And Zinc Patents (Class 204/196.25)
  • Publication number: 20150053573
    Abstract: A method of mitigating galvanic corrosion on a vehicle is provided for use of metals with carbon containing composites. An electrically conductive material comprising a plurality of electrically conductive metallic particles and a polymer is applied to a corrosion susceptible region of an assembly having a carbon-reinforced composite and a metal. The electrically conductive material has an electrical conductivity of greater than or equal to about 1×10?4 S/m and serves as a sacrificial anode to mitigate or prevent corrosion of the metal in the assembly. Also provided are assemblies for a vehicle having reduced galvanic corrosion that include a metal component in contact with a carbon-reinforced composite, which defines a corrosion susceptible region having an electrically conductive material disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, William R. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8679303
    Abstract: A liquid heating system may comprise a metallic container and a refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube, which may be coupled to the metallic container. The refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube may include at least one open end and anodic material may be filled or refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end. The anodic material is corroded by the oxidation process at a substantially faster rate compared to the metallic container. The anodic material is refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end without removing the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube from the metallic container or disturbing the position of the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airgenerate, LLC
    Inventor: Sunil Kumar Sinha
  • Publication number: 20140069803
    Abstract: A method and device for facilitating maintenance of an anode of a marine engine cooling system, the device including an anode for use with an anode plug such as, for example, an anode plug that has a detachable component with a threaded end for mounting to a threaded bore of a cooling system structure, and a connector that holds the anode, the anode having an indicator for indicating a condition of the anode which is indicative of a need to replace the anode The method permits changing the anode by removing and/or reinstalling an anode while preventing or minimizing water from exiting the cooling system of the marine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Alan McMullen
  • Patent number: 8372251
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a gasifier that includes a shell made of a first material exposed to a gasification region inside the gasifier and a patterned anode layer coupled to the shell inside the gasifier. The patterned anode layer is made of a second material, and the patterned anode layer is configured to protect the shell from corrosion by condensing hot gas in the gasification region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Albert Goller, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 8349148
    Abstract: An electrolytic mortar for fabricating galvanic anode panels is strengthened with fibers to improve green strength and resistance to cracking. Elongated reinforcing fibers are introduced into a flowing stream of mortar and deposited in multiple layers upon a platen or mold. A sacrificial zinc anode of open construction is embedded between the multiple layers to allow for electrolytic conduction between the layers and over all surfaces of the zinc anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Jarden Zinc Products, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Tarrant, Michael T. Mather
  • Patent number: 8273239
    Abstract: An electric field modifier for boosting a current output of a sacrificial anode to enhance its protective effect and direct the current output to improve current distribution in galvanic protection of steel in a concrete element exposed to air is disclosed. A cavity is formed in a concrete element and a combination comprising a sacrificial anode, an electric field modifier and an ionically conductive filler are embedded therein. The sacrificial anode is connected to the steel. The modifier comprises an element with an anode side, supporting an oxidation reaction, in electrical contact with a cathode side, supporting a reduction reaction. The cathode of the modifier faces the sacrificial anode and is separated therefrom by a filler which contains an electrolyte that connects the sacrificial anode to the cathode of the modifier. The anode of the modifier faces away from the sacrificial anode. Preferably, the reduction reaction, on the cathode of the modifier, comprises reduction of oxygen from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin Glass, Adrian Charles Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 8268134
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a turbine engine component that includes a first material having a surface exposed to a fluid flow path and a sacrificial anode layer disposed on the surface. The sacrificial anode layer includes a second material that is electrochemically more active than the first material and the second material is configured to preferentially corrode to protect the first material from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Albert Goller, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 8236145
    Abstract: An electrolysis prevention device, for preventing corrosion caused by electrolysis, includes a sacrificial anode made of an active metal and an anode holder supporting the sacrificial anode. The holder is adapted to fit around the inlet connection of an engine heat exchange component, such as a radiator or heater core, in such a way as to allow for a hose to be attached overtop the device. The device may be included in an originally-manufactured engine heat exchange component or may be installed later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Petrosino
  • Patent number: 8163159
    Abstract: Techniques generally describe articles of enclosing manufacture and methods related to containers including a magnesium sacrificial anode for corrosion protection. Example articles of enclosing manufacture may include a liner or a rod that is configured as a sacrificial anode to protect a metallic side or end wall of the enclosing manufacture from corrosion. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • Patent number: 8157983
    Abstract: The galvanic cathodic protection of steel embedded in concrete structures is enhanced by the utilization of a flexible composite anode assembly containing a sacrificial anode member. The anode member is at least partially covered by a matrix comprising an ionically-conductive material. The conductive material includes at least one electrochemical activating agent such as a mixture of lithium bromide and lithium nitrate and a compressible water-retaining mineral such as a phyllosilicate mineral. The presence of this mineral in the matrix increases the current delivered by the anode, thereby resulting in a greater level of cathodic protection, and a longer effective service life of the anode. Exfoliated vermiculite is a preferred phyllosilicate mineral and is present in an amount of between about 2% and about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: John E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8118983
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Anderson, Christopher J. Misorski, Gregory L. Fugar, Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 7967959
    Abstract: A cathodic protection system for use in an electrolyte includes a protected structure to be at least partially immersed in the electrolyte, at least one sacrificial anode to be at least partially immersed in the electrolyte and electrically connected to the protected structure, and a substantially impermeable barrier disposed between the at least one sacrificial anode and the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Howard, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7964067
    Abstract: A corrosion control system for an above-ground storage tank having a steel bottom plate comprises a sacrificial anode disposed under and spaced apart from the steel bottom plate in a backfill material, and wherein the backfill material has a pH high enough to cause a substantial passivation of the surface of the steel plate facing the sacrificial anode while substantially preventing the passivation of the sacrificial anode. In the preferred embodiment the backfill material has a pH of 10 or greater and the sacrificial anode is in the form of a plate or mesh composed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Alternatively the sacrificial anode may be composed of zinc or an alloy thereof. The backfill material further includes soda ash, trisodium phosphate or other high alkaline chemicals to raise the pH. The backfill material also preferably includes a moisture retention material such as zeolite to maintain a minimum of moisture content of 10 percent or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Patent number: 7959786
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7914661
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7909982
    Abstract: A single anode system used in multiple electrochemical treatments to control steel corrosion in concrete comprises a sacrificial metal that is capable of supporting high impressed anode current densities with an impressed current anode connection detail and a porous embedding material containing an electrolyte. Initially current is driven from the sacrificial metal [1] to the steel [10] using a power source [5] converting oxygen and water [14] into hydroxyl ions [15] on the steel and drawing chloride ions [16] into the porous material [2] around the anode such that corroding sites are moved from the steel to the anode restoring steel passivity and activating the anode. Cathodic prevention is then applied. This is preferably sacrificial cathodic prevention that is applied by disconnecting the power source and connecting the activated sacrificial anode directly to the steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gareth Glass, Adrian Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 7851022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a galvanic anode system for the corrosion protection of steel, comprised of a solid electrolyte and a galvanic anode material, preferably zinc and its alloys, glued to the solid electrolyte or embedded in the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is characterised by a high ion conductivity and comprises at least one anionic and/or cationic polyelectrolyte and/or preferably at least one compound that forms complex compounds with the anode material, preferably with zinc. The solid electrolyte is produced by applying a coating agent, preferably as an aqueous dispersion or suspension, to the steel and/or to the mineral substructure, preferably to concrete. The anode material is characterised in that it forms a galvanic element in combination with the solid electrolyte and the steel to be protected, in which the steel forms the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7749362
    Abstract: A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. It consists of connecting the steel (6) to a discrete sacrificial anode assembly (7) comprising a base metal (1), a relatively small quantity of catalytic activating agent in contact with the base metal and a substantially inert porous layer (3) that surrounds the base metal and catalytic activating agent. The inert porous layer efficiently maintains a sustainable concentration gradient of the catalytic activating agent between the base metal and the surrounding environment as a result of the electric field across this layer. The preferred porous layer comprises a material that exhibits a net repulsion of negative ions from its pore system and the preferred catalytic activating agent comprises doubly charged sulphate ions as small electric fields maintain very high concentration gradients of these ions resulting in high concentrations at the base metal surface and insignificant concentrations at the assembly periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Gareth Glass, Adrian Roberts
  • Patent number: 7704372
    Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly for cathodically protecting and/or passivating a metal section, comprising: (a) a cell, which has an anode and a cathode arranged so as to not be in electronic contact with each other but so as to be in ionic contact with each other such that current can flow between the anode and the cathode; (b) a connector attached to the anode of the cell for electrically connecting the anode to the metal section to be cathodically protected; and (c) a sacrificial anode electrically connected in series with the cathode of the cell; wherein the cell is otherwise isolated from the environment such that current can only flow into and out of the cell via the sacrificial anode and the connector. The invention also provides a method of cathodically protecting metal in which such a sacrificial anode assembly is cathodically attached to the metal via the connector of the assembly, and a reinforced concrete structure wherein some or all of the reinforcement is cathodically protected by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Gareth K. Glass, Adrian C. Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 7655116
    Abstract: A system for preventing erosion of metal objects in a swimming pool having chemicals therein includes a metal piece sacrificial anode, which may be of zinc. This metal piece sacrificial anode is contained within a tubular container and placed in a location along the swimming pool where it can be readily viewed. The metal piece sacrificial anode is removably supported within the container on the cover of the container, which is threadably attached to the container. The container is supported on piping through which water is supplied to the pool and to the interior of the container. The metal piece sacrificial anode is attached at one end to a an electrically conductive wire and to an electrically conductive copper wire or “bonding wire”, which runs around the pool and is attached to metal objects in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Herb Tilsner
  • Patent number: 7648623
    Abstract: This assembly provides a flexible method of attaching discrete sacrificial anodes to exposed steel in concrete construction to achieve an advantageous distribution of protection current. It comprises a base metal [1] that is less noble than steel, a conductor [6] connected to the base metal, a tying point [2] formed at least in part by the conductor, and a tie [4] that passes through the tying point [2] and around the steel [5]. The tie is used to physically tie the anode between steel bars prior to placing the concrete and in the process to electrically connect the anode to the steel. The tying point is open to facilitate adjusting the tie. The separation of the tie from an anode assembly with a tying point allows the tie to be selected during installation when the properties required by the application are known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Gareth Glass
  • Patent number: 7585397
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Farwest Corrosion Control Company
    Inventor: John C. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 7527714
    Abstract: An anode is mounted to the top of a water heater tank which has a spud with external threads welded to the top thereof. The spud extends above insulation which surrounds the water tank and covers the top of the water heater. An anode rod is inserted into the water tank through the spud and has a steel core welded to a flat cylindrical steel disk which extends radially outwardly of a magnesium cylinder formed about the core. A water sealing gasket is positioned between the disk and the annular surface formed by the open end of the spud. A nut fits over the disk and engages the threads on the spud, and clamps the anode to the spud so that the threads are isolated from water in the tank, allowing easy removal of the anode after the passage of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Bock Water Heaters, Inc.
    Inventors: Mutubwa K. Kahite, Michael B. Steinhafel
  • Patent number: 7422665
    Abstract: An anode for use in cathodic protection of steel in concrete is formed from an electrically conductive material such as zinc and an ionically conductive material which is preferably a humectant and/or has a pH greater than 12 to enhance current flow. The materials are intimately intermixed through at least a part of the anode body and compressed into the anode body with an electrical connecting lead formed into a core of the body which is wholly conductive material. Portions of the electrically conductive material are pressed into electrical contact to form a plurality of electrically conductive paths within the anode body. Many of the voids in the body are interconnected to form a plurality of ionically conductive paths through the anode body by causing the humectant to migrate through the voids. The large surface area between the ionically conductive paths and the electrically conductive paths increase significantly the contact surface area of the anode body to increase current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7402233
    Abstract: A cathodic protection system is provided for cathodically protecting an metallic substrate against corrosion, where the system comprises a sacrificial anodic material containing, but not limited to, zinc, magnesium, aluminum or a mixture of these materials, with a ceramic magnet, coupled with a plug, embedded into the sacrificial anode in such a way as to take advantage of the magnetic flux for transfer of electrons from the sacrificial anode to the object being protected, the unit is affixed to the object being protected by use of an electrically-conductive adhesive. The electrical connection may be established via the combination of the ceramic magnet and the electrically-conductive adhesive. The magnet may be magnetized in the direction of its thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Glen E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7276144
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7264697
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: California Corrosion Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed Ali, J. Darby Howard, Jr., Chris Lisson
  • Patent number: 7258780
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a structure from corrosion, according to which the apparatus includes two pivotally connected members, at least one anode device connected to at least one of the members, and a resilient component engaged with the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Helio Marins David Filho, Robert Ribeiro Braga
  • Patent number: 7226532
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of an existing concrete structure, including a steel member at least partly buried, such as steel rebar, in the concrete structure, is provided by embedding anodes into a fresh concrete layer applied over an excavated patch and/or as a covering overlay. The anodes are embedded at spaced positions or as an array in the layer and connected to the rebar. A reinforcing layer is applied to the anode or adjacent the anode to resist expansion of the anode body tending to cause cracking of the concrete caused by the larger volume of the corrosion products relative to the anode material. Pores are provided in the anode body so as to take up the corrosion products. The reinforcing layer can be provided in the actual anode body as a closed surface surrounding the anode material inside or may be provided in the concrete as a layer on top of the anode in an array form at or near the outer surface of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: David W. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7160433
    Abstract: The cathodic protection system of a concrete structure (22) uses sacrificial anodes such as zinc, aluminum and alloys thereof embedded in mortar. A humectant is employed to impart high ionic conductivity to the mortar in which the anode is encapsulated. Lithium nitrate and lithium bromide and combinations thereof are preferred as the humectant. The anode (10) is surrounded by a compressive, conductive matrix (12) incorporating a void volume between 15% and 50% to accommodate the sacrificial corrosion products of the anode. A void space of at least 5% of the total volume of the anode (12) may be provided opposite to the active face of the anode. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose, nylon and fiberglass have been found to be useful for forming the matrix. A tie wire is used to electrically connect the anode to the reinforcing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7097746
    Abstract: An anode protection device and method are provided. The method includes placing a sacrificial anode in proximity to the positive and negative contacts to shield or distort the field therebetween which provides preferential corrosion of the sacrificial anode, instead of the anode. The protection device is a sacrificial anode having various forms and placed in different configurations. In one form the sacrificial anode is a plate. In another form the sacrificial anode is a ring placed around either the positive contact or negative contact to provide a shield between the negative and positive contacts. In a further device embodiment, the sacrificial anodic plate can be welded to the aluminum case of a rechargeable battery of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: George Tziviskos, C. Geoffrey E Fernald
  • Patent number: 7017251
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of incorporating a resistive interface between an anode rod and a water heater tank connector. The resistive interface can include a conductive polymer material or coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Apcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Allan Murphy
  • Patent number: 6902661
    Abstract: A system using tank corrosion sensors to provide for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition in ships' tanks, and particularly in ships' seawater or compensated fuel tanks. The system includes reference half-cells mounted along a suspended cable and one instrumented sacrificial anode at the end of the cable to provide optimal sensing capability within a tank structure. The reference half-cells and the sacrificial anode measure a potential and current output, respectively. Together the measurements provide objective information that can be used to predict corrosion damage and coating deterioration occurring throughout the structure of the tank. The system may be used for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electrochemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elvin D. Thomas, III, Keith E. Lucas, Paul Slebodnick, Elizabeth A. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6863799
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing improved cast anodes for corrosion protection in storage tanks calls for integrating a plurality of spaced steel core rods into a sacrificial galvanic anode material sheet. The sheet is divided into segments such that a width of each segment is four to eight times the thickness of the galvanic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: James B. Bushman
  • Patent number: 6858117
    Abstract: The flexible pipe comprises a plastic sealing sheath and an inner plastic sheath which define an annular space in which structural elements are placed. The structural elements comprising at least one armor ply consisting of metal wires wound helically with a long pitch are in the space. An end fitting is fitted at each end of the flexible pipe. At least one external anode electronically connected to at least one armor ply. The anode is placed in an intermediate region of the flexible pipe distal from the end fittings. A connection means connects the anode to at least one of the metal wires of the said armor ply in the intermediate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: CoflexIP
    Inventors: Hugues Berton, Jean-Loc Streiff
  • Patent number: 6613216
    Abstract: A storage tank for fluids comprises a novel striker plate. The striker plate is comprised of a sacrificial galvanic anode and a steel core, and it is situated opposite an access opening used for measuring depth of fluid in the tank. The striker plate can also function adjacent other corrosive areas in a tank, such as along a seam in a tank wall, to reduce corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: James B. Bushman, Brian C. Donovan
  • Patent number: 6562206
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20020195353
    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:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20020023848
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. Each anode is inserted into a drilled hole in the layer and is electrically attached to the rebar in the same or an adjacent hole by a steel pin which is attached to the reinforcement by arc welding or by impact. In the arrangement where the anode and the attachment are in the same hole, the pin passes into or through the anode so as to hold the anode rigidly within the hole. The hole is filled by a settable filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6346188
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cathodic protection system for inhibiting oxidation of a reinforcing member disposed within a cementitious structure. The system comprises a compact, autonomous battery adapted to mount to the cementitious structure at an open-air location, the battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a conductor adapted to electrically connect the negative terminal of the battery to the reinforcing member of the cementitious structure, an anode jacket constructed of a cementitious material and being adapted to be placed in physical contact with the cementitious structure, and an anode disposed within the anode jacket and being adapted to be positioned proximate to a portion of the reinforcing member disposed within the cementitious structure that is to be cathodically protected, the anode being electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Enser Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Shuster, Gregory J. Gabert
  • Patent number: 6331242
    Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of tank are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the tank, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the tank, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the tank and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to tank available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Michael Horton
  • Patent number: 6303017
    Abstract: Reinforcement in concrete is cathodically protected by galvanically connecting a sacrificial anode, such as a zinc or zinc alloy anode, to the reinforcement, and contacting the anode with an electrolyte solution having a pH which is maintained sufficiently high for corrosion of the anode to occur, and for passive film formation on the anode to be avoided. The pH of the electrolyte is preferably at least 0.2 units, and preferably from 0.5 units to more than 1.0 units, above the pH value at which passivity of the anode would occur. The electrolyte may be for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide but is preferably lithium hydroxide which also acts as an alkali-silica reaction inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Aston Material Services Limited
    Inventors: Christopher L. Page, George Sergi
  • Patent number: 6217742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cathodic protection of reinforced concrete, and more particularly, to a method of improving the performance and service life of discrete anodes used in a cathodic protection system. The method of the present invention comprises placing an embeddable discrete anode in, or on, the reinforced concrete member. The discrete anode is then embedded in a cementitous grout or mortar to encapsulate the anode and provide contact to complete the cathodic protection circuit. A lithium salt selected from the group consisting of lithium nitrate (LiNO3), lithium bromide (LiBr), and combinations thereof, is added to the cementitous grout or mortar surrounding the discrete anode, in the amount of at least about 0.2 gram (dry basis) per cubic centimeter of grout or mortar. The lithium salt functions to enhance the performance of the cathodic protection system by minimizing the deleterious effects of the anode reaction product on the grout or mortar adjacent to the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jack E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6200397
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus to apply a corrosion protection in the form of a zinc (or other sacrificial anodic material) tape to a tubular member such as pipe or coiled tubing to used as an underground or underwater pipeline or flow line is disclosed. The zinc tape is applied with sufficient heat and pressure to form a metallurgical bond between the zinc tape and underlying metal pipe. This allows the zinc tape to act simultaneously as a continuous protective metal barrier to the normal scrapes and nicks the pipe experiences during installation and as a sacrificial anode. The novel apparatus preheats the zinc tape with a nozzle containing heated gas such as nitrogen as it approaches the pipe surface. At the point of contact with the pipe surface, the nozzle continues heating the tape and pipe surface while a plurality of pressure rollers exert sufficient force on the zinc tape to form a metallurgical bond between the zinc tape and the pipe surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6193857
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of concrete-reinforcing steel reinforcing elements is accomplished utilizing an anode of a metal (e.g. zinc) having a more negative electrical potential than the steel reinforcing element, and connecting at least one wire made of a ductile metal to the anode. The anode may be cast around the wire, or a twisted portion of two or more wires. The wires are wrapped around one or more of the reinforcing elements and electrically and physically connect the anode to the reinforcing elements. The cathodic protection is maintained over a sustained period of time by casting a cementitious material around the anode, e.g. a mortar containing an electrolyte solution having a pH of at least about 14 when the anode is zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Davison, Christopher D. Gorrill