Mobile device for carrying out an electrochemical analysis, and method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for the mobile electrochemical analysis of a metal part (2), in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method. In order to enable a particularly simple and simultaneously precise electrochemical analysis, according to the invention the device is provided with: a measuring electrode (3) which can be connected to the metal part (2) to be examined; a counter electrode (4); a reference electrode (5); and a voltage source by means of which an electric voltage can be generated between the counter electrode (4) and the measuring electrode (3) and / or between the reference electrode (5) and the measuring electrode (3), wherein the device (1) is designed to detect a current via the measuring electrode (3), the reference electrode (5), and / or the counter electrode (4), wherein the counter electrode (4) and the reference electrode (5) are arranged in a working chamber (6) which can be filled with a fluid, in particular a test liquid, and has an opening (7), wherein a seal (9) surrounding the opening (7) is provided on the outside of the opening (7) such that the device (1) can be placed onto the metal part (2) in such a way that a region of the metal part (2) to be analysed can be fluidically connected to the working chamber (6) via the opening (7), and this region is fluidically separated from the surroundings by the seal (9). The invention also relates to a method for the electrochemical analysis of a metal part (2), in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method.

Description

[0001] Mobile device for carrying out an electrochemical analysis and method therefor

[0002] The invention relates to a device for the mobile electrochemical analysis of a metal part, in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for the electrochemical analysis of a metal part.

[0004] Methods and devices for carrying out electrochemical analysis are well known from the state of the art, in particular from the standard DIN EN ISO 12732.

[0005] The document DE 19749 111 A1 discloses a device for electrochemical analysis using the so-called double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test (DL-EPR method for short).

[0006] State-of-the-art devices and methods have the particular disadvantage that carrying out a corresponding electrochemical analysis involves great effort.

[0007] This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is to provide a device with which electrochemical analysis can be carried out with particularly low effort.

[0008] Furthermore, such a procedure should be specified.

[0009] The first object is achieved according to the invention by a device for the mobile electrochemical analysis of a metal part, in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method, which device has a measuring electrode which can be connected to a metal part to be examined, a counter electrode and a reference electrode as well as a voltage source by which an electrical voltage can be generated between the counter electrode and the measuring electrode and / or between the reference electrode and the measuring electrode, wherein the device is designed to detect a current via the reference electrode and / or via the counter electrode, wherein the counter electrode and the reference electrode are arranged in a working space which can be filled with a fluid, in particular with a liquid, and has an opening, wherein a seal enclosing the opening is provided on the outside of the opening, so that the device can be placed on the metal part in such a way thatthat an area of ​​the metal part to be analyzed can be fluidically connected to the working space via the opening and that this area is fluidically separated from the environment by the seal.

[0010] The counter electrode and the reference electrode can, in principle, be arranged anywhere in the working space. It is preferred that the counter electrode be placed next to or above the reference electrode to avoid shadowing effects. A helical arrangement of the counter electrode around the reference electrode is also possible.

[0011] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that a significant portion of the effort required to conduct an electrochemical analysis using prior art methods is due to the fact that prior art methods can only be performed in laboratories, so that disassembly of the component to be analyzed and its transport to a laboratory is always necessary. This effort is avoided with a device according to the invention, as it is mobile and thus the device, which can be of compact design, can be brought to a metal part to be analyzed in order to conduct the electrochemical analysis on the metal part, which in principle can also be installed in a system.

[0012] For this purpose, the device according to the invention has, analogously to devices known from the prior art, for example analogously to devices known from the document DE 19749 111 A1, a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a measuring electrode in order, for example, to apply a voltage between the counter electrode and the component to be examined or the measuring electrode, to fluidically connect the metal part in the area to be examined to the working space, which is filled with a test liquid, for example a normal sulfuric acid, in order to be able to draw conclusions about the state of the metal, in particular about intergranular corrosion, on the basis of a current flow between the reference electrode and the measuring electrode.

[0013] Due to the possibility of connecting the measuring electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrode differently to one another or of applying voltages between these electrodes as desired and of measuring currents via one or more of these electrodes, the device according to the invention can be used to carry out a wide variety of electrochemical analysis methods, in particular, but not only, for carrying out the DL-EPR method.

[0014] Optionally, a closure can be provided for reversibly closing the opening.

[0015] The opening can, in principle, have any desired diameter. To ensure efficient implementation of the method while simultaneously achieving high-quality analysis results, it is preferred that the opening has a diameter of less than 20 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0016] It has proven useful that the counter electrode is positioned in the working space adjacent to the opening, in particular at a distance from the opening of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 20 mm.

[0017] The reference electrode can, for example, comprise a silver wire in a housing similar to that described in document DE 197 49 111 A1. This housing is ion-permeable but sealed liquid-tight at the ends. Here, too, the interior of the reference electrode housing can be filled with a one-molar potassium chloride solution, although other liquids, such as a three-molar potassium chloride solution, can also be used.

[0018] With the device according to the invention, the method can then be easily carried out in a mobile manner by placing the device dry on an area of ​​a metal part to be analyzed with the seal surrounding the opening. The working chamber is then filled with a test fluid so that the test fluid can also penetrate into the area between the opening and the metal part to be analyzed. The seal prevents the test fluid from escaping and prevents air from entering. The electrochemical analysis can then be performed.

[0019] To perform the DL-EPR method, for example, the measuring electrode is connected to the metal part to be examined, for example with a clamp or the like, after which a voltage between the counter electrode and the measuring electrode is increased gradually or continuously using the voltage source. For this purpose, known feed rates of, for example, 6 V / h can be used. Simultaneously, a current flow across the counter electrode and a voltage between the reference electrode and the measuring electrode are measured. As is usual with the DL-EPR method, the voltage is first increased and then reduced, and polarity is reversed in order to record the current during both activation and reactivation. Based on the currents and voltages measured during reactivation and activation, or the temporal progression of these variables, a condition assessment can ultimately be made.

[0020] It has proven advantageous if the device has at least one liquid container with which a test liquid can be transported, with which a liquid line is provided, which in particular has a valve for reversibly closing the liquid line, via which the container is connected to the working space in order to be able to fill the working space with test liquid as required.

[0021] The quality of many electrochemical analysis methods depends on the temperature during the analysis. For example, the DL-EPR method is preferably carried out at a temperature of approximately 30 degrees Celsius for the metal part to be analyzed and the test fluid. It can therefore be advantageous if the fluid container is equipped with a temperature sensor to enable continuous analysis of the temperature of the test fluid. Furthermore, a heating device and / or a cooling device can be provided to heat the fluid container and / or to heat or cool the work chamber in order to bring the test fluid to the appropriate temperature and, if necessary, to maintain it at this temperature during the process, for example, when using the device to analyze weld seams on pipelines in cold regions.The device can also have one or more receptacles for cartridges containing the test fluid. These receptacles can be temperature-controlled and / or temperature-monitored, making it easy to ensure that the test fluid is present at the correct temperature. In particular, the cartridges for the test fluid can also be thermally insulated for this purpose.

[0022] Different electrochemical analyses and / or different metals may require different test fluids. It can therefore be advantageous if the device has receptacles for different cartridges connected to the working chamber, so that the working chamber can be filled with the correct fluid as required. For this purpose, lines are usually provided from the individual cartridges to the working chamber, which can be closed by controlled valves. Alternatively or additionally, pumps can also be provided, through which the respective test fluid can be pumped from the respective cartridge into the working chamber.

[0023] In order to avoid electrical shadowing effects, it has proven advantageous if the counter electrode is arranged helically around the reference electrode.

[0024] It is advantageous to provide a device for transporting the test fluid from the fluid container to the working chamber, particularly a pump. This allows the test fluid to be applied both to the metal part to be analyzed and to fill the working chamber, so that the test fluid contacts the counter electrode, the reference electrode, and the metal part, even when the device is used, for example, for overhead analysis of a metal part, i.e., when the opening is located above the working chamber.

[0025] It has proven useful for the liquid container to have multiple layers, with at least one layer being an insulating layer for thermally insulating the interior of the liquid container from the surrounding environment. This allows pre-heated liquid containers to be inserted into the device to conduct an electrochemical analysis at the correct temperature. For this purpose, the liquid containers are preferably arranged detachably in the device, in particular as sealable cartridges.

[0026] Preferably, a temperature sensor is provided to determine the temperature in the workspace and / or the temperature of the metal part. By monitoring the temperature, high analysis quality can be ensured even during the analysis.

[0027] To achieve a desired temperature during the analysis, a heating device is preferably provided to control the temperature of the fluid in the working chamber and / or the metal part. The heating device can be, for example, a resistance heater, an inductive heater, or another heating device known from the prior art.

[0028] Depending on the application, cooling the area to be examined may also be appropriate to achieve the temperature optimal for the respective electrochemical analysis. A cooling device can therefore also be provided to regulate the temperature of the fluid in the working chamber and / or the metal part. Thus, the device can also be used, for example, to examine pipes in operating power plants.

[0029] It has proven useful to provide a gas container with which a gas, in particular a noble gas such as argon, can be transported, wherein a gas line is provided, which in particular has a valve for reversibly closing the gas line, through which the gas container is connected to the working chamber, preferably to an area near the opening, in particular to an overflow area adjacent to the opening, which is delimited by the seal in order to be able to remove air in the working chamber and / or in the area of ​​the seal by blowing gas out of the container. It has been shown that ambient air which is present in the working chamber and in the area of ​​the seal before the working chamber is filled with the test liquid can falsify an analysis result.This falsification can be easily avoided by purging the working chamber and the overflow area between the opening and the metal part, which is defined by the seal, with an inert gas before performing the analysis. This expels any air present from this area before the test fluid is added.

[0030] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to remove the air from the working space and from the area between the seal, the metal part and the opening by sucking the air out using a compressor before or while the working space and the overflow area are filled with the test liquid.

[0031] The mobile device can, in principle, be powered in any manner known from the prior art, for example, via an electrical cable connected to the mobile device. To ensure particularly easy transport of the mobile device, an electrical energy storage device, in particular a rechargeable battery, is preferably provided. This storage device is arranged on the mobile device and can thus supply it with external power without additional cables.

[0032] It has proven useful to provide a data processing device with which the temporal progression of measured currents, voltages, and / or temperatures can be recorded. Preferably, the data processing device also allows for the evaluation of results or the performance of computational operations with measured currents, voltages, and / or temperatures in order to be able to perform an immediate evaluation.

[0033] It can also be provided that the data processing device has a wireless data transmission unit, in particular a modem, so that measured and / or calculated results can also be transmitted wirelessly, if necessary even during the analysis, for example via the Internet to a stationary data processing device or to a laptop near the device.

[0034] A microscope and a digital camera connected to the microscope can be provided, allowing the digital camera to capture an enlarged image of the metal part. This allows for analysis. In addition to the analysis of measured currents, a visual analysis can be performed by photographing a section of the metal part magnified by the microscope. The photograph can also be processed via the data processing device and transmitted via a wireless data transmission device, allowing the results of the visual analysis to be captured during the analysis.

[0035] It is advantageous if a grinding device and / or a polishing device is provided with which an area of ​​the metal part to be analyzed can be mechanically pretreated before the electrochemical analysis is carried out.

[0036] An oxygen sensor can also be optionally installed in the work chamber. This allows the oxygen content of the test fluid to be measured during the analysis, allowing for a preliminary assessment of the quality of the analysis or, if necessary, for the test fluid to be replaced.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if a control device is provided that allows an electrochemical analysis to be carried out automatically and autonomously. The device can then, for example, be designed such that it performs an electrochemical analysis of a metal part of interest at a predetermined position completely autonomously.

[0038] For this purpose, it is advantageous if the device has a drive, which in particular comprises wheels and / or propellers, by which the device can be moved toward a metal part to be analyzed. For example, the device can thus be used for the autonomous examination of weld seams on pipelines. The device can thus be designed, for example, as a vehicle that can be moved along a pipeline, if necessary, or as an aerial drone.

[0039] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the device is designed to be detachably coupled to a pipeline and moved along the pipeline by means of a drive. The device can then, for example, perform a corresponding analysis on each weld seam. For this purpose, the device can also be designed to detect weld seams automatically, for example using a camera. Preferably, the device is designed to be detachably attached to a metal part to be analyzed. The attachment can be force-fitting and / or positive-fitting, for example, using suction cups on the device, magnets, clamps, or the like.

[0040] It is advantageous if the device has an adapter, in particular a rail, which can be connected to a component to be analyzed, in particular in a force-fitting manner, preferably via tensioning belts, wherein the working space is movable relative to the adapter. This enables a simple yet stable connection of the device to a metal part to be examined. For example, the adapter designed as a rail can be connected at two positions to a component to be examined, which may have a round or square cross-section. Such a connection can be achieved, for example, via tensioning belts, by which the rail is rigidly connected to the component.In this case, the device is preferably designed such that the working chamber can be moved along the rail and, if necessary, also perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail, in particular along a guide ring arranged in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail. This allows the working chamber or seal to be supported on the rail and positioned at different positions on the component and pressed against a surface of the component to perform an electrochemical analysis.

[0041] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the device is designed to automatically establish electrical contact between the measuring electrode and the metal part. For this purpose, a clamping device can be provided, for example, which can clamp the measuring electrode to the metal part. Of course, another type of connection is also possible, such as a magnetic connection.

[0042] The further object is achieved according to the invention by a method for the electrochemical analysis of a metal part, in particular for performing a DL-EPR method, which is carried out using a mobile device. The method according to the invention is preferably carried out using a device according to the invention. The method can then be carried out, for example, by moving the device to an area of ​​a metal part to be analyzed, manually or by means of a drive, after which the area of ​​interest is optionally prepared mechanically, in particular by grinding and cleaning. For this purpose, the device can have appropriate grinding and cleaning devices.

[0043] In the next step, the device, with the seal surrounding the opening, is placed dry onto the area of ​​the metal part to be analyzed, after which the working chamber is filled with test fluid. If necessary, argon or another noble gas can be filled into the working chamber and the area between the opening and the metal part before or during placement in order to displace any air present in this area. The test fluid is then filled into the working chamber. This test fluid then connects the counter electrode and the reference electrode and penetrates into the area between the opening, seal, and metal part, thus connecting the metal part to the counter electrode and reference electrode, after which the measuring electrode is connected to the metal part. It goes without saying that the above steps can also be carried out in a different order.

[0044] In the next step, for example, a DL-EPR method is performed, in which the voltage between the counter electrode and the measuring electrode is continuously or gradually increased, a voltage is measured between the reference electrode and the measuring electrode, and a current is measured via the counter electrode. The current measured via the counter electrodes during reactivation and activation can be used to determine the condition of the metal part.

[0045] Using an electronic unit, a voltage is typically applied to the terminals for the measuring electrode, which is connected to the metal part, and the counter electrode. The voltage between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode, as well as the current flowing through the counter electrode, is measured. The voltage between the measuring electrode and the counter electrode is varied during the measurement and, if necessary, reversed. Advantageously, the voltage is varied step by step, and after each step, the voltage between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode, as well as the current flowing through the counter electrode, are measured, displayed, stored, and evaluated.

[0046] After the electrochemical analysis is complete, the area where the analysis was performed can be passivated, for example, with diluted nitric acid. An optional cap provided on the opening can then be closed.

[0047] The method according to the invention can in principle be used for the electrochemical analysis of any metal, in particular for the analysis of so-called super duplex steels.

[0048] The method can be used on installed workpieces as well as on workpieces in production, for example immediately during or after a processing step or the creation of a weld seam, in order to detect possible defects as early as possible.

[0049] Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following embodiment.

[0050] The drawings referred to show:

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

[0052] Fig. 2 shows another device according to the invention in an isometric view.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 according to the invention. As can be seen, the device 1 has a working chamber 6 in which a counter electrode 4 and a reference electrode 5 are arranged. The reference electrode 5 is approximately cylindrical and can comprise a silver wire in a housing that is ion-conductive but sealed liquid-tight with respect to the working chamber 6. The counter electrode 4 is arranged helically around the reference electrode 5 and can, for example, comprise or consist of a platinum wire.

[0054] To perform the electrochemical analysis, the working chamber 6 is filled with a test fluid, for example, a fluid consisting of 15% sulfuric acid, 5% hydrochloric acid, potassium thiocyanate, and the remainder water, which fluid is filled into the working chamber 6 via a container designed as a cartridge 10. For this purpose, a pump (not shown in Fig. 1) can be provided in a fluid line 17 between the fluid container and the working chamber 6.

[0055] Certain electrochemical analysis methods require a specific temperature during the analysis. For example, for the DL-EPR method, a temperature of approximately 30 degrees Celsius at the measuring point is advantageous. In order to ensure this temperature even when using the device 1 on site, for example on pipelines in Siberia, the cartridge 10 can be pre-heated, for example to 30 degrees Celsius, and inserted into the device 1 at this temperature, after which the analysis is carried out, preferably shortly after inserting the cartridge 10. This ensures that the analysis is carried out at the correct temperature. For temperature monitoring, temperature sensors 11 can be installed on the cartridge 10, in the working chamber 6 and / or in the

[0056] An overflow area 14 may be provided, wherein the temperature sensors 11 may be designed in any manner known from the prior art. Furthermore, a heating device and / or a cooling device may be provided for controlling the temperature of the area of ​​the metal part 2 and / or the working chamber 6 to be examined.

[0057] The heating device can also be designed to bring the test liquid in the working chamber 6 and / or in the cartridge 10 to a temperature which is dependent on an outside temperature, thus ensuring that the test liquid has the intended temperature during the measurement. For example, a pre-temperature setting of the cartridge 10 to 60 °C can be provided in order to achieve a temperature of 30 °C during the measurement. The working chamber 6 has an opening 7 at a lower end which has, for example, a diameter of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. Optionally, a closure can also be provided at this opening, by means of which the opening can be reversibly closed, so that the working chamber 6 can be sealed off from the environment in a liquid-tight manner.The opening 7 is surrounded on the outside by a seal 9, for example an O-ring or the like, to enable a tight fit of the device 1 against a metal part 2. The seal 9 can also be particularly soft, so that the device 1 can also be applied to a curved body, for example, a pipe.

[0058] Furthermore, a gas line 16 is provided which projects into an overflow area 14 which is adjacent to the opening 7 on the outside in order to flush this overflow area 14 and the working chamber 6, which are usually filled with air before the device is placed on the metal part 2, with an inert gas so that the air escapes. This flushing with argon, for example, can last for a few seconds to a few minutes in order to remove air, in particular oxygen, as completely as possible from the working chamber 6 and the adjacent overflow area 14. For this purpose, a gas line 16 is provided with a gas container 13 which is connected via a valve and is usually under excess pressure so that air can be forced out of the overflow area 14 by means of the inert gas. Alternatively, the gas line 16 can also project into the working chamber 6.

[0059] Furthermore, a heating device (not shown) and a temperature sensor 11 are provided for the targeted heating of the area of ​​the metal part 2 which is to be analyzed.

[0060] Furthermore, an oxygen sensor 12 can be provided in the working chamber 6 in order to be able to determine the concentration of oxygen in the working chamber 6, which is relevant for the quality of the analysis result. It has been shown that the oxygen content is already in an acceptably low range after a few minutes, during which the working chamber is purged with a noble gas. Since the measuring cell is completely sealed after being placed on the sample surface, no further oxygen can penetrate, so that an oxygen sensor is not absolutely necessary. Outside the working chamber 6, a measuring electrode 3 is provided, which can be connected to the metal part 2 to be examined by a clamp or the like. The measuring electrode 3, the reference electrode 5 and the counter electrode 4 are connected to an electronic unit 15, by means of which a voltage between

[0061] A voltage can be applied to the measuring electrode 3, the reference electrode 5, and / or the counter electrode 4, which voltage can also be freely varied. Furthermore, the electronics unit 15 makes it possible to measure a current via the measuring electrode 3, the reference electrode 5, and / or the counter electrode 4 and to record applied or measured time profiles of voltages and currents, making the device 1 suitable for conducting a wide variety of mobile electrochemical analyses.

[0062] As shown, the temperature sensor 11 and the oxygen sensor 12 are also connected to the electronic unit 15 so that related data can also be recorded by the electronic unit 15.

[0063] The electronics unit 15 is also designed to perform mathematical operations with data, in particular with time profiles of currents and voltages, in order to be able to carry out immediate evaluations.

[0064] The device 1 is preferably particularly suitable for carrying out a DL-EPR method, wherein a voltage is applied between the measuring electrode 3, which is electrically connected to the metal part 2, and the counter electrode 4, and a current from the counter electrode 4 to the measuring electrode 3, as well as a voltage between the reference electrode 5 and the measuring electrode 3, is measured. The applied voltage is increased continuously or stepwise, then reduced, and if necessary, the polarity is reversed. The electronics unit 15 thus also serves as a variable voltage source for the voltage between the measuring electrode 3 and the counter electrode 4, for detecting the current from the counter electrode 4 to the measuring electrode 3 or to the metal part 2, and for determining the voltage between the reference electrode 5 and the measuring electrode 3.

[0065] The device 1 can be compact and is particularly suitable for manual, mobile electrochemical analysis by transporting it to a metal part 2 to be examined, which is then subsequently analyzed. For this purpose, the device 1 can also be supplied with power externally via cables, and a data processing device for evaluating measurement results can be connected to the electronics unit 15 via a data connection, in particular via a wired data connection.

[0066] However, the device 1 can also be designed for autonomous and partially or fully automated electrochemical analysis and, for this purpose, can have a drive (not shown) to independently drive or fly to a metal part 2 to be examined. For this purpose, the device 1 can also be designed for autonomous navigation and, for example, have a modem and a GPS module. Furthermore, a device for fixing the device 1 to the metal part 2 and for mechanically preparing the metal part 2 can be provided, in particular a grinding and polishing device. An energy storage device can be provided in the device 1, so that no external power supply is required.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a further device 1 according to the invention, which is designed for attachment to a pipe 18 such as a pipeline and can move along the pipeline using wheels 19. A drive can also be provided for driving these wheels 19, so that the device 1 can move independently along the pipe 18. For this purpose, the device has a frame connected to the wheels, which frame supports the further devices of the device, in particular the electronics unit, the work space, the measuring electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrode. With regard to the further features, this device 1 is constructed analogously to that shown in Fig. 1 and can in particular also have a grinding and polishing unit in order to be able to mechanically prepare the metal part to be examined for analysis.

[0068] The device 1 according to the invention can also comprise a data processing device and a modem, an optical magnification device, such as a microscope, an endoscope, or a lens, with a digital camera, and a grinding device in order to be able to carry out a complete electrochemical analysis with appropriate mechanical preparation. Finally, a container with a liquid for passivation, such as diluted nitric acid, can also be provided after the analysis. The test liquid can, for example, be provided in cartridges 10, which are kept or pre-tempered at a predefined temperature in order to be able to provide the temperature required for carrying out the electrochemical analysis, for example the DL-EPR method.

[0069] With a device 1 according to the invention, an electrochemical analysis method is possible not only in the laboratory but also in a mobile manner, so that in particular there is no need to remove components to be analyzed and an analysis of weld seams is possible immediately after the weld seams have been produced, still during production.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device (1) for the mobile electrochemical analysis of a metal part (2), in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method, comprising a measuring electrode (3) which can be connected to the metal part (2) to be examined, a counter electrode (4) and a reference electrode (5), as well as a voltage source by which an electrical voltage can be generated between the counter electrode (4) and the measuring electrode (3) and / or between the reference electrode (5) and the measuring electrode (3), wherein the device (1) is designed to detect a current via the measuring electrode (3), the reference electrode (5) and / or via the counter electrode (4), wherein the counter electrode (4) and the reference electrode (5) are arranged in a working chamber (6) which can be filled with a fluid, in particular a test liquid, and has an opening (7), wherein a seal (9) enclosing the opening (7) is provided on the outside of the opening (7).so that the device (1) can be placed on the metal part (2) in such a way that a region of the metal part (2) to be analyzed can be fluidically connected to the working space (6) via the opening (7) and this region is fluidically separated from the environment by the seal (9).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one liquid container with which a test liquid can be transported, wherein a liquid line (17), which in particular has a valve for reversibly closing the liquid line (17), is provided, via which the container is connected to the working space (6) in order to be able to fill the working space (6) with test liquid as required.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counter electrode (4) is arranged helically around the reference electrode (5).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a device for transporting the test liquid from the liquid container to the working space (6) is provided, in particular a pump.

5. Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the liquid container has several layers, wherein at least one layer is an insulating layer for thermally insulating an interior of the liquid container from an environment.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a temperature sensor (11) is provided to determine a temperature in the working space (6) and / or a temperature of the metal part (2).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a heating device is provided in order to temper the fluid located in the working space (6) and / or the metal part (2).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a gas container (13) is provided with which a gas, in particular a noble gas such as argon, can be transported, wherein a gas line (16), which in particular has a valve for reversibly closing the gas line (16), is provided, through which the gas container (13) is connected to the working space, preferably a region near the opening (7), in particular to an overflow region (14) adjacent to the opening (7), which is delimited by the seal (9) in order to be able to remove air in the working space and / or in the region of the seal by blowing gas out of the container.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a data processing device is provided with which time profiles of measured currents, voltages and / or temperatures can be recorded.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a microscope and a digital camera connected to the microscope are provided, so that an enlarged representation of the metal part (2) can be captured with the digital camera.

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a grinding device and / or a polishing device is provided with which a region of the metal part (2) to be analyzed can be mechanically pretreated before carrying out the electrochemical analysis.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a control device is provided by which an electrochemical analysis can be carried out automatically and autonomously.

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the device (1) has a drive, which in particular comprises wheels (19) and / or propellers, by means of which the device (1) can be moved towards a metal part (2) to be analyzed.

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device (1) is designed to be detachably coupled to a pipeline (18) and to be moved along the pipeline (18) by means of a drive.

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the device (1) has an adapter, in particular a rail, which can be connected to a component to be analyzed, in particular in a force-fitting manner, preferably via tensioning belts, wherein the working space is movable relative to the adapter.

16. Method for the electrochemical analysis of a metal part (2), in particular for carrying out a DL-EPR method, characterized in that the method is carried out with a mobile device (1), in particular with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

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