Internal Battery Action (e.g., Using Sacrificial Anode, Etc.) Patents (Class 205/730)
  • Patent number: 11840767
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system for metal corrosion protection, including a metallic object to be protected, connectable to an electron source as cathode, an electrically isolating coating disposed on at least a portion of the metallic object, an electrically conductive blanket anode applied on at least a portion of the electrically isolating coating; an electrode electrically connected to the blanket anode and connectable to the electron source. The present invention further proposes a kit for providing corrosion protection to a substrate and method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: COPSYS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Farzad Hashemi
  • Patent number: 11505869
    Abstract: The invention discloses an offshore Tension Anode system and an installation method thereof. The system comprises a tension platform, a tension device, a composite cable integrated with auxiliary anodes and reference electrodes, and a gravity type foundation base, wherein the tension device is installed on the tension platform; the upper end of the composite cable is tensioned by the tension device, and the lower end of the composite cable sinks to a seabed along with the gravity type foundation base and is anchored by the gravity type foundation base; and the composite cable integrated with the auxiliary anodes and the reference electrodes is a main part of the system. The system is simple in structure and convenient to install and transport. The invention further discloses the installation method of the system, which can safely and reliably install the offshore tension anode system on an offshore platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: DALIAN KINGMILE ANTICORROSION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shide Song, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 10479897
    Abstract: A method for producing an apparatus includes covering an electronic component with a conformal coating that includes a polymer and metal nanoparticles blended with the polymer. The electronic component is mounted on a substrate and electrically connected by metal conductors. The conformal coating overlies the metal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Jason T. Wertz, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 9382631
    Abstract: This invention is a device that provides a multi use cathodic protection system for steel and reinforced concrete and method of use that will permit a user to more easily and accurately place an impressed current cathodic protection system, a sacrificial or galvanic anode cathodic protection system, or combination thereof around a reinforced structure to be protected and thereafter fill with concrete by use of a uniquely engineered fiberglass reinforced plastic form. This invention once put in place around the structure being protected can more easily be filled with concrete without having the attached titanium mesh or zinc anode mesh bend or move outside of the effective proximity from the protected structure. The fiberglass reinforced plastic form has a corrugated or roughed surface that provides an increased surface area to bind or grip the fiberglass reinforced plastic form to the poured concrete once cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Christian Villegas
  • Publication number: 20150090608
    Abstract: A method of using and a steel reinforced concrete protector in an anode cavity which comprises a cored hole, a drilled hole or a cut chase formed in concrete. The protector comprises a sacrificial anode assembly and a separate backfill. The sacrificial anode assembly comprises a sacrificial metal element that is a metal less noble than steel and an activator to maintain an activity of the sacrificial metal element. The at least one spacer prevents the sacrificial metal element and the activator from contacting the surface of the anode cavity. The spacer and the sacrificial metal element have a coupling mechanism which facilitates connection of the sacrificial metal element to the spacer. The backfill is a pliable and viscous material which contains an electrolyte, and the backfill facilitates embedding the anode assembly in the anode cavity. The invention also relates to a prepackaged sacrificial anode assembly and a method of increasing a shelf life of the sacrificial anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin GLASS, Nigel DAVISON, Adrian Charles ROBERTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150021200
    Abstract: A system and methods for protecting a metal surface from corrosion are provided herein. The method includes injecting particles comprising a sacrificial anodic material into a fluid proximate to the metal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Wei Sun, Douglas J. Turner
  • Publication number: 20150021201
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive hydrogel containing a polymer matrix, water, and a polyhydric alcohol, wherein the polymer matrix contains a copolymer of a monofunctional monomer with a single polymerizable C—C double bond and a polyfunctional monomer with two or more polymerizable C—C double bonds, the monofunctional monomer contains a nonionic (meth)acrylamide-based monomer, and the polyfunctional monomer has a composition formula: ClHmOn, where O is an oxygen atom in an ether bond, l is an integer greater than or equal to 4, m is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Hatori, Kaori Sato, Takahiko Fujita, Kengo Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140262824
    Abstract: An ionic transport material is disposed relative to a substrate and configured to establish an ionic connection between the substrate and a replaceable sacrificial anode. The replaceable sacrificial anode is electrically connected to the substrate and is provided to inhibit corrosion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Physical Sciences, Inc.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8636877
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Palmer
  • Publication number: 20140021062
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20140021063
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 8608913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Corrosion Service Company Limited
    Inventor: Winston W. Shim
  • Patent number: 8511370
    Abstract: A heat exchange system including a heat exchanger having a housing and a cooling core disposed within in the housing. The cooling core is adapted to receive a flow of a liquid cooling media. The heat exchanger includes at least one iron anode projecting into a flow path of the liquid cooling media. The heat exchange system also includes an electronic control module operatively connected to the iron anode. The electronic control module is adapted to control the selective delivery of electrical current or grounding to the iron anode in response to predetermined conditions indicating the presence of sulfide constituents in the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Deivasigamani, Herman S. Preiser
  • Publication number: 20130134054
    Abstract: The present invention includes an anodic device for reducing corrosion adapted to reduce corrosion of an object subject to corrosion having a base with a thickness and surface area, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base each having a thickness and surface area, wherein the device is configured to allow a current to flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. The present invention also includes methods associated with the use of such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter B. ELLIS
  • Publication number: 20130118915
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sacrificial anode, comprising: a first layer of a first material; and, a second layer of a second material which is electrically connected to the first layer, wherein the first material is more anodic with respect to a galvanic series than the second material. The invention also relates to a body including the sacrificial anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Patent number: 8372260
    Abstract: A marine drive cathodic protection control circuit and method controls ohmic current from a power source to an anode according to electrical reference potential sensed by a reference electrode. The ohmic current is interrupted for an interruption interval, and reference potential is sensed during the interruption interval. The ohmic current is controlled according to reference potential sensed during the interruption interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Michael M. Blackwood
  • Patent number: 8329003
    Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing galvanic corrosion of an anodic metal includes a potential detector configured to monitor an electrical potential within the electrolyte solution, a signal amplifier coupled with the potential detector, and a current delivery circuit coupled with the signal amplifier. The signal amplifier is configured to provide an output proportional to the monitored electrical potential, and the current delivery circuit is configured to provide a current to a cathodic metal that is proportional to the output of the signal amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Guangling Song
  • Patent number: 8317996
    Abstract: A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Carl Nelvig, Petter Igede
  • Patent number: 8298397
    Abstract: A method for corrosion protection in a marine construction including a plurality of metal elements and at least one reference electrode at least partly immerged in water, the metal elements including an anode and a metal part, the anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part includes measuring an electric potential of the metal part with the reference electrode as a ground reference. At least one of the metal elements and at least one of the at least one reference electrode are connected to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electrical regeneration current through an electrical circuit including the at least one of the metal elements, the at least one of the at least one reference electrode and the electrolyte so that the reference electrode is anodized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventor: Carl Nelvig
  • Patent number: 8298382
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Abriox Limited
    Inventors: Jason Hanlon, Thomas Josef McGee
  • 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: 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: 8226812
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Carl Nelvig, Lennart Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 8211289
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin Glass, Adrian Charles Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • 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: 8137528
    Abstract: This invention relates to protection of a metal component exposed to a corroding medium. One or more of the following are provided: cathodic protection, measuring of a condition of the component, retarding or avoiding of fouling. A sacrificial anode is used as the energy source such that the electric circuit can provide a pulsating current, voltage, automatically adapted current, or protecting potential. Germanium solid state elements are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Maria Heselmans
  • Patent number: 8133381
    Abstract: A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Publication number: 20110308967
    Abstract: A sacrificial body mitigates cavitation damage to components within a pump. The sacrificial body is mounted in the pump so that flowing fluid passes over the sacrificial body, which causes the sacrificial body to shed electrons into the flowing fluid in the vicinity of the cavitation. The excess electrons tend to suppress hydrogen ions from releasing, which can mitigate cavitation. The sacrificial body is formed of a material having less resistance to corrosion due to the flowing fluid than the components of the pump. Needles are attached to the sacrificial body for immersion in the flowing fluid to facilitate the release of the electrons for the sacrificial body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20110180421
    Abstract: A portable device includes a substrate, a number of electronic components, and a battery having an anode and a cathode for energizing at least some of the components. The application further relates to a method of protection a portable device against corrosion and to the use of a portable device. An object of the present application is to protect selected metallic parts of a bodyworn electronic device against corrosion in a flexible and controlled manner. The problem is solved in that the portable device includes a sacrificial anode in the form of a component adapted to be surface mounted on the substrate. This has the advantage that corrosion can be contained at a specific location. The device may e.g. be used for portable listening devices, e.g. hearing aids or headsets or earphones including a part adapted for being worn at or in an ear of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Sune Pelle BORREGAARD
  • 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: 7951286
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system that supplies an electrical current such that a metallic structure (10) has a negative voltage of between 0.5 and 1.5 Volt relative to earth to power one or more electrical appliances (5), the method comprising: —providing one or more electrical appliances (5) which each have a pair of electrical contacts (1,2); —connecting one electrical contact (1) of each electrical appliance to the structure; and —connecting the other electrical contact (2) of each electrical appliance to earth, thereby providing electrical power to each of the electrical appliances. It is preferred that the electrical appliances (5) are equipped with one or more DC-DC power converters (6) which are configured to enhance an electrical input voltage of between 0.5 and 1.5 Volt to an electrical output voltage of between 3 and 5 Volt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Sicco Dwars, Christopher Ozemoya Ubuane
  • Publication number: 20110089048
    Abstract: A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Carl Nelvig, Petter Igede
  • 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: 7901546
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: M.C. Miller Co.
    Inventors: Melvin C. Miller, Marcelo Jakubzick, Juan Pablo Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7897031
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami, Joseph G. Michels, Mikhail Panasyuk
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100147703
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin GLASS, Nigel DAVISON, Adrian Charles 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: 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: 7582195
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Roger A. Benham
  • Publication number: 20090065367
    Abstract: This invention relates to protection of a metal component exposed to a corroding medium. One or more of the following are provided: cathodic protection, measuring of a condition of the component, retarding or avoiding of fouling. A sacrificial anode is used as the energy source such that the electric circuit can provide a pulsating current, voltage, automatically adapted current, or protecting potential. Germanium solid state elements are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Maria Heselmans
  • Patent number: 7422789
    Abstract: A cathodic protection polymeric compound is disclosed. The compound has flowable material to serve as a binder, carbonaceous conductive media dispersed in the flowable material, sacrificial metal particles also dispersed in the flowable material. The carbonaceous conductive media serve as a carbon-based electron transfer agent and are in the form of particles, platelets, fibers, tubes, or combinations thereof. A galvanic circuit is formed by the metal particles serving as anodes, a metal substrate to be protected serving as the cathode, and the conductive media serving as the electron transfer agent. The flowable material can also include an ionically conductive or an inherently conductive polymer to further enhance the galvanic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Polyone Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Avakian, Stephen D. Horton, John H. Hornickel
  • 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: 7329336
    Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting an underwater structure includes a plurality of blocks which are capable of conforming to various structures. Each of the blocks include: a flexible wire rope, the rope constructed and arranged to pass through the center of each block in two directions, and embedded therein to fasten the blocks to each other by rows and columns; a sacrificial anode embedded in at least one of the blocks, and electrically attached inside the block to the flexible wire rope; and a connecting system electrically attached to the wire rope and to the underwater structure. Each block has a non-abrasive pad attached to it. The pad provides spacing between the block and the underwater structure. The system includes means for collecting performance data from the system. The sacrificial anode is made of a composition taken from the group comprising alloys of: zinc, aluminum, or magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Britton
  • Patent number: 7318889
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and electrically connected to one or more anodes, wherein the anodes are less noble than the conductive structure, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter, and wherein the apparatus, system and method serve to prolong the lifetime of the one or more anodes by reducing, minimizing or substantially eliminating their sacrificial character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International, Ltd.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling