Abstract: A water heater tank anode support and or locator device for an anode provided in a water heater tank, the support device having an anode engaging portion to engage said anode, and a tank engaging formation for operatively engaging a base of the tank.

Abstract: An EMS exercise device is provided which includes EMS electrodes and at least one sacrificial anode, preferably a dedicated sacrificial anode for each EMS electrode. The at least one sacrificial anode is connected to the EMS electrodes in an electrically conductive manner in order to protect the EMS electrodes and/or other elements in the electrically conductive connections from corrosion. In addition, an EMS electrode with a sacrificial anode, an EMS garment a sacrificial anode, an EMS signal cable a sacrificial anode, an EMS pulse generating unit a sacrificial anode, and an EMS undergarment with a sacrificial anode for an EMS exercise device are provided, and a method for operating an EMS exercise device, for which a sacrificial anode is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining heating element and water heater status based on galvanic current are provided. An exemplary water heater includes a tank for holding a volume of water and an anode rod extending into the water. The anode rod has a core made of a conductive material. The water heater also includes at least one heating element configured to heat the water when energized. The water heater includes a current measurement circuit configured to generate a feedback signal describing a galvanic current flowing from the core of the anode rod to an electrical ground. The water heater also includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal from the current measurement circuit and to control one or more operations of the water heater based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting anode rod galvanic corrosion are provided. An exemplary water heater includes a tank for holding a volume of water. The water heater also includes an anode rod extending into the water and electrically connected to an electrical ground such that a galvanic current flows from the anode rod to the electrical ground. The water heater includes at least one heating element configured to heat the water when energized. The water heater also includes a resistor configuration connected between the anode rod and the electrical ground such that the galvanic current flows through the resistor configuration. The resistor configuration provides a variable resistance.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating maintenance of an anode of a marine engine cooling system, the device including a plug for an anode that has a detachable component with a threaded end for mounting to a threaded bore of a cooling system structure, a connector that holds the anode, at least one channel communicating with the cooling system and a sealing mechanism for sealing the channel from the cooling system, the sealing mechanism including a sealing element having an opening through which the anode may pass and being biased to seal against the anode and to close the opening to seal the channel when the anode is not present in the channel. The method permits changing the anode while preventing or minimizing water from exiting the cooling system of the marine engine.

Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing galvanic corrosion of an anodic metal includes a potential detector configured to monitor an electrical potential within the electrolyte solution, a signal amplifier coupled with the potential detector, and a current delivery circuit coupled with the signal amplifier. The signal amplifier is configured to provide an output proportional to the monitored electrical potential, and the current delivery circuit is configured to provide a current to a cathodic metal that is proportional to the output of the signal amplifier.

Abstract: A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method in a corrosion protection system for protecting a first and a second metal part of a marine construction is provided. The method includes controlling electrical currents through electrical circuits, including respective anodes, the respective metal parts and an electrolyte, at least partly based on measured electrical potentials of the respective metal parts with an reference electrode as a ground reference. The method further includes repetitively performing the steps of controlling the electrical currents so as to be reduced or eliminated, measuring the electrical potentials while the electrical currents are maintained reduced or eliminated, and, after measuring the first and second electrical potentials, controlling the electrical currents so as to be increased or reestablished.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting system is provided with the ability to allow both primary and secondary portions of the circuit to be used in the alternative without having the primary and secondary systems interfere with each other by operating at the same time. By incorporating a continuity controller, such as a switch or a diode to selectively disconnect the sacrificial anode from the circuit, the primary and secondary systems can both be provided on a marine vessel, but used independently from each other. In that way, the primary and secondary corrosion inhibiting systems are prevented from interfering with each other during normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion, particularly space weather induced corrosion, of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process and adjust the controllable filter in response to at least one measured parameter associated with space weather effects on the conductive structure.

Abstract: A composite reconstituted anode well. The composite well has a first while section and a second regenerative section. The first well section has a pre-existing anode well earthen wall, pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing. The second regenerative section has a regenerative well casing, regenerative anodes, and regenerative carbon material. The regenerative well casing is driven into the first well section which compacts the pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing against the pre-existing anode well earthen wall which forms a first outer section of the composite reconstituted anode well. The regenerative anodes are placed inside the regenerative well casing, and regenerative carbon material is filled inside the regenerative well casing which encases the regenerative anodes and forms the inner well section.

Abstract: A sacrificial metal anode device incorporating a resistor assembly into the construction of the sacrificial anode is insertable into a metal water storage tank. The metal water storage tank designed to contain heated water is thereby protected from corrosion by the sacrificial metal anode. The sacrificial metal anode device comprising an elongated metal anode member with a metal wire core, an insulating sleeve secured over the elongated metal anode member wherein said insulating sleeve has an external wall with threads to fixedly secure a metal cap. The metal cap having threads on an internal wall to fixedly secure the insulating sleeve further including a cylindrical receptacle for receipt of an end of the elongated metal anode member and an electrical resistor assembly.

Abstract: A novel cathodic protection system is provided that automatically controls and adjusts the voltage potential between an anode and a structure to protect the structure from corrosion. The cathodic protection system is self-powered, requiring no external power source or batteries. A cathodic protection circuit is configured to provide a cathodic protection current from the anode to the structure through an electrolyte. A power generation circuit is configured to generate power from a galvanic cell formed from the anode and an isolated electrode when cathodic protection is interrupted. A voltage potential control circuit is powered by the power generation circuit and is configured to (a) determine a structure-to-electrolyte reference voltage for the electrolyte and structure, and (b) adjust the cathodic protection current from the anode to the structure to maintain the reference voltage substantially the same as a set voltage.

Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (?) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal. The cathodic protection system also includes a microprocessor controlled device for shutting the system if an improper current is sensed.

Abstract: A plating apparatus for plating a substrate comprises a power supply for generating a voltage between a pair of terminals; an anode connected to one terminal of the power supply; a main cathode connected to the other terminal of the power supply while in contact with the substrate; an auxiliary cathode connected to the other terminal of the power supply while out of contact with the substrate; a main resistance R1 connected in series between the other terminal of the power supply and the main cathode; and an auxiliary resistance R2 connected in series between the other terminal of the power supply and the auxiliary cathode.

Abstract: A photovoltaically powered cathodic protection system for an automotive vehicle uses electrical energy arising from a photovoltaic array positioned upon an exterior surface of the vehicle, with the cathodic protection current being controlled by a controller which is also connected with an electrical storage device and with at least one electrogalvanic cell sensor. The controller and associated sensors function to assure that sufficient charge passes through conductors applied to the body of the vehicle to maintain cathodic protection on a consistent basis.

Abstract: A method for preventing corrosion of a contact, includes comparing a potential of a signal line connected to the contact with a predetermined potential corresponding to the corrosion of the contact; flowing a corrosion-prevention current into the contact when a result of the comparing shows that the contact is corroded; inputting into the signal line a signal used for judging a logical value of a connection state of the contact; and in the magnitude relation, setting the predetermined potential on another side of a threshold level used in the judging of the logical value of the connection state of the contact.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion in the metal tank portion of a water heater includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a tubular, electrically non-conductive plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captives retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. A resistor is received in an end surface groove of the sleeve and has a lead wire spot-welded or soldered to a core wire portion of the anode member. To prevent contact between the lead wire and the metal cap, and to protect the lead wire against vibration caused breakage at its spot weld or solder area, a U-shaped central portion of the lead wire is received in a through-opening in the resistor-supporting end of the sleeve which is covered by an annular insulating wafer formed from an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and electrically connected to one or more anodes, wherein the anodes are less noble than the conductive structure, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter, and wherein the apparatus, system and method serve to prolong the lifetime of the one or more anodes by reducing, minimizing or substantially eliminating their sacrificial character.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a sacrificial anode for cathodic corrosion protection that comprises an anode body (1), a mounting component (8) for mounting the sacrificial anode on the device to be protected, an insulating component (4) that in certain areas surrounds the anode body (1) and electrically insulates the anode body (1) from the mounting component (8), and a resistive element (9) that is inserted between the anode body (1) and the mounting component (8), where the insulating component (4) is fixed on the mounting component (8). According to the disclosure, a securing component (6) is fixed on the anode body (1) and prevents the anode body (1) from moving out of the insulating component (4). This results in a sacrificial anode of this type that can be reliably operated over its entire service life.

Abstract: A sacrificial marine anode with a water proof encased current tester to alert an operator of proper connectivity, current status of the cathodic protection system for an associated marine structure, and status of current tester power supply is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for prevention of corrosion in a metal object by inducing a surface current over the entire surface of the metal object. The surface current can be induced by direct or indirect application of electrical waveforms having AC components generated from a circuit. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to the electronic circuit that imparts electrical waveforms of low voltage DC to the conductive terminal connected to the metal body. Alternate methods of inducing surface currents include direct capacitor discharge through the metal body, or movement of an electromagnetic field over the metal body, or by generating an RF signal attached to a transmitting antenna such that the transmitted signal is received by the metal body.

Abstract: First and second axial current meters (ACM) are mechanically connected to a well casing just above and below a corrosive zone and a master axial current meter (MACM) is connected to the casing at the earth's surface, the MACM periodically obtaining measurements of axial current from the ACMs to determine how much cathodic protection current is to be applied to the casing to avoid corrosion.

Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (?) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for internal surfaces of a pipeline is provided which includes a flexible anode assembly having a first and a second end and having at least one flexible anode wire having a first end and a second end. First and second removable pressure seal fittings are provided for the ends of the anode assembly that provide for electrical contact between the ends of the anode assembly and contacts outside of the internal volume of the pipeline. The system includes a DC power source where anode conductors are attached between the contacts and the DC power source. A second embodiment is provided that includes only a single pressure seal fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter.

Abstract: An electrode comprises an elongate hollow tube made of porous titanium suboxide the inside wall of which is contacted at spaced apart locations by an electrical conductor so that the current is substantially uniformly distributed along the length of the electrode.

Abstract: A monitor for use in conjunction with a galvanic protection system for a marine vessel provides automatic and continuous monitoring of a voltage at a reference electrode of the galvanic protection system and displays the results continuously by energizing one or more of a plurality of annunciators, such as light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are energized in groups of one or two in order to double the effective resolution of a group of ten annunciators. The selected annunciators are energized intermittently in order to conserve electrical power while continuously and automatically running. The frequency of activation of the selected annunciators is changed whenever the voltage potential being monitored falls within a minimum range or a maximum range in order to alert the operator of a potentially catastrophe result. A lower frequency is used when the monitor voltage is not within these minimum and maximum ranges.

Abstract: An anode monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of anodes 2 provided on a metallic structure such as a pipeline system 1. A signal circuit Sn including the pipeline 1 and one of the anodes 2 is set up and appropriate signals are looked for at a central station 4. Reception of the signal at the central station 4 is dependent on the integrity of the anode 2 under inspection at that time. If the anode 2 is missing or defective the expected signal is not received and thus the fault in the anode 2 can be detected. A notch filter 5 is inserted in series between each anode 2 and the pipeline 1. The filter 5 provides a high impedance which can be signalled across but does not interfere with the cathodic protection system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the protection of metals from corrosion and/or fouling from exposure to environments such as, for example, seawater. The protection in accordance with this invention is achieved through the use of conductive zinc-containing coatings in combination with applied current cathodic protection.

Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (−) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal.

Abstract: A corrosion protection device (“CPD”) for inhibiting corrosion of an air compressor collection tank, and relieving the pressure in the tank when excessive condensate accumulates within the tank. A relief passage extends through the plug, and an anode seals the relief passage near the interior volume of the tank. The tank, plug and anode are all coupled in an electrically conductive relationship, and a galvanic circuit is formed when condensate collects near the bottom of the tank. The anode has a lower redox potential than steel, and is preferably made from magnesium. The anode loses electrons with less resistance than the steel tank, so the anode will be consumed through the oxidation process before the steel tank corrodes. Once the anode is consumed so that it no longer seals the relief passage, the condensate and air are discharged from the tank through the relief passage.

Abstract: A main anode and a pilot anode are mounted on a coating film of a metal structure, a cathode is mounted on a metal based material of the metal structure, a predetermined voltage is applied from the pilot anode to the metal structure, a magnitude of corrosion protection current of the metal structure is read from a current value of the pilot anode varying with variation of corrosion environment of the metal structure, the application voltage of the main anode is increased or decreased in accordance with the current value, whereby providing a cathodic protection method and apparatus for a metal structure capable of expanding protectable area by a single anode to a maximum without causing over-corrosion protection.

Abstract: A semiconductor system is provided that uses semiconductive organic polymers, electronics and semiconductor technology to provide a wide array of semiconductor components and a system of preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment involving:

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in furnace boiler tubes measures electrochemical noise associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. This noise is detected using a probe at the boiler waterwall surface that is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical noise. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) is notified and adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion. Such an adjustment could be made by changing the amount of air or fuel being provided to the burner or other air slots or air ports.

Abstract: Control of lead contamination in residential water supplies is accomplished by cathodic protection of lead-containing piping and lead-containing fixtures. Specifically, a partially insulated wire is inserted into lead-containing service lateral piping. Application of a DC current to the partially insulated wire causes the wire to act as an anode and transforms the walls of the pipe into the cathode, thereby protecting against corrosion. Alternatively, a sacrificial anode is inserted into a lead-containing fixture. The electrical potential generated by corrosion of this sacrificial anode transforms the walls of the fixture into a cathode thereby preventing corrosion. Carbonate scaling built-up prior to the initiation of cathodic protection may be removed by temporarily blocking the water pipe and introducing cleaning chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus for prevention of corrosion in metal objects uses a capacitively coupled fastener or pad attached to a metal body being protected from corrosion. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to electronic circuitry that imparts pulses of low voltage DC through the capacitor to the fastener. These pulses of electrical current inhibit the oxidation of the metal object by providing a source of electrons to the oxidizing chemicals in contact with the metal. The electronic circuitry includes a reverse voltage protector to prevent the application of reverse source voltage. The circuitry also includes a power conditioner to supply a constant DC voltage to a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates pulses of DC signals that are amplified by a pulse amplifier and imparted to the conductive facing of the pad. For larger objects, a first and second cable are attached to a metal object.

Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising:

Abstract: A vehicle system component is provided with an electrical charge to resist corrosion. Preferably, the electrical charge is generated by movement of components adjacent to the suspension component. Friction surfaces may be placed in contact with each other such that and heat is generated upon movement of the vehicle system components. The heat is transferred into electrical energy. In another embodiment, an electrical coil receives a magnetic member which moves within the coil to generate the current. The charge may be stored in a capacitor and periodically dispatched onto said component. The invention thus provides a low cost and simplistic way of resisting corrosion to vehicle components, and in particular to vehicle suspension components.

Abstract: An apparatus for prevention of corrosion in metal objects uses a capacitively coupled fastener or pad attached to a metal body being protected from corrosion. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to electronic circuitry that imparts pulses of low voltage DC through the capacitor to the fastener. These pulses of electrical current inhibit the oxidation of the metal object by providing a source of electrons to the oxidizing chemicals in contact with the metal. The electronic circuitry includes a reverse voltage protector to prevent the application of reverse source voltage. The circuitry also includes a power conditioner to supply a constant DC voltage to a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates pulses of DC signals that are amplified by a pulse amplifier and imparted to the conductive facing of the pad. The invention also includes a battery voltage monitor and a power indicator.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system utilizes dynamic control of an output from a power supply to vary an impressed current applied to a structure to be protected proportional to a measurement of stray electrical current. The current is also supplied to an anode bed in an amount sufficient to maintain the structure more negatively charged than the anode bed such that the stray electrical currents are directed away from the structure, thus avoiding electrolytic attack.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting buried conducting structures, subject to corrosion such as well casings, pipe lines and the like, utilizes a plurality of pulsed D.C. current sources with the negative output terminal of each source connected to a separate structure and the positive output terminal of the sources connected to a common anode located near the structures. A control circuit synchronizes the operation of the several D.C. sources and sets the frequency and width of the output pulses. The amplitude of the output pulses from each D.C. source may be separately adjusted.

Abstract: A galvanic monitor system uses two annunciators, such like light emitting diodes, to alert a boat operator of the current status of the boat's galvanic protection system. A reference electrode is used to monitor the voltage potential at a location in the water and near the component to be protected. The voltage potential of the electrode is compared to upper and lower limits to determine if the actual sensed voltage potential is above the lower limit and below the upper limit. The two annunciators lights are used to inform the operator if the protection is proper or if the component to be protected is either being over protected or under protected.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting buried conducting structures, subject to corrosion such as well casings, pipe lines and the like, utilizes a plurality of pulsed D.C. current sources with the negative output terminal of each source connected to a separate structure and the positive output terminal of the sources connected to a common anode located near the structures. A control circuit synchronizes the operation of the several D.C. sources and sets the frequency and width of the output pulses. The amplitude of the output pulses from each D.C. source may be separately adjusted.