EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) is being more commonly used in laboratory coating test programs and also for evaluation of coatings in field service. Typically, the impedance is measured before and after exposure to test conditions in the laboratory or service conditions in the field. The decrease in impedance is used to gain an assessment of coating deterioration and the rate ofdeterioration, based on the loss of barrier properties with time. This study investigated some of the variables that influence such impedance measurements, using the model system of tank linings in immersion service in oil and gas production systems. The detailed impedance information is also interpreted in terms of the coating formulation chemistry and behavior of coatings in specific service environments. The results are presented and interpreted with the objective of making reliable measurements in the assessment of coating performance in the laboratory and field.
Keywords: Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, EIS, organic coatings, epoxy testing