Design and manufacture of a device for in-situ corrosion monitoring of underwater metallic wrecks

Abstract

This study addresses a cultural heritage conservation challenge for un-derwater metallic wrecks. Left unattended, shipwrecks will eventually be con-sumed by corrosion, creating a cultural heritage conservation issue, and also an environmental problem, if the wrecks still carry payloads of oil or unexploded ordinance. This study aims to design, build and test a cost-effective device that can be operated by underwater archaeologists and conservators for the in-situ corrosion monitoring of underwater metallic heritage. The design integrates pH and corrosion potential measuring instruments housed in a robust vessel con-structed out of stainless steel and acrylic, capable of operating at a seawater depth of 100 m. The device, was designed, manufactured, and successfully tested.