Sensor connection bridge, sensor sample, corrosion measuring device for monitoring corrosion in air, bridge holder, monitoring system and method for monitoring corrosion in air

Abstract

A sensor connection bridge (1) configured for use in conjunction with a corrosion measurement device (20) for monitoring corrosion in air, the sensor connection bridge comprising at least one connector assembly (3a, 3b; the measuring device (20) comprises at least one connector assembly (4a, 4b) configured to enable an electrical connection between the measuring device (20) and at least one sensor sample (30a, 30b) inserted into the sensor connection bridge, and a computer-readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge, the at least one connector assembly (4a, 4b) being configured to enable an electrical connection between the measuring device (20) and the at least one sensor sample (30a, 30b) inserted into the sensor connection bridge. A sensor sample (30) adapted for use in conjunction with a sensor bridge (1), a sensor bridge arrangement, a corrosion measurement device (20) for monitoring corrosion in air, a passive sensor bridge holder (41) for off-line corrosion determination, a monitoring system (21) for monitoring corrosion in air in one or more different locations, and a method of monitoring corrosion in air in one or more different locations using a monitoring system (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to monitoring of corrosiveness in air and to apparatus therefor. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sensor bridge configured for use in combination with a corrosion measuring device for monitoring corrosiveness in air, a sensor coupon adapted for use in combination with the sensor bridge, a corrosion measuring device for monitoring corrosiveness in air, a passive sensor bridge holder, a monitoring system for monitoring corrosiveness in air in one or more different locations, and a method of monitoring corrosiveness in air in one or more different locations using a monitoring system as defined in the preamble of the independent claim. Background Art

[0002] Corrosivity is a term that describes the ability of an environment to cause corrosion to a metal surface. All corrosion studies that expose a sample or measurement device to a live environment attempt to assess the corrosiveness or corrosion damage to a particular object.

[0003] Important applications where corrosivity measurements are important include communications / data transmission facilities, industrial process control installations, sensitive production and cultural heritage sites. The challenge is that the atmospheric corrosivity of an environment depends on the complex interaction between pollutants present in the everyday environment and temperature and relative humidity.

[0004] Corrosivity in a location is not easy to measure, as it cannot be assumed that the corrosivity level will be equal even within a small area. Corrosivity will vary with the humidity level on the surface, which in turn depends on the relative humidity, which in turn depends on the temperature. In an outdoor environment, temperature and humidity variations can be large, and condensation will occur in a daily cycle. Similar problems may also occur in indoor locations, where there may be variations at different heights, especially if the room includes equipment to dissipate heat and has fans to circulate air.

[0005] In addition to temperature and humidity, contaminants are also needed to cause corrosion. The contaminant can be as simple as oxygen in the air or one of the many common contaminants found in cities and industrial sites, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or hydrogen sulfide. Fine particles in the atmosphere that may be deposited on the surface may contain corrosive contaminants, such as in the form of salts. All of these contaminants that are present outdoors may enter indoor locations, and indoor sources, such as organic acids and aldehydes, may add to outdoor sources.

[0006] In both outdoor environments and indoor environments, such as rooms with conditioned air, where it is desired to assess corrosivity, it is important to be able to select appropriate measurement locations to obtain the desired information. It is also important to select a suitable method to assess corrosivity. Many techniques have been proposed in research and practical work, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. Many standards for corrosivity and environmental parameters are also available, such as ISO 11844, ISO 9223, ISO 9226 and ISO9225, ANSI / ISA-71.04-2013 and ASTM B825-02 (2008).

[0007] ANSI / ISA-71.04-2013 is widely used in many environments and was originally developed to determine the corrosion of metal connectors in telephone switches. Today, it is used in everything from museums and other cultural heritage facilities to server halls.

[0008] The standard uses solid metal coupons of copper and silver as sensor surfaces, which are exposed to the environment for a nominal 30 days, after which the thickness of the corrosion products is determined ex situ by a laboratory procedure. The thickness values ​​are then converted to a classification scale with levels G1, G2, G3, and GX, where G1 is the least severe and GX is the most severe. Even if a method exists to recalculate exposures shorter or longer than 30 days, the method is time consuming and the severity level can only be obtained after an ex situ laboratory procedure.

[0009] These drawbacks have led to the development of several different devices that attempt to determine in situ a value that can be correlated to a G1 to GX classification without removing the sensor surface and allowing the measurement to continue. Even though these devices have been available for a long time, there are still many improvements that can be made.

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide an improved method of monitoring corrosivity in air that is flexible, cost-effective and easy to use. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present disclosure is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned defects and disadvantages in the prior art and at least solve the above-mentioned problems. According to a first aspect, there is provided a sensor connection bridge configured for use in conjunction with a corrosion measurement device for monitoring corrosivity in air, the sensor connection bridge comprising at least one connector assembly and a computer readable memory, the at least one connector assembly being configured to enable electrical connection between the measurement device and at least one sensor specimen inserted into the sensor connection bridge, the computer readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge.

[0012] At least one connector assembly may include a first connector part configured to connect the sensor connection bridge to a connector in the measuring device. At least one connector assembly may include a second connector part, and the sensor includes a sensor sample receiving groove configured to receive a connection end of a sensor sample. The sensor preferably includes two connector assemblies arranged in parallel, the two connector assemblies allowing two sensor samples to be inserted into the sensor connection bridge.

[0013] At least one connector assembly may be at least partially arranged within the housing, and a sensor sample protection plate is preferably arranged on the housing adjacent to the sensor sample receiving slot, the protection plate being suitably configured to shield and protect the active front side of the sensor sample when the sensor sample is inserted into the sensor connection bridge. One or more ventilation openings adapted to allow air circulation may be provided in the protection plate or in the sensor connection bridge.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sensor sample suitable for use in combination with the sensor bridge of the first aspect described above, the sensor sample comprising a non-conductive substrate and a metal track applied to the substrate, wherein the sensor sample has a connection end at a first edge of the substrate, and the metal track applied to the substrate comprises at least one elongated metal track having an elongated and curved or wavy shape and comprising at least two end portions, wherein the at least two end portions comprise a connection region located at the first edge of the substrate. The substrate should preferably have a surface roughness of 5 angstroms to 600 angstroms. Advantageously, the entire metal film track including the connection region has been applied by thin film technology, wherein the application technology of the metal film track is preferably the same along its entire length including the connection region. Most preferably, the metal track is applied by sputtering or vapor deposition or a combination thereof. The metal track may suitably comprise at least one M-shaped portion, preferably two or more M-shaped portions. In order to produce a flat and uniform top surface of the metal track capable of reproducing the corrosive response, the underlying substrate surface needs to be equally smooth. The substrate should preferably have a surface roughness of 5 angstroms to 600 angstroms.

[0015] A first portion of the metal film track may suitably be covered by a protective layer impermeable to corrosive substances, and at least a second portion of the metal film track is then uncovered to allow it to be exposed to corrosive substances during use. The active sensor surface suitably comprises a corrodible metal, preferably copper or silver. The substrate may also comprise a gripping area, which is free of metal track and which is preferably located at a second end of the substrate opposite to the first connection end of the substrate. The specimen suitably has a width dimension parallel to the first edge and a length dimension perpendicular to the first edge, wherein W:L is 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 0.8 to 1.2, most preferably 0.9 to 1.1. The substrate may comprise glass, alumina or silicon.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sensor bridge arrangement structure, which includes a sensor bridge according to the first aspect and at least one sensor coupon according to the second aspect inserted into at least one connector.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a corrosion measurement device for monitoring corrosiveness in air, the corrosion measurement device being configured to receive and be connected to the sensor connection bridge of the first aspect, the measurement device comprising at least one connector configured to enable electrical connection between the measurement device and the sensor connection bridge, and an electronic circuit allowing determination of the resistance of a metal track of at least one sensor sample held by the sensor connection bridge, and an electronic circuit comprising an interface configured to retrieve sensor bridge identity information from a memory in the sensor connection bridge. The corrosion measurement device may include an electronic circuit allowing determination of the resistance of a metal track of a sensor sample by applying a current or voltage to the metal track. The corrosion measurement device may also include a bridge receiving recess configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge and any sensor sample carried by the sensor connection bridge, wherein at least one connector is accessible from the recess. The bridge receiving recess may be suitably arranged at a bottom end on the front side of the device when positioned in an upright position, and may be open at the front and at the bottom, and may have a closed rear wall, side walls and top wall, wherein, when the sensor bridge carrying the sensor sample is accommodated in the recess, the rear wall is suitably configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor connecting bridge, and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample. In addition, the corrosion measuring device may include a microprocessor configured to retrieve corrosive information based on a determination of a difference in resistance between an uncovered metal track and a covered track of the sensor sample. The corrosion measuring device may also include a display having a graphical user interface. Preferably, the corrosion measuring device includes a communication unit arranged to transmit the corrosive information to a cloud-based user communication interface.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a passive sensor bridge holder for off-line corrosivity determination, the bridge holder being configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge of the first aspect and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge, the holder comprising a bridge receiving recess configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge. The bridge receiving recess may be arranged at a bottom end on a front side of the holder when held in an upright position, and be open at the front and at the bottom, and have a closed rear wall, side walls and top wall, and wherein, when the sensor bridge carrying the sensor sample is received in the recess, the rear wall is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge, and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect, a monitoring system for monitoring corrosivity in air in one or more different locations is provided, the system comprising a monitoring device according to the second aspect, one or more sensor bridges according to the first aspect, a set of sensor specimens according to the second aspect, and optionally one or more passive sensor bridge holders according to the fifth aspect, wherein the one or more passive sensor bridge holders are configured to accommodate a sensor bridge arrangement structure during a time period between active measurement moments.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, a method for monitoring corrosiveness in the air in one or more different locations using the monitoring system of the sixth aspect is provided, the method comprising the following steps: 1. Inserting a new sensor sample according to the second aspect into one or more sensor connecting bridges according to the first aspect to form one or more sensor connecting bridge arrangements according to the third aspect; 2. Calibrating the sensor connecting bridge arrangement by determining the resistance in the new sensor sample with the aid of a corrosion measuring device according to the fourth aspect; 3. Placing the sensor connecting bridge arrangement in a desired position; 4. After a predetermined period of time, bringing the corrosion measuring device to the location of the sensor connecting bridge arrangement, or bringing the sensor connecting bridge arrangement to the corrosion measuring device; 5. Inserting the sensor connecting bridge into the corrosion measuring device and determining the corrosion of the sensor sample; 6. Returning the sensor connecting bridge arrangement to its previous desired position at step 3 to continue measurement.

[0021] The effects and features of the second to seventh aspects are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect. The embodiments mentioned in the first aspect are compatible with the second to seventh aspects to a large extent. According to the detailed description given below, the present disclosure will become apparent. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the present disclosure only by way of illustration. It is understood by those skilled in the art from the guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is not limited to the specific components of the described device or the steps of the described method, because such devices and methods can be varied. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. It should be noted that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "one", "a", "the" and "said" are intended to indicate that there are one or more elements in the element. In addition, the words "include", "include", "contain" and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] The main area of ​​improvement of the present disclosure is to allow both online and offline measurements while avoiding damage and measurement errors due to sensor connection and disconnection.

[0024] Another feature, which is a requirement for any measuring device nowadays, is to offer a large number of communication methods. This includes having a transparent and easy to understand Graphical User Interface GUI on the unit itself, while also giving the possibility to connect to remote computers, monitoring systems, Building Management Systems BMS and different cloud services.

[0025] Since the standards and all methods determine the thickness of the corrosion products, it is also inevitable that the sensor surface is consumed and thus needs to be replaced. It is therefore important that the sensor is reliable, maintains close tolerances and can also be manufactured at a cost affordable to the user.

[0026] By controlling the immediate space around the sensing surface, the air flow over the sensor surface can be controlled to eliminate anomalies due to sudden air movement caused by people and equipment and direct contact with the sensor surface.

[0027] The sensor bridge is configured to be used in combination with a corrosion measurement device for monitoring corrosiveness in air. The sensor bridge comprises at least one connector assembly and a computer readable memory, wherein the at least one connector assembly is configured to enable an electrical connection between the measurement device and at least one sensor sample inserted into the sensor bridge, and the computer readable memory comprises information about the identity of the sensor bridge. The sensor bridge forms a sensor bridge arrangement when at least one, preferably two sensor samples have been inserted into the sensor bridge. The sensor bridge can be used for active (real-time) online measurement by keeping the sensor bridge connected to the measurement device, but the sensor bridge can also be used for passive offline measurement as a "plug and play" arrangement by placing the sensor bridge elsewhere, most preferably by using a dedicated passive holder to place the sensor bridge elsewhere and bring the sensor bridge to the measurement device (or bring the measurement device to the sensor bridge) and connect the sensor bridge to the online system at a desired time point. The use of the sensor bridge also allows a combination of multiple sensor bridges with one or several measurement devices. The sensor bridge also allows convenient handling of the sensor sample during measurement, because the sample is held by the bridge and does not need to be touched by the user or operator. Furthermore, removing the entire bridge and leaving the sensor coupon in place will avoid damage and measurement errors due to sensor connection and disconnection. Thereby, the requirements for the robustness of the sensor coupon can be reduced, which can keep the cost of the sensor coupon down. In particular, the connection area on the sensor coupon does not need to be as wear-resistant as in applications where a sensor bridge is not used.

[0028] The computer readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge allows the measured data to be tied to a specific sensor connection bridge. Thus, the sensor coupons do not need to be provided with identity information, thereby further keeping the cost of the sensor coupons down.

[0029] A sensor coupon intended for use in conjunction with a sensor bridge comprises a substrate and a metal track applied to the substrate. A connection area is included at an end portion included in the elongated metal track. The sensor coupon will be described in more detail below. It should be understood that any number of sensors can be used simultaneously with the sensor bridge, and the sensor bridge will be designed according to the desired number of sensor coupons by providing the bridge with an appropriate number of sensor coupon receiving slots in the bridge. A preferred arrangement may include two sensor coupons having active sensor tracks made of different materials. In the following, the description may refer to "one sensor coupon" or "multiple sensor coupons". Unless otherwise expressly indicated, this should be interpreted as one or more sensor coupons.

[0030] The at least one connector assembly preferably includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to connect the sensor connection bridge to a connector in the measurement device, the sensor including a sensor sample receiving slot configured to receive a connection end of a sensor sample.

[0031] The first connector part may be in the form of a carrier substrate, for example made of a sheet material comprising glass fibres, on which conductive traces, for example of copper, have been applied. The conductive traces are suitably arranged to establish electrical contact with a circuit in a measuring device, with which the sensor connection bridge is to be used in conjunction. Thus, the first connector part may serve as an interface for communicating with the measuring device. A computer readable memory comprising the identity information of the sensor bridge may also be held by or included in the first connector part.

[0032] The second connector part may be in the form of a connector housing having a sensor sample receiving slot, wherein a spring-loaded contact member may be arranged inside the connector housing to make electrical contact with a contact area or connection area on the sensor sample when the sensor sample is inserted into the slot and to hold the sensor sample in place when the sensor connection bridge is oriented so that the sensor sample is oriented downward without any other supporting members or elements. A plurality of pins may be arranged on an outer side of the connector housing, typically on the side opposite to the sensor sample receiving slot. The pins may be suitably arranged to be inserted into through holes arranged in the carrier substrate of the first connector part to establish electrical contact between the spring-loaded contact member of the second connector part and the conductive traces on the first connector part.

[0033] The sensor connection bridge may include two connector assemblies arranged in parallel that allow two sensor coupons to be inserted into the sensor connection bridge. When two or more connector assemblies are included, the carrier substrate may be one-piece with a separate set of conductive traces for each coupon receiving connector housing.

[0034] At least one connector assembly may suitably be arranged at least partially within a housing, typically made of plastic material. The housing may be a two-part structure comprising a rear portion having a through opening through which the first connector portion may extend to be accessible outside the housing in a rearward or upward direction, and a front portion which may include a handle for conveniently manipulating the sensor connection bridge. The two parts of the housing may be joined by screws or snap fasteners.

[0035] The sensor connection bridge may also include a sensor sample protection plate arranged on the housing adjacent to the sensor sample receiving slot, typically on the front part of the two-part housing. The protection plate is configured to shield and protect the active front side of the sensor sample when the sample is inserted into the sensor connection bridge, and serves as the front boundary of the sensor sample space defined by the protection plate and the bridge receiving recess. Therefore, the protection plate is appropriately extended in the width direction and the length direction to form a protection surface, which has at least the same size as the opening of the bridge receiving recess, and is therefore at least as large as the sensor sample, preferably larger than the sensor sample. The protection plate is appropriately arranged on the bridge housing so that there is a distance of preferably about 0.2cm to 1.5cm between the protection plate and the surface of the sensor sample. The protection plate appropriately has one or more through openings, which allow air circulation around the sensor sample in the sensor sample space so as to keep the temperature in the sensor sample space uniform and the same as the temperature in the environment to be measured. Ventilation openings may also be provided in the housing of the sensor connection bridge. The sensor sample space is advantageous because the sensor sample space allows the air flow, temperature and humidity in the immediate surrounding environment over the sensor surface to be more controlled and not subject to air movement caused by passing personnel or air flow from equipment and avoids direct touch. By controlling the immediate space around the sensing surface, the air flow over the sensor surface can be controlled to eliminate anomalies caused by sudden air movement caused by personnel and equipment and direct contact with the sensor surface.

[0036] The sensor coupon is a disposable part that is consumed and needs to be replaced after a certain measurement cycle. The sensor coupon is then removed from the sensor bridge and discarded or recycled. The sensor bridge can be used again with a new set of sensor coupons. Because the sensor coupon is protected during measurement by the sensor bridge, preferably the sensor bridge combined with the receiving recess in the measuring device (for active measurement) or by the passive sensor bridge holder for passive measurement, as described below.

[0037] The computer-readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge may, for example, be a read-only memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), configured to contain sensor bridge identification data.

[0038] The above mentioned sensor coupon suitable for use in combination with the above mentioned sensor connecting bridge comprises an insulating substrate and a thin metal track applied on the substrate. The original resistance of the metal track is preferably 1 ohm to 10 ohms, more preferably 4 ohms to 5 ohms in an optimized thickness and area relationship to give the desired sensitivity of the corrosion product thickness measurement. If the pollution in the air causes metal corrosion, a corrosion product film will form on top of the thin metal track, while the cross-sectional area of ​​the track is thereby reduced. Metal loss and corrosion product accumulation will then likely be recorded as an increase in resistance. As mentioned above, the sensor coupon is a disposable part of the corrosion measuring device and needs to be replaced after a period of time. Therefore, it is important to keep the cost for manufacturing the sensor coupon at an acceptable level. A part of the track or a separate metal track can be covered by a barrier that is impermeable to contaminants to be used as a device for temperature compensation of the resistance measurement.

[0039] The sensor coupon has at least one connection end at a first end of the substrate close to the edge of the substrate and comprises at least one elongated thin metal track applied to the substrate. The metal track or pattern is applied in a wavy, preferably M-shaped pattern and comprises an end portion, the end portion comprising a connection area located at the first edge of the substrate, and the metal track or pattern has a first end and a second end, both of which are located at the connection end of the substrate. The connection area can most advantageously be covered by a sputtered gold surface on top of the metal of the metal track, such as copper or silver, to ensure a good contact area towards the connector of the sensor connection bridge, as no oxide layer will form on the gold surface.

[0040] The M-shaped pattern preferably has a layout in which each M-shaped portion is composed of a track including a straight segment, which forms an "M" by turning 90 degrees six times to form an M shape. The middle segment of the "M" can be folded back 30% to 70% of the height of the "M". Preferably, there are at least two "Ms" on one sensor specimen, and the at least two "Ms" are connected by a bridging portion between the legs of adjacent "Ms". The end portion including the connection area is appropriately located at the end of the M-shaped leg. In addition, an additional leg that is connected to one of the M-shaped legs and has a connection area at its end may be provided. For example, the connection area on the M-shaped leg can be used to apply current or voltage, and the connection area on the additional leg can be used to measure resistance.

[0041] The substrate is a non-conductive substrate, such as a ceramic substrate or a glass substrate or a glass laminate or a glass fiber composite board. The substrate should have a surface roughness of 5 to 600 angstroms, preferably 5 to 100 angstroms, more preferably 5 to 50 angstroms, so as to keep the original surface of the metal track as smooth as possible, thereby ensuring uniform accumulation of the corrosion product layer during the use of the sensor and thereby improving the reliability of corrosion measurement.

[0042] The theoretical model for the resistive corrosion sensor measurement is based on the assumption that the corrosion product accumulation is completely uniform and therefore the reduction of the available pure metal cross-sectional area of ​​the thickness of the metal track is also completely uniform, since the resistance of the cross-sectional area is the parameter measured by the measuring device. In addition, the corrosion process on top of the corroded metal surface is also greatly affected and may even be accelerated by any inhomogeneities present due to the initial surface roughness. This effect has been found to be particularly pronounced when the applied sensor metal film track has a very low thickness, especially in the case where the metal track is applied by thin film technology, because the applied thin metal film will follow the surface of the substrate. A suitable substrate can be obtained, for example, by polishing the surface of a glass sheet material to a desired surface roughness of 5 angstroms to 600 angstroms. Other methods can be used. Unpolished glass can typically have an average surface roughness of about 350 nm.

[0043] The metal film track is a thin film track, which is preferably applied by thin film technology, such as by PVD metal deposition or sputtering, so as to give a metal layer with a low thickness, which provides a high sensitivity of the resulting sensor. Most preferably, the entire metal track including the connection area is made by the same application technology. The metal track may preferably have a thickness of 400nm to 1000nm. At the lower end of the thickness interval, the sensor sensitivity will be higher, but the metal track thickness will still be sufficient to give a reasonably sufficient sensor life, and at the upper end of the interval, the sensor can be used in a more corrosive environment. As mentioned above, the thin metal track requires a very smooth substrate surface. The metal track thickness is preferably 400nm to 800nm ​​and more preferably 500nm to 600nm to ensure high sensitivity and sufficient service life of the sensor. The metal track preferably has a width of 1.7mm to 2.3mm. By providing a metal track with an M-shaped layout as described above and selecting the metal track thickness and width within the specified range, the metal track can be made relatively short while still having a preferred original resistance of 1 ohm to 10 ohms. Thereby, the sensor metal track can be manufactured to fit on a very small piece of sensor coupon substrate and less metal is required to obtain the sheet, which is important in reducing the cost of the sensor coupon, since both the substrate material and in particular the sensor metal are expensive materials. In addition, the distance between adjacent edges of the corrugated metal track is preferably 0.7 mm to 3 mm, thereby making the metal track even more compact and surface efficient, while being large enough to avoid the risk of short circuits in the event of accumulation of water droplets due to condensation, which could bridge between adjacent parts of the metal track.

[0044] Thus, by adapting the length to height ratio of the sensor coupon to the length to height ratio of the entire substrate material, the number of sensors can be optimized, which increases the production speed and reduces waste and manufacturing costs. This can be achieved if the shape of the membrane track can be adapted to the most advantageous length to height ratio of the sensor. Advantageously, the sensor coupon has a width dimension W parallel to the first edge 34 and a length dimension L perpendicular to the first edge, wherein W:L is 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 0.8 to 1.2, most preferably 0.9 to 1.1. The substrate material blank from which the sensor coupon substrate is made is manufactured to generally have a substantially square shape with typical dimensions of about 114 mm×114 mm. Thus, with the selected preferred M shape of the metal track and the selected dimensions of the sensor coupon, a large part of the substrate material blank can be utilized, resulting in less waste and therefore more cost-effective manufacturing of the sensor coupon. Suitable dimensions can be obtained if the length L of the sensor coupon is about 2.5 cm to 4.0 cm. Furthermore, the width of the sensor coupon may suitably be approximately 25mm to 40mm, preferably 30mm to 38mm, to accommodate the size of standard off-the-shelf connectors which are typically approximately 31mm wide.

[0045] As mentioned above, the contact area is provided at the end of the sensor specimen and is adapted to be inserted into a measuring device.

[0046] The sensors of the above-mentioned type known to date, i.e. in the form of a thin metal track applied to a substrate, are usually manufactured to withstand wear when inserted into a measuring device in order to allow repeated insertion into and removal from contact means of a corrosion measuring device. This can be achieved, for example, by forming the connection area of ​​the metal track by thick-film technology or a combination of thick-film technology layers and thin-film technology layers or by applying a further wear-resistant conductive coating at the connection area. In many previously known cases, the entire sensor metal track including the connection area is produced by thick-film technology and etching.

[0047] It has been found within the scope of the present invention that a connection area which is applied only by thin film technology and has a thickness of the same order as the sensor metal track described above is sufficiently durable when used with the sensor connection bridge described herein. The contact area may be slightly scratched when inserted into the connector part of the sensor connection bridge, but is still able to provide sufficient electrical contact to obtain a proper corrosion measurement. Thus, the otherwise usually required complex step of applying a thick film technology layer on the connection area is not required, which means that the manufacture of the sensor specimen can be further facilitated and therefore less expensive.

[0048] Furthermore, the substrate may comprise a gripping area which is free of metal tracks and which is preferably located at a second end of the substrate opposite to the first connection end of the substrate. The gripping portion preferably has a dimension of 8 mm to 15 mm in the length direction of the sensor coupon and has a width corresponding to approximately half the width of the sensor coupon. The gripping area is preferably marked by printed text (e.g. "Touch only here") or a pattern. The gripping area allows a user to easily hold the sensor coupon for insertion into the sensor connection bridge without the risk of accidentally touching the sensitive sensor track, which could compromise the corrosion measurement as contamination on the metal track could affect the resistivity.

[0049] Preferably, a first portion of the metal film track is covered by a protective layer that is impermeable to corrosive substances and is therefore used as a reference portion, and a second portion of the metal film track is uncovered to allow it to be exposed to corrosive substances during use and is therefore used as a measuring or sensing portion. The protective layer or coating may preferably be a polyester film and may preferably be transparent. The measuring portion and the reference portion of the resulting sensor will suitably have the same shape and size and are typically connected by a bridging portion, wherein the protective layer or coating covers half the length of the bridging portion. The protective layer or coating preferably extends substantially all the way to the edge of the substrate at the second end of the substrate. When a gripping area is included in the sensor specimen, the gripping area is preferably positioned and marked at the free area between the covered reference portion and the edge of the substrate at the second end of the substrate, and is therefore also covered by the protective layer or coating, thereby further reducing the risk of contamination of the sensor metal film track.

[0050] During the measurement, the sensing part is exposed to air and is expected to corrode. The reference part is covered with a coating for temperature compensation. When the sensing part corrodes, the cross-sectional area for conducting current is significantly reduced, and the consumption of metal can be directly measured by measuring the increase in resistance. As described in T. Prosek et al., paper 436 "Application of automated corrosion sensors for real-time monitoring in atmospheres polluted with organic acids" at the 18th International Corrosion Conference in 2011, page 2, by assuming that the conductivity of the pattern is proportional to the remaining thickness of the metal pattern and assuming that the corrosion products do not contribute to the conductivity, the corrosion depth Δh of the metal sensor can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0051]

[0052] in,

[0053] h ref i Initial reference pattern thickness

[0054] R A The resistance of the active uncovered part of the metal track

[0055] R P Resistance of the passive covered part of the metal track

[0056] R Ai Initial resistance of the active uncovered part of the metal track

[0057] R P i Initial resistance of the passive covered portion of the metal track.

[0058] The metal track of the sensor coupon is preferably composed of copper or silver metal. Preferably, two coupons are used simultaneously, wherein the active sensor surface is different. Most preferably, a sensor coupon with a copper sensor pattern is used together with a sensor coupon with a silver sensor pattern. The parameter measured will be the actual metal loss of the sample, so there is a direct link to the corrosiveness, despite the assumptions made.

[0059] A corrosion measurement device for use in conjunction with a sensor bridge for monitoring corrosiveness in air is a device configured to receive and connect to a sensor bridge as described above. The measurement device includes at least one connector configured to enable electrical connection between the measurement device and the sensor bridge, and electronic circuitry that allows determination of the resistance of the active sensor surface of at least one sensor sample held by the sensor bridge, and an interface, such as an I2C interface, configured to retrieve sensor bridge identity information from a memory in the sensor bridge. The measurement device may be battery operated, which allows the measurement device to operate independently and be easily taken to different locations.

[0060] The electronic circuit allows the resistance of the active sensor surface of the sensor specimen to be determined by applying a current or voltage to the active sensor surface, and appropriately includes measurement circuitry and control circuitry and other components known in the art. In addition, the measuring device may include a microprocessor configured to retrieve corrosive information based on the determined active sensor surface resistance, and the measuring device may also include a communication unit with a transmitter arranged to transmit the corrosive information to a cloud-based user communication interface. The measuring device may also include sensors for measuring temperature, relative humidity and differential / absolute pressure of the measured environment. A memory containing software for saving data and performing calculations may appropriately be included in the measuring device, and the memory compares the readings with relevant standards, such as ANSI / ISA-71.04-2013.

[0061] At least one connector configured to enable an electrical connection between the measuring device and the sensor connection bridge may be in the form of a connector housing having a contact receiving slot, wherein a spring-loaded contact member may be arranged inside the connector housing so as to make electrical contact with an extension of the first connector part of the sensor connection bridge when inserted into the slot and to be able to hold the first connector part in place. Thus, when the extension of the first connector part is inserted into the connector of the measuring device, the sensor connection bridge will be securely attached to the measuring device.

[0062] The measuring device suitably comprises a main printed circuit board including the electronic circuitry required for resistance measurement and preferably also comprises a display with a graphical user interface.The components of the measuring device are preferably held in a housing, which may typically be a plastics material.

[0063] The measuring device may also include a bridge receiving recess configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge, which may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the sensor connection bridge. The recess is appropriately formed in the housing of the measuring device and may, for example, have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein two sides are open and three sides are closed, thereby providing protection for the sensor sample during measurement. The measuring device may generally be oriented during use so that the recess for accommodating the sensor connection bridge is located at the bottom of the front portion of the device and the open side of the recess is oriented forward and downward. Thus, the bridge receiving recess may protect the sensor sample from the rear and from the side, and a protective plate that may be mounted on the sensor connection bridge may protect the sensor sample from the front side. Therefore, the bridge receiving recess may form a sensor sample accommodating space together with the protective plate. The bridge receiving recess is configured to protect the rear side and edge side of at least one sensor sample and, together with the protective plate, define the boundary of the sensor sample space, the sensor sample space allowing air connection between the open bottom section and one or more openings in the upper portion of the sensor sample space, the one or more openings being suitable for allowing air circulation while protecting the sensor sample space and controlling the entry of contaminated air into the sensor sample surface.

[0064] At least one measuring device connector is suitably located in the recess in a position corresponding to the extended connector portion of the sensor connecting bridge.

[0065] As mentioned above, the described sensor bridge and measuring device can be included in a monitoring system for monitoring corrosivity in air in one or more different locations. The system can also include a passive sensor bridge holder for offline corrosivity determination, which is configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge as described above and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge. The holder suitably includes a bridge receiving recess configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge. Preferably, the bridge receiving recess can be arranged at the bottom end on the front side of the holder when held in an upright position, and is open at the front and at the bottom, and has a closed rear wall, side walls and top wall, and wherein, when the sensor bridge carrying the sensor sample is accommodated in the recess, the rear wall is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge, and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample. A passive sensor bridge holder for off-line corrosivity determination has a bridge receiving recess and a protective plate to define the boundaries of a sensor sample space, the sensor sample space allowing air connection between an open bottom section and one or more openings in an upper portion of the sensor sample space, the one or more openings being adapted to allow air circulation while protecting the sensor sample space and controlling the ingress of contaminated air to the sensor sample surface. Optionally, the system may include one or more passive sensor connection bridge holders configured to accommodate a sensor connection bridge arrangement during a period between active measurement times. The system suitably includes a communication device including a transmitter for transmitting information to a receiver in a remote location.

[0066] The measuring device is preferably arranged to transmit corrosive information and preferably also transmits one or more of room temperature, relative humidity, differential pressure / absolute pressure and sensor life information. The transmitted corrosive information can then be preferably converted into a classification value G1, G2, G3 or GX according to ANSI / ISA-71.04-2013.

[0067] For example, information can be transmitted via short-range wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, to mobile phones, tablet computers, etc. Information can also be transmitted to remote user networks via wired or wireless communications.

[0068] The information can also be transmitted via wired or wireless communication to one or more of the building management systems (BMS) that controls the HVAC system or directly to the heating, cooling or ventilation units. Thus, by including the building management system (BMS) that controls the HVAC system or the heating, cooling or ventilation units in the monitoring system, the environment in a specific location can be adjusted based on the corrosive information obtained by the corrosion measurement device.

[0069] The monitoring device can be used in a method for monitoring corrosiveness in air in one or more different locations, the method comprising the steps of inserting a new sensor sample into one or more sensor bridges to form one or more sensor bridge arrangements; calibrating the sensor bridge arrangement by determining the resistance in the new sensor sample by means of a corrosion measuring device; placing the sensor bridge arrangement in a desired location; after a predetermined period of time, bringing the corrosion measuring device to the location of the sensor bridge arrangement, or bringing the sensor bridge arrangement to the corrosion measuring device; inserting the sensor bridge into the corrosion measuring device and determining corrosion of the sensor sample. Returning the sensor bridge arrangement to its previously desired location to continue the measurement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Figure 1 A sensor connecting bridge with a sensor coupon according to the invention is schematically illustrated.

[0072] Figure 2 A sensor connecting bridge according to the invention with a sensor coupon and a sensor coupon protection plate is schematically illustrated in a perspective view.

[0073] Figure 3 Schematically illustrated is an exploded view of a sensor connection bridge according to the invention, viewed in a perspective view, comprising a two-part housing and two connector assemblies.

[0074] Figure 4 A corrosion measuring device according to the invention, viewed from the front, is schematically illustrated, comprising a display, a bridge receiving recess, two connectors and a disconnected sensor bridge.

[0075] Figure 5 A corrosion measuring device according to the invention with a connected (attached) sensor bridge is schematically illustrated in a perspective view.

[0076] Figure 6 The front side of a corrosion measuring device according to the invention is schematically illustrated, comprising a bridge receiving recess with two connectors and two projections intended to guide and fix a sensor bridge during installation.

[0077] Figure 7 A monitoring system including a passive keeper according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0078] Figure 8 A sensor coupon according to the invention is schematically illustrated, comprising a substrate, an elongated metal track in a corrugated shape and several connection areas at a first edge of the substrate.

[0079] Fig. 9 A sensor coupon according to the invention is schematically illustrated, comprising a substrate, an elongated metal track in a corrugated shape, several connection areas and wherein a section of the metal track is covered by a layer impermeable to corrosive substances.

[0080] Fig.10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a method for monitoring corrosivity in air in one or more different locations according to the present invention.

[0081] Fig.11 Schematically illustrated are different forms of communication between a system for monitoring corrosivity in air and a display device, a storage device or a recording device, a cloud service and a unit for removing contamination in air that can be controlled based on the corrosivity information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the skilled person.

[0083] Figures 1 to 3 The sensor connection bridge according to the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 1 In the process, the sensor sample is inserted into the connecting bridge. Figure 3 is an exploded view showing how a connector assembly may include a first connector portion and a second connector portion.

[0084] A first aspect of the present disclosure shows a sensor bridge 1 configured to be used in conjunction with a corrosion measuring device 20 for monitoring corrosivity in air, the sensor bridge comprising at least one connector assembly 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b and a computer-readable memory, the at least one connector assembly 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b being configured to enable electrical connection between the measuring device 20 and at least one sensor sample 30a, 30b inserted into the sensor bridge, the computer-readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge.

[0085] exist Figure 3In the example shown in, at least one connector assembly includes a first connector part 3a, 4a and a second connector part 4a, 4b, the first connector part 3a, 4a is configured to connect the sensor connecting bridge 1 to the connector 23a, 23b in the measuring device 20, and the sensor includes a sensor sample receiving groove 2a, 2b configured to receive the connecting end 33 of the sensor sample 30a, 30b. Figure 3 is an exploded view showing how a connector assembly may include a first connector portion and a second connector portion. As illustrated, the sensor includes two connector assemblies 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b arranged in parallel, which allow two sensor samples 30a, 30b to be inserted into the sensor connection bridge. At least one connector assembly 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b is at least partially arranged within a housing 5, and a sensor sample protection plate 6 is arranged on the housing adjacent to the sensor sample receiving slots 2a, 2b, and the protection plate 6 is configured to shield and protect the active front side of the sensor sample when the sensor sample is inserted into the sensor connection bridge. Figure 2 It is shown how the protection plate 6 is included in the sensor connection bridge.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , one or more ventilation openings 7 suitable for allowing air circulation are provided in the protective plate 6 or in the sensor connecting bridge.

[0087] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A second aspect of the disclosure is illustrated, showing a sensor coupon suitable for use in combination with the sensor bridge 1 of the first aspect, the sensor coupon comprising a non-conductive substrate 31 and a metal track 32 applied on the substrate, wherein the sensor coupon has a connection end 33 at a first edge 34 of the substrate, and the metal track applied to the substrate comprises at least one elongated metal track having an elongated and curved or wavy shape and comprising at least two end portions 35a to 35c, 35a' to 35c', the at least two end portions 35a to 35c, 35a' to 35c' comprising a connection area 36a to 36c, 36a' to 36c' located at the first edge 34 of the substrate. As mentioned above, the entire metal film track has been applied by thin film technology, wherein the application technology of the metal film track is the same along its entire length including the connection area, and the metal track may be applied by sputtering or vapor deposition or a combination thereof. Fig. 9 The diagram shows the connection areas to which a gold layer has been applied to protect the connection areas from corrosion.

[0088] Figure 8 and Fig. 9It is shown how the metal track comprises at least one M-shaped portion, preferably two or more M-shaped portions. The M-shaped pattern preferably has a layout in which each M-shaped portion is composed of a track comprising a straight section, which forms an "M" by turning 90 degrees six times to form an M shape. The middle section of the "M" can be folded back 30% to 70% of the height of the "M". Preferably, there are at least two "Ms" on one sensor specimen, and the at least two "Ms" are connected by a bridge portion between the legs of adjacent "Ms". The end portion including the connection area is appropriately located at the end of the M-shaped leg. In addition, an additional leg having a connection with one of the M-shaped legs and a connection area at its end can be provided. For example, the connection area on the M-shaped leg can be used to apply a current or voltage, and the connection area on the additional leg can be used to measure resistance. The first portion 37 of the metal film track is covered by a protective layer 38 that is impermeable to corrosive substances, and at least one second portion 39 of the metal film track is uncovered to allow it to be exposed to corrosive substances during use. The active sensor surface comprises a corrodible metal, preferably copper or silver.

[0089] like Fig. 9 As illustrated in , the substrate may include a gripping area 49 that is free of metal tracks and is preferably located at a second end of the substrate opposite to the first connection end 33 of the substrate. In the illustrated example, the protective layer 38 extends to the second end 48 of the substrate. The sensor coupon preferably has a width dimension W parallel to the first edge 34 and a length dimension L perpendicular to the first edge, wherein W:L is 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 0.8 to 1.2, most preferably 0.9 to 1.1. The substrate comprises glass, alumina or silicon.

[0090] Figure 1 to Figure 2 Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is a sensor bridge arrangement comprising a sensor bridge and two sensor coupons 30 a , 30 b .

[0091] Figures 4 to 6 A corrosion measuring device for monitoring corrosivity in air is illustrated, which is configured to receive and be connected to a sensor connecting bridge 1 as described above. Figure 5 The sensor connecting bridge is shown installed in the recess 24 of the corrosion measuring device. Figure 5A corrosion measuring device is shown without a sensor connection bridge and in this example a protrusion is provided on each side of the recess so as to improve the fitting of the sensor connection bridge in the recess. In the example shown, the measuring device comprises two connectors 23a, 23b configured to enable an electrical connection between the measuring device 20 and the sensor connection bridge 1, and an electronic circuit (not shown) allowing the determination of the resistance of the metal track of at least one sensor sample 30a, 30b held by the sensor connection bridge 1, and an electronic circuit (not shown) configured to retrieve the sensor bridge identity information from a memory in the sensor connection bridge. The corrosion measuring device comprises an electronic circuit (not shown) allowing the determination of the resistance of the metal track of the sensor sample by applying a current or a voltage to the metal track.

[0092] The corrosion measurement device comprises a bridge receiving recess 24 configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge 1 and any sensor sample carried by the sensor connection bridge, wherein at least one connector 23a, 23b is accessible from the recess. The bridge receiving recess 24 is arranged at the bottom end on the front side 22 of the device when positioned in an upright position, and is open at the front and at the bottom, and has a closed rear wall 26, side walls 27a, 27b and a top wall 27c, and wherein, when the sensor bridge carrying the sensor sample is accommodated in the recess, the rear wall 26 is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor connection bridge 1, and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample.

[0093] The corrosion device comprises a microprocessor configured to retrieve corrosivity information based on the determination of the difference in resistance of an uncovered metal track and a covered track of the sensor coupon. The corrosion device comprises a display 25 having a graphical user interface GUI. The corrosion device comprises a communication unit arranged to transmit the corrosivity information to a cloud-based user communication interface.

[0094] Figure 7 The passive sensor bridge holder for offline corrosivity determination of the present disclosure shown on the right in FIG. 1 is configured to receive and hold the sensor bridge 1 of the first aspect and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge, and the holder includes a bridge receiving recess 44 configured to receive and hold the sensor bridge 1 and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge. The bridge receiving recess 44 is arranged at the bottom end on the front side 42 of the holder 41 when held in an upright position, and is open at the front and at the bottom, and has a closed rear wall 46, side walls 47a, 47b and a top wall 47c, and wherein, when the sensor bridge carrying the sensor sample is held in the recess, the rear wall 46 is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge 1, and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample.

[0095] Figure 7 A second aspect of a monitoring system for monitoring corrosiveness in air in one or more different locations is shown, the system comprising a monitoring device 20, two sensor bridges 1a, 1b, a set of sensor specimens (not shown), and a passive sensor bridge holder 41 configured to accommodate a sensor bridge arrangement during a time period between active measurement moments.

[0096] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is as follows Fig.10 The method for monitoring corrosivity in air in one or more different locations using the monitoring system of the sixth aspect as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises the following steps: inserting new sensor samples 30a, 30b into one or more sensor bridges 1 to form one or more sensor bridge arrangements 901; calibrating the sensor bridge arrangement by determining the resistance in the new sensor sample by means of the corrosion measuring device 20 902; placing the sensor bridge arrangement in a desired position 903; after a predetermined period of time, bringing the corrosion measuring device 20 to the position where the sensor bridge arrangement is located 904a, or bringing the sensor bridge arrangement to the corrosion measuring device 20 904b; inserting the sensor bridge into the corrosion measuring device and determining the corrosion of the sensor sample 905. Returning the sensor bridge arrangement to its previously desired position to continue measurement 906.

[0097] Fig.11 The schematic illustrates how the monitoring system can transmit data to various locations.

[0098] It is recognized by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. It is also recognized by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, the skilled artisan may understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the disclosure claimed for protection.

Claims

1. A sensor bridge (1) configured to be used in conjunction with a corrosion measuring device (20) for monitoring corrosivity in air, the sensor bridge comprising: - at least one connector assembly (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b), said at least one connector assembly (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) is configured to enable an electrical connection to be made between the measuring device (20) and at least one sensor sample (30a, 30b) inserted into the sensor connection bridge, and - A computer readable memory comprising information about the identity of the sensor bridge.

2. The sensor connection bridge according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one connector assembly comprises a first connector part (3a, 4a) configured to connect the sensor connection bridge (1) to a connector (23a, 23b) in the measuring device (20).

3. The sensor connection bridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one connector assembly includes a second connector portion (4a, 4b) including a sensor sample receiving slot (2a, 2b) configured to receive a connecting end (33) of a sensor sample (30a, 30b).

4. The sensor connection bridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprises two connector components (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) arranged in parallel, and the two connector components (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) allow two sensor samples (30a, 30b) to be inserted into the sensor connection bridge.

5. The sensor bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one connector component (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) are at least partially arranged in a housing (5), and a sensor sample protection plate (6) is arranged on the housing adjacent to the sensor sample receiving groove (2a, 2b), and the protection plate (6) is configured to shield and protect the active front side of the sensor sample when the sensor sample is inserted into the sensor connection bridge.

6. The sensor connection bridge according to claim 6, wherein: One or more ventilation openings adapted to allow air circulation are provided in the protection plate or in the sensor connection bridge.

7. A sensor coupon (30) suitable for use in combination with a sensor bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the sensor coupon (30) comprising a non-conductive substrate (31) and a metal track (32) applied on the substrate, wherein: The sensor sample has a connecting end (33) at a first edge (34) of the substrate, and the metal track applied to the substrate includes at least one elongated metal track having an elongated and curved or wavy shape and including at least two end portions (35a-35c, 35a'-35c'), the at least two end portions (35a-35c, 35a'-35c') including a connecting area (36a-36c, 36a'-36c') located at the first edge (34) of the substrate, and wherein the substrate has a surface roughness of 5 angstroms to 600 angstroms, and the entire metal film track including the connecting area has been applied by thin film technology.

8. The sensor sample according to claim 7, wherein: The metal film track has a thickness of 400 nm to 1000 nm.

9. The sensor sample according to claim 8, wherein: The metal tracks are applied by sputtering or vapor deposition or a combination of sputtering and vapor deposition.

10. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The metal track comprises at least one M-shaped portion, preferably two or more M-shaped portions.

11. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The first portion (37) of the metal film track is covered by a protective layer (38) impermeable to corrosive substances, and at least one second portion (39) of the metal film track is uncovered to allow the at least one second portion (39) of the metal film track to be exposed to corrosive substances during use.

12. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The active sensor surface comprises a corrodible metal, preferably copper or silver.

13. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein: The base plate comprises a gripping area (49) which is free of metal tracks and is preferably located at a second end of the base plate opposite to the first connection end (33) of the base plate.

14. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein: The specimen has a width dimension (W) parallel to the first edge (34) and a length dimension (L) perpendicular to the first edge, wherein W:L is 0.7 to 1.3, preferably 0.8 to 1.2, most preferably 0.9 to 1.

1.

15. The sensor specimen according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein: The substrate includes glass, alumina or silicon.

16. A sensor bridge arrangement, comprising a sensor bridge (1) according to claims 1 to 6 and at least one sensor sample (30) according to claims 7 to 15 inserted into the at least one connector (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b).

17. The sensor bridge arrangement according to claim 16, comprising two sensor samples (30a, 30b), wherein: The first sensor coupon has a metal track comprising a first metal and the second sensor coupon has a metal track comprising a second metal, the first metal and the second metal being different, preferably copper and silver, respectively.

18. A corrosion measuring device (20) for monitoring corrosivity in air, the corrosion measuring device (20) being configured to receive and be connected to the sensor connecting bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the measuring device comprising: - at least one connector (23a, 23b) configured to enable an electrical connection between the measuring device (20) and the sensor connecting bridge (1); as well as - an electronic circuit allowing determination of the resistance of the metal track of at least one sensor specimen (30a, 30b) held by said sensor connecting bridge (1); and - An electronic circuit comprising an interface configured to retrieve sensor bridge identity information from a memory in said sensor connection bridge.

19. Corrosion measurement device according to claim 18, comprising an electronic circuit allowing the resistance of the metal track of the sensor coupon to be determined by applying a current or a voltage to the metal track.

20. The corrosion measurement device according to claim 18 or 19, comprising a bridge receiving recess (24) configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge (1) and any sensor sample carried by the sensor connecting bridge, wherein: The at least one connector (23a, 23b) is accessible from the recess.

21. The corrosion measurement device according to claim 20, wherein: The bridge receiving recess (24) is arranged at the bottom end on the front side (22) of the device when positioned in an upright position, and is open at the front and the bottom, and has a closed rear wall (26), side walls (27a, 27b) and a top wall (27c), and wherein, when a sensor bridge carrying a sensor sample is accommodated in the recess, the rear wall (26) is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor connecting bridge (1), and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample.

22. The corrosion measurement device of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a microprocessor configured to retrieve corrosivity information based on determining the difference in electrical resistance between uncovered and covered metal tracks of the sensor coupon.

23. The corrosion measurement device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising a display (25) having a graphical user interface (GUI).

24. The corrosion measurement device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising a communication unit arranged to transmit corrosivity information to a cloud-based user communication interface.

25. A passive sensor bridge holder (41) for offline corrosion determination, the bridge holder (41) being configured to receive and accommodate a sensor bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge, the holder comprising a bridge receiving recess (44) configured to receive and accommodate the sensor bridge (1) and any sensor sample carried by the sensor bridge.

26. The bridge holder (41) according to claim 25, wherein: The bridge receiving recess (44) is arranged at the bottom end on the front side (42) of the retainer (41) when held in an upright position, and is open at the front and the bottom, and has a closed rear wall (46), side walls (47a, 47b) and a top wall (47c), and wherein, when a sensor bridge carrying a sensor sample is accommodated in the recess, the rear wall (46) is configured to extend beyond any sensor sample carried by the sensor connecting bridge (1), and the side walls extend beyond the front of the sensor sample.

27. A monitoring system (21) for monitoring air corrosivity in one or more different locations, the system comprising: A measuring device (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, one or more sensor connecting bridges (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a set of sensor samples according to any one of claims 7 to 12, and optionally one or more A passive sensor bridge holder (41) according to claims 25-26, the bridge holder (41) being configured to accommodate a sensor connecting bridge arrangement during a time period between active measurement moments.

28. A method of monitoring airborne corrosivity in one or more different locations using a monitoring system (21) according to claim 27, the method comprising the steps of: 1) Inserting a new sensor sample (30a, 30b) according to any one of claims 7 to 12 into one or more sensor connecting bridges (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to form one or more The sensor bridge arrangement structure (901) according to claim 16 or 17; 2) calibrating the sensor bridge arrangement (902) by determining the electrical resistance in a new sensor sample with the aid of a corrosion measuring device (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 24; 3) placing the sensor bridge arrangement structure in a desired position (903); 4) after a predetermined period of time, bringing the corrosion measuring device (20) to the location where the sensor connecting bridge arrangement structure is located (904a); or bringing the sensor connecting bridge arrangement structure to the corrosion measuring device (20) (904b); 5) Inserting the sensor connecting bridge into the corrosion measuring device and determining the corrosion of the sensor specimen (905). 6) Returning the sensor bridge arrangement to the previous desired position of the sensor bridge arrangement at step 3 to continue measuring (906).

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