of horizontal pipes and pipelines.
Sensing pin matrices come in three different versions:
 Standard matrix for temperatures up to 266° F (130°C).
 High temperature sensing pin matrix, where cable connections are designed for applications up to 932°F
(500 °C).
 For underground pipelines, sensing pin matrices and exposed area is coated with a primary coating and a
second layer of polyurethane coating.
The following figures shows the installation of sensing pins and a complete sensing pin matrix on an
underground pipeline.

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Roxar FSMLog instrument

The Roxar FSMLog instrument is connected via cable to the sensing pin matrix, and comes in versions
according to the sensing pin options defined previously. The Roxar FSMLog is designed for online,
continuous monitoring. However, the instrument has a capacity for storage of 500 measurements, and can
be used as a stand-alone data logger for direct download of data to PC.

Roxar FSMLog configurations

In hazardous areas, the Roxar FSMLog instrument is powered by, and communicates via Fieldbus cables
through a Field Interface Unit (FIU). The FIU must be installed in a safe zone, and is most commonly installed
in the control room of a refinery or an oil or gas platform. However, the FIU can also be installed in an
explosion proof enclosure in a hazardous area. Each Fieldbus cable can handle two Roxar FSMLog units: the
maximum cable length for 2 units is 350 meters. A longer Fieldbus cable is possible for single Roxar FSMLog
units. FIU communicates with a Fieldwatch server for data management, analysis and reporting. Various
means of communication are available (wired RS 232 and RS 485, communication via radio, GSM and fiber-
optics are also available).
In non-hazardous areas, more Roxar FSMLog configuration options are available. The Roxar FSMLog can be
charged directly from external power sources, or it can be powered via solar panels or batteries. For such
systems, Roxar FSMLog can be set up with wireless communication via radio or GSM.

Fieldwatch software
The Roxar Fieldwatch software is required for the operation and analysis of Roxar FSMLog data. In addition,
Fieldwatch offers important advantages in sensing pin optimization, information sharing, data
management and reporting, for example, through XY-plots or 3-dimensional models showing distribution
of corrosion attacks.
The following screenshot shows an example of a Fieldwatch window displaying metal loss versus time (top
left), distribution of corrosion (top right), distribution of metal loss on pin pairs (bottom left) and corrosion
distribution (bottom right).

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Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor March 2018

Application examples
High temperature corrosion monitoring in refineries
As mentioned earlier, high temperature naphthenic acid corrosion is a challenge in the refining industry. The
problem is increasing with higher acid or sulfur content (high TAN) in the crude oil. Hence, low cost crude
oils are more corrosive than low TAN crudes. A particular challenge with naphthenic acid corrosion is that it
is localized and not uniformly distributed over the exposed surface.
Roxar FSMLog systems are commonly installed in refineries in order to monitor high temperature corrosion
(up to 500°C), and is often related to processing of opportunity crudes. Typical locations for Roxar FSMLog
installations are overpass bends in heaters, transfer lines to crude distillation units and vacuum distillation
units, and also other locations in the high temperature part of the process. A refinery often contains a
combination of in-line corrosion probes for fast tracking of changes in corrosivity and Roxar FSMLog for
monitoring localized high temperature corrosion directly on the pipe or vessel wall.
The installation of the Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor on covered and buried pipelines help operators
achieve the following objectives:
 Verify the efficiency and help with the optimization of corrosion protection program.
 Verify the integrity of assets with respect to safety and planned maintenance.
 Optimize the process for using opportunity crudes in refineries.

Underground production flow lines and pipelines

Corrosion monitoring of underground or production pipelines is often a challenge due to access limitations.
Corrosion is normally most severe in bottom sections of horizontal lines or low spots, where water is most
likely to collect. For this challenge, Roxar FSMLog is a technology that is suitable, since sensing pin matrices
can be installed directly onto the pipeline and then be buried as a part of the pipeline, without the need for a
pit or other form of access under the pipe.
The installation of the Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor on covered and buried pipelines helps
operators achieve the following objectives:
 Verify the efficiency and help with optimization of corrosion protection program.
 Detect corrosion rate changes due to changes in process, inhibitor injection or flow rates.
 Verify the integrity of assets with respect to safety and planned maintenance.
 Optimize intelligent inspection services such as smart pigging.

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The following figure shows a FSMLog instrument with cover.

Upstream oil and gas

Roxar FSMLog is also used on oil and gas production sites or offshore platforms, most often for monitoring
import/export pipelines, or for erosion monitoring in bends. Roxar FSMLog can be combined in an
integrated system with in-line corrosion and erosion probes, acoustic sand detectors and pig detectors, all
handled by the Fieldwatch software.

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Specifications - Roxar FSMLog

Roxar FSMLog Specifications
Measurement Accuracy and sensitivity depend on application, typically from 0.05% - 0.1% of pipe wall thickness.
Ability to detect localized metal loss depends on pin configuration, pipe wall thickness and shape of
attack. Storage capacity equals 500 measurements.
Cable connections Ex e / Ex d glands

Operating temperature -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to +60°C)

Housing dimensions 618mm x 598mm x 210mm

Weight 30kg / 66 lbs

Mounting Bolted

Material Stainless Steel 316

Ex-Certified Version Non Ex-Certified Version

Ex classification II 2 G Ex ia mb IIC T4 Gb -40°C≤ Ta ≤ + 60°C Not applicable

Communication  Wired - Roxar proprietary Fieldbus system
 Wireless options (GSM, Wi-Fi and WiMAX
available). You can contact your local sales
representatives.
Power requirements  Power through Field Interface Unit (max
consumption 7W)
 Solar and battery options available. You can
contact your local sales representatives.
 Wired - TCP-IP or RS 485, RS232. In this
configuration, it is possible to log data from
a laptop PC with Fieldwatch®.
 115/230 V AC. 50/60 Hz, 120 VA, 24 V DC
or 120 VA
 Solar and battery options available. You can
contact your local sales representatives.

Sensing pin matrices

Temperature rating
Number of sensing pins
Ex-Certified Version Non Ex-Certified Version
 Low Temperature/Buried Matrix – Ex e ia IIC  Low Temperature -40°C≤ Ta +130°C
T4 Gb -40°C≤ Ta ≤+ 130°C  High Temperature Matrix -40°C≤ Ta +500°C
 High Temperature Matrix – Ex e ia IIC T500
Gb -40°C ≤ Ta ≤+ 500°C
64, 128, 192 or 256 pins per instrument 64, 128, 192 or 256 pins per instrument

Max length from matrix to 10 meters 10 meters

Roxar FSMLog instrument

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Model Code Selector - Roxar FSMLog

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Block diagram - wired solution

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Block diagram - wireless with solar panel solution

Contact your Roxar sales representative for information on other power and communication options.

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Roxar FSMLog Area Corrosion Monitor Product Data Sheet

Head Office Roxar products:

Tel: +47 51 81 8800
E-mail: info.roxar@emerson.com
www.Emerson.com/Roxar
CIS:
Tel:+7 495 504 3405
Europe:
Tel: +47 51 81 8800
North America:
Tel: +1 281 879 2600
Middle East:
Tel: +971 4811 8100
Asia Pacific:
Tel:+ 60 3 217774450
Australia:
Tel: + 61 8 9208 1600
Latin America:
Tel: + 55 21 2217 8600
© 2018 Roxar AS. All rights reserved.
The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. Roxar is a trademark of Roxar AS and Roxar ASA. All other
marks are the property of their respective owners.
Roxar supplies this publication for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this
publication is not intended to make performance claims or process recommendations. Roxar does not warrant, guarantee, or
assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability, or usefulness of any information, product, or process
described herein. All sales are governed by our terms and conditions, which are available on request. We reserve the right to modify
or improve the designs or specifications of our products at any time without notice. For actual product information and
recommendations, please contact your local Roxar representative.
Roxar products are protected by patents. See http://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/brands/roxar-home/roxar-patents for details.