Abstract: A method of pretreating a pipeline or apparatus is carried out by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion. Surfaces of a pipeline or apparatus are contacted with a treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion. The colloidal particles of the treatment composition are allowed to adhere the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus to facilitate a reduction in friction of the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or lower the pressure drop of fluid flowing over the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or to reduce the formation of surface deposits on the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus.

Abstract: Reception unit receives data indicating water temperature of a body of water through which a vessel voyages, vessel speed, and a period for which those values are maintained. From storage unit, index value acquisition unit reads out a decrease amount of anti-fouling paint corresponding to the water temperature and vessel speed received by reception unit. Index value specification unit specifies a decrease amount of anti-fouling paint in the period by multiplying the length of time of the period received by reception unit by the decrease amount read out by index value acquisition unit. Remaining amount acquisition unit integrates the decrease amounts of the anti-fouling paint specified by index value specification unit at the time of coating with the anti-fouling paint and onward.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an ICCP system includes an AC-DC rectifier receiving AC power from an AC power source and providing a DC output having a constant voltage or a constant current, a cathode connection electrically coupling the AC-DC rectifier to a structure to be protected by the ICCP system, current-emitting anodes arranged in parallel and receiving the DC output from the AC-DC rectifier, and a controller communicating with the AC-DC rectifier to set a maximum value for the constant voltage or constant current of the DC output. In other embodiments, an ICCP system includes a converter assembly including an AC-DC rectifier and a rectifier chassis enclosing and environmentally sealing the AC-DC rectifier. The ICCP system also includes an environmentally-sealed controller communicating with the AC-DC rectifier and an environmentally-protected Input-Output connection assembly.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of an electrical fault for a waterborne structure includes a current tap electrically coupleable to an electrically conductive frame member of the waterborne structure and a grounding member configured for placement in water adjacent to the waterborne structure. An indicator is electrically coupled to the current tap so that an electrical charge supplied to the conductive frame member may be transmitted through the current tap and to the indicator. The indicator is electrically coupled to the grounding member to form a circuit.

Abstract: Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling the current of a sacrificial anode based on the conductivity state of the water. An unregulated current of the sacrificial anode relative to the water tank is measured and a conductivity state of the water is identified based on the measured unregulated current. A maximum current limit for the sacrificial anode is determined based on the conductivity state of the water and the current of the sacrificial anode is limited such that the current does not exceed the determined maximum current limit.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methodologies and algorithms for providing anode rod depletion detection and warnings thereof to consumers. Consumers general are not concerned with monitoring consumption of protective anode rods incorporated within water heaters, The present subject matter provides automatic monitoring of anode rod depletion and provides the consumer with notification of rod depletion beyond a predetermined amount by one or more of optical, audible, or electronic devices. Aspects of the algorithm include handling of start-up conditions, service board replacement conditions, and properly defining the anode rod depletion threshold. Additional algorithm aspects include considerations for taking into consideration power outage conditions and accurately estimating galvanic current.

Abstract: Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode system and associated surface pipe system maintenance method designed to protect surface pipes and associated parts. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the sacrificial anode system is installable at an interface between a first pipe and a second pipe and comprises an insertion sleeve shaped to fit along an inner surface of the first pipe, a flange attached to the insertion sleeve and shaped to rest against an end surface of the first pipe, a sacrificial anode to be positioned within the first pipe, and a stem linking the sacrificial anode to the insertion sleeve. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining a surface pipe system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrochemical corrosion protection to a process vessel, the apparatus comprises at least one anode in communication with the process vessel; a DC current supply being electrically coupled to the process vessel and to the at least one anode; and a potential control unit in communication with the DC current supply. The potential control unit is electrically coupled to the process vessel and to a reference electrode in communication with the process vessel. The current supplied by the DC current supply for passivating the process vessel is adjustable by the potential control unit. The process vessel may comprise at least one of duplex stainless steel and superaustenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: The invention is a multiple-structure cathodic protective system that includes multiple voltage-controlled outputs to protect multiple structures with a common ground bed, or a single structure with multiple anode ground beds. Each output feeds an individual cable that is powered by independent pulse-width-modulated voltage power supplies. Current through the cables is monitored and the PWM control compensates to maintain the correct amount of current for maximum protection and long life.

Abstract: A device comprising an electrically conductive surface portion is provided for immersion in an electrically conductive liquid such as water. At least one load electrode is provided for supplying an electric load current into the electrically conductive liquid. Further, an electrode, e.g., one or more of the at least one load electrode acts as protection electrode. A protection current source, e.g., a resistor, is electrically coupled to the conductive surface portion and to the protection electrode for providing a protection current flowing between the electrically conductive surface portion and the electrode. Further, the protection current source is adapted for changing the protection current in response to a change in the load current.

Abstract: Apparatus for connection to a metallic structure, the apparatus comprises a transformer rectifier unit operable to output a DC current for cathodic protection of a metallic structure, and a modulator unit connected to receive a DC output from the transformer rectifier unit. The modulator unit is arranged for connection to a metallic structure, and is operable to produce a modulated current which is applied to such a metallic structure when the apparatus is in use, such that the metallic structure is detectable by a wireless locating device. The modulator unit is operable to be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. A voltage between two connections of a power supply is generated such that current can flow between a negative connection and a positive connection. In a first protection step, one of the connections of the power supply is electrically connected to the steel to be cathodically protected and a sacrificial anode is electrically connected in series with the other connection of the power supply such that the voltage generated by the power supply is added to the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel to produce a voltage greater than the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel alone. The power supply may be a cell or battery and may be combined with the sacrificial anode to form a single unit.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a system can include a probe configured to be coupled to a concrete surface of a portion of concrete. The system can include a waveform generator configured to trigger flow of a current to the portion of concrete via the probe and configured to reference a potential of a reinforcing bar embedded within the concrete. The system can also include a current detector configured to detect a magnitude of the current.

Abstract: Process for the electrochemical treatment of a construction comprising a porous medium, a corrodible substance disposed in the porous medium, the construction having electrically conductive properties, comprising the application of an external electrode (3) to a surface (2) of the construction, the external electrode (3) being connected to a terminal of a generator (6), the porous medium being connected to another terminal of the generator (6), and the application of the following four phases at least once: during a first phase lasting between 12 and 360 hours, passing a negative electric current which causes anions to migrate from the porous medium to the external electrode (3) and cations to migrate from the external electrode (3) towards the porous medium, then during a second phase lasting between 2 minutes and 100 hours, interrupting the circulation of the electric current, then during a third phase lasting between 2 minutes and 24 hours, passing a positive electric current, then during a fourth phase la

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrochemical corrosion protection to a process vessel, the apparatus comprises at least one anode in communication with the process vessel; a DC current supply being electrically coupled to the process vessel and to the at least one anode; and a potential control unit in communication with the DC current supply. The potential control unit is electrically coupled to the process vessel and to a reference electrode in communication with the process vessel. The current supplied by the DC current supply for passivating the process vessel is adjustable by the potential control unit. The process vessel may comprise at least one of duplex stainless steel and superaustenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: The invention is a process for cathodic protection of electrodes wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. The negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, which is obtained by negative phase pulsing with higher amplitude than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by negative phase pulsing with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse may also be obtained by negative phase pulsing with both higher amplitude and wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrodes, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, and the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, where the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by negative phase pulsing with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.

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.

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: The present invention relates to an electrical device for impeding corrosion of a metal body. The electrical device includes a driver circuit including at least one inductive component. The driver circuit is suitable for driving one or more pads coupled to the metal body so that corrosion of the metal body is impeded. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the driver circuit. A feedback circuit provides feedback from the driver circuit to the control circuit. The driver circuit can operate as a resonant circuit, owing to the at least one inductive component, and ballast energy applied to the pads.

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: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.

Abstract: A method for operating a system which inhibits the growth of marine organisms on a submerged surface causes a current to flow to one of two submerged surfaces over a time period that is selected as a function of the magnitude of the current and the area of the surface. In other words, the time period is determined as a function of the current density applied to the surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment the current density is maintained at approximately 35 milliamps per square foot and the time period is approximately four minutes. At the end of the time period, the current is reversed and a second submerged surface is polarized in a similar manner.

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: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.

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 method and apparatus for cleaning a wafer with a metal exposed through an insulator, through the use of a wet cleaning tank in concert with a feedback system on the potential difference between two leads of the wet cleaning tank. The cleaning tank has a bath in which the wafer and the two leads are immersed. The potential difference between the two leads is regulated when the feedback system detects a change in the potential across the two leads.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining two electrolyte-conveying pipes of electrochemically dissimilar metals and inhibiting galvanic corrosion resulting from the dissimilarity. A tubular pipe coupling has a pair of axially spaced protection electrodes mounted to its interior wall in electrical contact with the electrolyte. A control electrode is also mounted to the interior wall of the tubular pipe coupling between one of the pipes and the pair of protection electrodes. A current sensing circuit is connected to sense the galvanic current through the control electrode. A controllably variable source of electrical current is connected to vary the current through the protection electrodes. A negative feedback control circuit receives the sensed current as a feedback signal and controls the variable source to increase the electrical current through the protection electrodes and the electrolyte so that the sensed current is reduced thereby reducing the galvanic current in the electrolyte between the pipes.

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: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for instrumental analysis in remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling cathodic protection being applied to a metal structure having a surface disposed in an electrolytic environment comprising electrically connecting a metal coupon to the surface of the metal structure, positioning the metal coupon at a predetermined position relative to the surface of the metal structure and within the electrolytic environment, applying a cathodic protection agent to the surface of the metal structure to effect cathodic protection of the surface of the metal structure, measuring a cathodic protection indication proximate to the metal coupon, comparing the cathodic protection indication with a predetermined value, and adjusting the cathodic protection agent being applied to the surface of the metal structure in response to the comparison.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 cathodic corrosion inhibiting apparatus is disclosed which is characterized by outputting a substantially square-wave rectified output from a AC input. The square-wave rectified output has a substantially constant DC component and a minimal AC component which allows the output to minimize large oscillations in electromotive potential about a DC mean associated with traditional rectified cathodic protection apparatus. The apparatus of this invention is also designed to be remotely monitored and controlled and can include self-monitoring and control circuitry to maintain a given degree of corrosion protection to a metallic apparatus.

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 invention concerns a method for inhibition of growth of organisms on faces of constructions (11) submerged in a liquid. In themethod, an electrically conductive structure (11) to be protected is connected as the cathode of a source (14) of direct current, or an electrically non-conductive structure (111) to be protected is first coated with an electrically conductive material (111a) and connected as the cathode of a source of direct current (14), respectively, and, as the anode (12), an anode is used that has been isolated from the structure (11) to be protected or that is placed separate from said structure, which anode is connected as the anode of the source (14) of direct current.