Abstract: An apparatus designed for installing anode bracelets upon pipes used in cathodic protection systems. The apparatus includes a pair of grasp booms which hold the anode bracelet during installation of the bracelet around the pipe to be cathodically protected. The grasp booms can be rotated for the installation of the anode bracelet and can be opened to receive each half of the bracelet and closed to mount the bracelet around the pipe.

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.

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 electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.

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: (a) a semiconductive organic polymer coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.

Abstract: Re-usable, energy-efficient apparatus for the restoration of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus includes a combination electrode device in a sandwich construction that includes a dimensionally stable electrode, a reusable electrolyte reservoir, an ion exchanger element, a reference electrode, a power-switching device for anodic regulation, and a measuring system for determining the capacity of the ion exchanger element to take up ions. Use of this combination electrode device prevents the formation of active chlorine during extraction of chlorine from reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A prefabricated ground mat with cathodic protection adapted to protect persons from induced electrical potentials in a pipe or other electrical conductor buried below a ground-level surface, adapted to protect test stands, valve sites, metering stations, pig launchers and receivers, access portals, or other exposed, above-ground equipment which are electrically connected to the buried conductor, from such electrical potentials, and adapted to protect the buried conductor from oxidation due to the ground grid. Multiple mats may be buried between the underground conductor and the ground-level surface and electrically connected to either the underground conductor, the above-grade buried conductor, or both. The mats are made of materials such that the galvanic cell formed by the electrical union of the underground conductor with the mat cause the mat to be consumed.

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.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: An electrode system for preventing biofouling of a surface either is applied directly onto the surface of an aquatic vehicle or structure, if the surface is non-conducting; or is applied onto an insulating paint layer on the surface, if the surface is conducting; or is embedded in a layer of electrically non-conducting material. The electrode system includes two alternating sets of electrodes in the form of spaced, parallel strips made from any conductive material, preferably a conductive coating, the first set being provided with a number n of parallel electrodes, and the second set being provided with a number n-1 of parallel electrodes, with the positions of the electrodes of the first set alternating with the positions of the electrodes of the second set. The geometry of the electrodes is such that when the voltalge is applied, the electric field radiates outwardly parallel to the surface of the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating when a predetermined portion of a sacrificial anode has been corroded comprises a detector embedded within the interior of the sacrificial anode initially at a predetermined distance from an exposed exterior surface of the sacrificial anode. The detector detects the absence of sacrificial anode material when the predetermined portion has corroded and generates a detection signal. A monitoring system communicates with the detector for receiving detection signals and generates an indicator signal when a detection signal is received. An indicator in communication with the monitoring system receives indicator signals and generates an alarm when an indicator signal is received.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a method for protecting surfaces (S) which are in contact or come into contact with a water-containing medium (M) against biological macro-fouling, wherein 1) S is electrically conducting and 2) such a potential (P) fluctuating over time is applied to S that it inhibits the growth of organisms that live in M and/or propagate therein and which have the tendency to form deposits on S, characterised in that P does not assume values that are higher than the corrosion potential of S in M and the average value of P is lower than the said corrosion potential.

Abstract: A corrosion-inhibited system for providing a utility service to a plurality of consumers includes a plurality of metallic utility service structures, each utility service structure having components buried in a common electrolyte and electrically connected to each other through an electrical utility service connected to an electric utility supply common to each of the consumers in the plurality of consumers. The system further includes a single protection apparatus including at least one anode in physical contact with the common electrolyte. The system further includes a conductor physically connecting the single protection apparatus to only one of the utility service structures.

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: Apparatus and method for providing corrosion protection of subsea pipe-in-pipe electrically heated pipeline are provided. The exterior surface of the outer pipe is coated with a thick protective coating in and near the splash zone and near the bulkhead of the heated line. A discharge electrode is placed over the thick protective covering or bare pipe is created near the thick protective covering. Methods are provided for determining the area needed in the discharge electrode or bare pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides a reinforced concrete having improved corrosion resistance in which the content of voids in the concrete at the surface of the steel reinforcement is below 0.8%, preferably below 0.5%, more preferably below 0.2% by area of steel and in which there is a layer of solid alkali, preferably at least one micron in thickness on the steel surface. The reinforced concrete preferably has a chloride threshold level of at least 0.5% preferably at least 0.8% by weight of the cement. The invention also provides a process for reducing corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete which comprises forming a reinforced concrete in which the voids at the steel surface are below 0.5% by volume and in which there is a layer of solid alkali on the steel surface the layer being at least 1 micron in thickness and covering at least 20% of the steel surface.

Abstract: A process for reducing the corrosion of nickel metal in an alkali metal hydroxide evaporator equipment which comprises the step of impressing a total protection potential directly upon the nickel metal material in alkali metal hydroxide evaporator that is in contact with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution during evaporation of that solution; said total potential being sufficient to reduce the amount of corrosion of the nickel metal to an oxide that may dissolve in the alkali metal hydroxide solution.

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.

Abstract: A titanium sheet (4) serving as an anode-forming member is fixed on a tube plate (1a) of a heat exchanger (1) via a insulting sheet (5) and an insulating adhesive (6). The sheet (4) is coated with a film (3) of an electrochemically active, stable electrical catalyst. A dc power unit (7) has a positive electrode (7a) electrically connected to the sheet (4), and a negative electrode (7b) electrically connected to the tubes (1b). The inner surfaces of the tubes (1b) are used as a cathode for electrolysis for oxygen generation. An automatic potential controller (7c) adjusts potential difference between the electrodes (7a, 7b) such that oxygen is generated in seawater while generation of chlorine in seawater is suppressed. An external dc power unit (40) and a cathodic protection electrode (41) supply a cathodic protection current to the tubes (1b).

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.

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: (a) a semiconductive organic polymer coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.

Abstract: An electrically conductive surface is combined with a protective surface of glass in order to provide an anode from which electrons can be transferred to seawater for the purpose of generating gaseous chlorine on the surface to be protected. Ambient temperature cure glass (ATC glass) provides a covalent bond on an electrically conductive surface, such as nickel-bearing paint. In this way, boat hulls, submerged portions of outboard motors, and submerged portions of stern drive systems can be protected effectively from the growth of marine organism, such as barnacles. The electrically conductive surface generates electrons into the seawater in order to create chlorine gas at the surface which inhibits and discourages marine growth. The protective coating of glass inhibits the migration of metal ions from the electrically conductive surface into the seawater and therefore inhibits corrosive degradation as a result of galvanic action.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for corrosion protection of metallic structures in contact with aqueous solutions such as salt water and calcium chloride brine. The system employs anode chambers containing hydroxide anolytes segregated from the electrolyte containing chloride by an ion-exchange membrane. The anode and the structures to be protected are coupled to voltage and current sources impressing current at the immersed surfaces of metallic structures to maintain these surfaces close to an equipotential and covered with a bound layer of polarized hydroxide. The preferred embodiment is used in connection with stainless steel holding tanks and associated equipment used to circulate calcium chloride brine to freeze whole muscle turkeys. When the brine and the anolyte contact the membrane, a bi-ionic potential forms across the membrane that drives the counter-directed transport of ions through the membrane, thereby preventing the anodic production of Cl2.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a diamond containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion and/or fouling of a surface of a biomedical device in contact with a corrosive environment comprising: (a) a semiconductive coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion and/or fouling using the system.

Abstract: An anti-biofouling system adapted to be used for an underwater structure immersed in seawater is disclosed. The anti-biofouling system includes a conductive layer, comprising carbon fiber, graphite powder and binder, formed on a surface of the underwater structure for serving as an anode, a cathode, and a power supply for providing a current, thereby performing an electrolytic reaction for the anti-biofouling system such that a fouling organism is prohibited from attaching on the surface of the underwater structure.

Abstract: An antifouling system (20) for a structure exposed to seawater has an anode forming member (4) bonded to the seawater-exposed surface to be wetted with seawater (15) of the structure via an insulating adhesive (6). The anode forming member 4 is coated with an electrical catalyst film 3 of an electrochemically active and stable electrical catalyst. A conductive member (8) is disposed so as to be wetted with seawater (15). An external dc power supply (7) has a positive terminal (7a) connected to the anode forming member (4) and a negative terminal (7b) connected to the conductive member (8). The external DC power supply (7) is provided with a built-in automatic potential controller (7c) that controls the potential difference between the positive terminal (7a) and the negative terminal (7b) such that oxygen can be generated in seawater suppressing the generation of chlorine in seawater.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing corrosion protection of subsea pipe-in-pipe electrically heated pipeline are provided. The exterior surface of the outer pipe is coated with a thick protective coating in and near the splash zone and near the bulkhead of the heated line. A discharge electrode is placed over the thick protective covering or bare pipe is created near the thick protective covering. Methods are provided for determining the area needed in the discharge electrode or bare pipe.

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: A concrete structure is reinforced with steel rebars coated with essentially pure aluminum in the range from about 0.25 mm to 2 mm thick upon which aluminum coating is an aluminum oxide layer in the range from 0.1 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m thick. This layer of aluminum oxide and/or hydrated aluminum oxide is referred to as a combined aluminum oxide layer, and it is in direct contact with the concrete.

Abstract: A titanium sheet (4) serving as an anode-forming member is fixed on a tube plate (1a) of a heat exchanger (1) via a insulting sheet (5) and an insulating adhesive (6). The sheet (4) is coated with a film (3) of an electrochemically active, stable electrical catalyst. A dc power unit (7) has a positive electrode (7a) electrically connected to the sheet (4), and a negative electrode (7b) electrically connected to the tubes (1b). The inner surfaces of the tubes (1b) are used as a cathode for electrolysis for oxygen generation. An automatic potential controller (7c) adjusts potential difference between the electrodes (7a, 7b) such that oxygen is generated in seawater while generation of chlorine in seawater is suppressed. An external dc power unit (40) and a cathodic protection electrode (41) supply a cathodic protection current to the tubes (1b).

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: Combining an electroosmosis direct current (EP) applied at less than 1 mA/Mcm3 (milliamp per 1000 cm3 of concrete) with an anode placed adjacent an outer surface of reinforced concrete soaked with a substantially neutral saline solution, effectively depletes corrosive anions in the concrete even when the direct current is in the range from 0.01 mA to less than 1 mA and at a voltage less than 100 V. Further, using such electroosmotic treatment as a first treatment, and promptly following it with cathodic protection, preferably by an impressed cathodic current (CP) at a comparably low voltage, the current density of CP required for cathodic protection is unexpectedly reduced. This decrease in the required current density of impressed current CP, coupled with low installation and operational costs of the novel system, improves the efficiency of a conventional cathodic protection system, whether by impressed current or with sacrificial anodes, several fold, as high as by a factor of 3 to 30 times.

Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising: (a) a semiconductive organic polymer coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.

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

Abstract: A concrete structure is reinforced with steel rebars coated with essentially pure aluminum in the range from about 0.25 mm to 2 mm thick upon which aluminum coating is an aluminum oxide layer in the range from 0.1 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m thick. This layer of aluminum oxide and/or hydrated aluminum oxide is referred to as a combined aluminum oxide layer, and it is in direct contact with the concrete.

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.

Abstract: Electric current of about 1 A/M2 is applied to reinforcement in concrete and the gases released are allowed to pass to the atmosphere via gas permeable set material in a hole alongside the electrode.

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: 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.

Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising: (a) a semiconductive coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.

Abstract: An anode is embedded in an electrolyte layer applied to the surface of a structure such as a pipe section to provide an ionic conductive path between the anode and structure to supply cathodic protection to the structure, where the natural environment may not provide a continuous electrolyte. The anode is comprised of a material normally used as a cathodic protection anode material, such as, an expanded valve metal mesh or ribbon having either an electrochemically active coating or noble metal coating, or a sacrificial anode metal alloy. The anode material is made continuous from one end of the structure to the other and may be connected to a common bus wire from one end to the other. The anode and structure to be protected are connected using wires to a DC power supply that causes cathodic protection current flow to the structure in the case of an impressed current system. No separate power supply is needed in the case of a galvanic or sacrificial anode system.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reference electrode constructions for use in electrically anti-corrosion protection systems for marine outboard drives. In each embodiment the reference electrode is contained within a protective covering with a restricted small volume area surrounding the reference electrode. As a result, when the reference electrode dissolves in the body of water in which it is operating it will form a saturated solution in this small volume area to preclude further dissolution.

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.