The use of meteorological and oceanographic sensor data in the German offshore territory for the corrosion monitoring of marine structures

Abstract

The use of sensor data is a pre-requirement for the use of Digital Twins and for the integration of data-based maintenance strategies for corrosion protection systems of marine structures. The paper defines the requirements for sensor signals/data for the modeling of corrosion processes in marine environments. Data demands are reviewed, and respective sensor necessity matrices are derived. Meteorological data (for atmospheric corrosion) and oceanographic data (for immersed seawater corrosion), delivered by three environmental sensor networks in the German offshore territory (North Sea, Baltic Sea), are benchmarked and categorized for the first time. Examples for relevant environmental sensor data for the atmospheric as well as for immersed seawater corrosion are presented. Local (micro-environment) and incremental (temporal variations) corrosive loads are characterized based on sensor data. The treatment and 2-step management of sensor data are discussed. An approach for their integration into a data-based monitoring and maintenance model is introduced. Examples are provided for the utilization of sensor data for the monitoring of corrosion processes and for the design of cathodic protection systems.