Ferrous Metal Patents (Class 205/735)
  • Patent number: 11299385
    Abstract: A multiple-piece vacuum-insulated heating tank for use in a water dispenser includes a threaded cover, a thermal insulation cover, and a heating tank body. The threaded cover is mounted on an upper opening of the heating tank body and includes a plastic cover and a protective cover mounted on and around the plastic cover. The thermal insulation cover is fitted in the upper opening and includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The lower cover is cup-shaped; is mounted with a heating tube, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, a thermowell, a temperature-sensing heat pipe, a heat collector block, and two snap-action thermostats at the bottom side; and has a sidewall formed with a step adjacent to the bottom side. The heating tank not only has a multiple-piece structure that facilitates mass production and maintenance, but also dispenses with electronic temperature control as is conventionally required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SUZHOU OASIS ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Chun Shen
  • Patent number: 9796903
    Abstract: Corrosion-resistant refractory binder compositions may be formed with a calcium ion source, high-alumina refractory aluminosilicate pozzolan, and water. Any one or more of such components may individually be non-cementitious. Examples of high-alumina refractory aluminosilicate pozzolan include crushed firebrick; firebrick grog; and mixtures of silicate and any one or more of corundum, high-alumina ceramic, and bauxite; refractory mortar; fire clay; mullite; fused mullite; and combinations thereof, among others. A binder composition may be mixed with sufficient amount of water to form a slurry, which slurry may be introduced into a subterranean formation (e.g., via a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation). A plurality of the non-cementitious components may react in the presence of water when exposed to suitable conditions so as to enable the binder composition to set. Such compositions, once set, may exhibit enhanced corrosion and/or heat resistance as compared to other binder compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyris Agapiou, Ben Iverson
  • Patent number: 9738551
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the at least partial dissolution, disruption and/or removal of deposits, such as scale and other deposits, from heat exchanger components. The heat exchanger components can include pressurized water reactor steam generators. The pressurized water reactor steam generators can be in a wet layup condition. The compositions include elemental metal and complexing agent selected from the group consisting of sequestering agent, chelating agent, dispersant, and mixtures thereof. The methods include introducing the compositions into the heat exchanger components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Kurtis R. Crytzer, Lauren R. Weichel
  • Patent number: 9683296
    Abstract: Galvanic anodes and barrier corrosion control for metal pipelines, tanks, and equipment under thermal insulation includes the use of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys in fresh water at high temperatures to protect steel elements in hot water without sufficient chlorides. Sacrificial aluminum and sacrificial zinc-aluminum powders in a mixed primer provide long-term, effective corrosion control of steel under thermal insulation can be achieved in all water temperature ranges regardless of the presence of sufficient chlorides. At temperatures below 75° C., the zinc particles in the primer act to protect the substrate steel. At temperatures above 75° C., the aluminum particles in the primer, and galvanic aluminum tape protect the substrate steel in chloride free neutral pH water and also reduce the consumption of zinc particles in the primer. When the electrolyte water for CUI is sufficiently contaminated with chlorides, the aluminum particles in the primer and the galvanic aluminum become active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20150096900
    Abstract: Disclosed is an alloy of the formula: Fe3?xAl1+xMyTzTat wherein M represents at least one catalytic specie selected from the group consisting of Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Os, Re and Ag; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Co, Cr, V, Cu, Zn, Nb, W, Zr, Y, Mn, Cd, Si, B, C, O, N, P, F, S, CI, Na and Ti; and Ta represents tantalum. Such an alloy can be used as an electrode material for the synthesis of sodium chlorate. It can also be used as a coating for protection against corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Schulz, Sylvio Savoie
  • Patent number: 8961746
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 8821698
    Abstract: A multi purpose segmented Titanium Mixed Metal Oxide coated impressed current cathodic protection anode assembly (Ti MMO anode assembly). The Ti MMO anode assembly includes combinations selected from four anode components and four connection components. The various components may be assembled for different applications in liquid or soil environments for the prevention or reduction of corrosion and loss of structural integrity. For example, the Ti MMO anode assembly may be applied to protect pipelines, buried structures, piers and internal surface protection of tanks and vessels in different arrangements such as deep wells, shallow ground beds, or distributed individual anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Omidreza Moghbeli
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8562812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a superficial treatment method by electrolysis of ferrous surfaces to enhance friction or tread and seizing resistance features, wherein the surfaces provide the electrolysis anode, the electrolysis bath includes a sulphur species, primarily contains water and also contains a chloride salt and a nitrogen species in quantities which facilitates the sulphuration reaction of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: H.E.F.
    Inventors: Philippe Maurin-Perrier, Herve Chavanne, Smail Aaziz
  • Patent number: 8168059
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion in at least one required region of an elongate metal structure, comprising applying a high-frequency electromagnetic signal to the structure in a manner such that a voltage standing wave is established in the structure with a corrosion-inhibiting potential at the required region(s) of the structure. The method is advantageously applied to an oil well riser pipe, to inhibit corrosion of the external surface thereof in the vicinity of an oil production zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hydropath Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Stefanini
  • Patent number: 8048288
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for protecting food or beverage containers (e.g., cans) using impressed current protection. In various embodiments, containers may be received into at least one conductive bed, each bed having a complementary anode. The containers may then be electrically coupled to a first terminal (e.g., negative) of a power supply, and the anode may be electrically coupled to a second terminal (e.g., positive) of the power supply. Resultantly, protective current may be provided to the containers by the anode. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • 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: 20110120884
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for protecting food or beverage containers (e.g., cans) using impressed current protection. In various embodiments, containers may be received into at least one conductive bed, each bed having a complementary anode. The containers may then be electrically coupled to a first terminal (e.g., negative) of a power supply, and the anode may be electrically coupled to a second terminal (e.g., positive) of the power supply. Resultantly, protective current may be provided to the containers by the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicants: Empire Technology Development LLC, Glitter Technology LLP
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110031132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic binder, comprising K, Ca, aluminosilicates, as well as optionally Li, Na, and Mg, wherein the binder comprises the following components: a) a latently hydraulic aluminosilicate glass with a ratio of (CaO+MgO+Al2O3)/SiO2>1 and b) an alkali activator of the empirical formula (I) a(M2O)*x(SiO2)*y(H2O)??(I) wherein M=Li, Na, K, a=0-4, and x=0-5 and y=3-20, wherein the molar ratio of Ca/Si is <1, the molar ratio of Al/Si is <1, and the molar ratio of M/Si is >0.1. Furthermore, it relates to binder matrices, mortars, concrete adhesives, and metal anodes made of such binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Wolfgang SCHWARZ
  • 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: 7332069
    Abstract: The present invention provides a curable cathodic corrosion protection powder coating, which comprises a thermosetting resin, a zinc borate compound, a curing agent in an amount effective to cure the coating. Further, the present invention also provides a method of cathode corrosion protection which includes the steps of subjecting the substrate to a mechanical treatment, applying to said treated steel surface, the cathodic protective coating, and polarizing the coated material as a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Edmondson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7279087
    Abstract: A method for protecting metal-containing structures, in particular electrically conductive structures, deposited on a substrate, against corrosive attacks, in particular electrocorrosion attacks. The method applies at least temporarily to the structure a passivation electric voltage in the passivation range of the conductive material concerned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Helmut Maeuser
  • Patent number: 7186327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein an electrically conductive element is placed inside a previously installed metallic water vessel such as a supply pipe or well. A direct current voltage is then applied between the element and the conductive wall of the vessel. The conductive element can be a partially insulated wire. For causing deposition on the vessel, the voltage applied to the conductive element is of an amount sufficient to cause the potential of the metallic vessel to be lowered below the potential of the element by at least ?0.3 volts, and more adequately ?1.3 volts. An alternative embodiment involves reversing the polarity of the voltage applied between the conductive element and the vessel, causing the oxidation/reduction reaction to reverse, resulting in calcium carbonate being removed from the vessel by the production of acid at the surface of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Larry L. Russell
  • Patent number: 7182852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing a cryogenic metal tank before it is put into service, in which said method said tank (1) is filled with water and appropriate measurements are performed where necessary, the method being characterized in that the following steps are performed: filling said metal cryogenic tank (1) with sea water; and providing the bottom and side metal walls (2, 3) of said tank (1) that are constituted essentially by bare steel, with temporary cathodic protection by injecting an electric current into anodes disposed within said tank (1) once said anodes become immersed. Advantageously, a first anode array (51) is placed in the immediate vicinity of the bottom of the tank using support means (52), said support means (52) and said first anode(s) (51) preferably being removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventor: Alphonse Boreave
  • Patent number: 7147768
    Abstract: A process of reducing scaling of a metal surface exposed to an aqueous solution from which scale may form after a period of exposure. The process comprises applying a cathodic potential to the surface for at least some of the period of exposure. In some cases, e.g. when an article is made of a ferrous metal, it is advantageous to coat the article with a different metal (e.g. copper or an alloy of copper) before applying the cathodic potential to avoid hydrogen generation and excessive current flow. An article to be protected from scaling may also advantageously be electrically isolated from other parts of an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Breault
  • Patent number: 6902661
    Abstract: A system using tank corrosion sensors to provide for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition in ships' tanks, and particularly in ships' seawater or compensated fuel tanks. The system includes reference half-cells mounted along a suspended cable and one instrumented sacrificial anode at the end of the cable to provide optimal sensing capability within a tank structure. The reference half-cells and the sacrificial anode measure a potential and current output, respectively. Together the measurements provide objective information that can be used to predict corrosion damage and coating deterioration occurring throughout the structure of the tank. The system may be used for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electrochemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elvin D. Thomas, III, Keith E. Lucas, Paul Slebodnick, Elizabeth A. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6890420
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Patent number: 6811681
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
  • Publication number: 20040134795
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel R. Demarco, Basil V. Gregorovich, Robert C. Nahas, Shi Hua Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040118702
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of an existing concrete structure, including a steel member at least partly buried, such as steel rebar, in the concrete structure, is provided by embedding anodes into a fresh concrete layer applied over an excavated patch and/or as a covering overlay. The anodes are embedded at spaced positions or as an array in the layer and connected to the rebar. A corrosion inhibitor is added into the fresh concrete at least at the interface and more preferably in admixture with the fresh concrete which acts to reduce the flow of ionic current to the steel or between the anode member and the steel in the fresh covering material without significantly increasing the resistivity of the fresh covering material and without inhibiting the ionic current between the anode member and the fresh covering material. In this way the current to the steel in the existing concrete is maximized to maximize the cathodic protection to the existing steel which is the primary target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20040112762
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Marc Erwin Wilms, Hendrik Jacobus Arie Breur
  • Patent number: 6562206
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 6551491
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dowling, Art Spivack
  • Patent number: 6524466
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bonaventura, Louis Ignarro, David B. Dowling, Arthur J. Spivack
  • Publication number: 20020195353
    Abstract: A semiconductor system is provided that uses semiconductive organic polymers, electronics and semiconductor technology to provide a wide array of semiconductor components and a system of preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment involving:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Patent number: 6425997
    Abstract: A process for removing chloride ions from steel surfaces and measuring the amount present on the steel surface being tested employs a high frequency waveform alternating current treatment as a pre-measurement step to liberate the chloride ions into deionized water on the steel surface being tested. The conductivity of the water containing the chloride ions is measured in a conductivity cell mounted on the same steel surface being tested. Recovery of chloride ions originally present on the steel test surface (cathode) is 85-95% complete when a sine wave high frequency alternating current is used between the steel test surface (cathode) sealed below an insulating plastic box containing the deionized water and which plastic box contains a steel plate (anode) mounted within and immediately below the inside top of the plastic box conductivity cell. The conductivity of the water in the cell is measured by a conductivity meter after disconnecting the high frequency waveform alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: William C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020092778
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the derusting or removal of corrosion products form ferrous metal substrates by electrochemical treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Nerur Sankaranayan Rengaswamy, Sironmani Palraj, Gopalan Subramanian, Thirupathisaram Muthukrishna Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 6402933
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20020046956
    Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: David Dowling, Art Spivack
  • Patent number: 6331242
    Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of tank are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the tank, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the tank, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the tank and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to tank available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Michael Horton
  • Patent number: 6325915
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dowling, Art Spivack
  • Patent number: 6303017
    Abstract: Reinforcement in concrete is cathodically protected by galvanically connecting a sacrificial anode, such as a zinc or zinc alloy anode, to the reinforcement, and contacting the anode with an electrolyte solution having a pH which is maintained sufficiently high for corrosion of the anode to occur, and for passive film formation on the anode to be avoided. The pH of the electrolyte is preferably at least 0.2 units, and preferably from 0.5 units to more than 1.0 units, above the pH value at which passivity of the anode would occur. The electrolyte may be for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide but is preferably lithium hydroxide which also acts as an alkali-silica reaction inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Aston Material Services Limited
    Inventors: Christopher L. Page, George Sergi
  • Patent number: 6214203
    Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of pipe 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 pipe, 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 pipe, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the pipe and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to pipe available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: United States Pipe Foundry
    Inventor: A. Michael Horton
  • Patent number: 6179990
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a copper-INVAR-copper laminate in an acid solution without inducing a galvanic etching of the INVAR. An initial step of the method forms a circuit element that includes a power supply, the laminate electrically coupled to a negative terminal of the power supply, and a conductive anode electrically coupled to a positive terminal of the power supply. The conductive anode may include a conductive material, such as titanium, that is preferably inert to an acid solution into which the laminate will be subsequently immersed. After turning on the power supply to a voltage between about 1 volts and about 10 volts, the laminate and conductive anode are immersed in the acid solution, so as to form a closed circuit with a voltage bias across acid copper-INVAR-copper interfaces. The voltage bias prevents galvanic action from occurring and therefore protects against galvanic etching of the INVAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Thomas Galasco, Lawrence Philip Lehman, Roy Harvey Magnuson, Robert David Topa
  • Patent number: 6033553
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cathodic protection of reinforced concrete. A conductive metal is thermally applied onto an exposed surface of the concrete in an amount effective to form an anode on the surface. This establishes an interface between the anode and the concrete. The thermal application is performed in a manner which is effective to impart permeability to the anode. A lithium salt solution selected from the group consisting of lithium nitrate solution, lithium bromide solution, and combinations thereof is applied to the external surface of the anode. The solution migrates by capillary attraction to the interface of the anode with the concrete depositing the lithium salt at the interface. The lithium salt functions as a current enhancing agent. The salt also functions as a humectant absorbing moisture from the atmosphere thereby providing an electrolyte at the interface. These combined effects substantially increase current delivery from the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jack E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6024861
    Abstract: In an electrically corrosion-proofing process in which the polarity of a metal member having a coating film is set at negative, the duration of setting the polarity of the metal member immersed in an aqueous solution of NaCl at negative is made discontinuous, and a positive-set duration in which the polarity of the metal member is set at positive, is interposed between a proceeding negative-set duration and a succeeding negative-set duration. The switching-over of the polarity is carried out by a polarity switch-over relay between the metal member and a DC power source. In the negative-set duration, the treatment for corrosion-proofing of the metal member is carried out, but the peeling-off of the coating film from a starting point provided by a damaged portion is produced. In the positive-set duration, an electrolytic product is produced in an exposed portion of the metal member, and the peeling-off of the coating film in the next negative-set duration is prevented by the electrolytic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takeuchi, Tadashi Imanaka
  • Patent number: 5868920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Synton Oy
    Inventors: Ari Nylund, Martti Pulliainen, Jyrki Peltonen, Timo Laurila, Miki Turkia
  • Patent number: 5759361
    Abstract: An anode for cathodically-protected steel-reinforced concrete is embedded in an ion-conductive overlay on the concrete structure. The anode comprises at least one sheet of highly expanded valve metal mesh having a pattern of voids defined by a network of valve metal strands connected at a multiplicity of nodes. This provides a redundancy of current-carrying paths through the mesh which ensures effective current distribution throughout the mesh even in the event of possible breakage of a number of individual strands. The surface of the valve metal mesh carries an electrochemically active coating. At least one current distribution member is welded to the valve metal mesh. The entire area of the structure to be protected, excluding non-protected openings for obstacles and the like, is covered by a single piece of the mesh, or several pieces in close proximity with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Bennett, Gerald R. Pohto, Thomas A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5667649
    Abstract: Impressed current anodes such as cathodic protection anodes comprise iron based alloys including less than 70% iron and less than 0.1% carbon. Additional components may include molybdenum, chromium, nickel and others. The iron based alloy may itself comprises the anode or it may provide a substrate to which an electrolytic coating is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: James B. Bushman
  • Patent number: 5643424
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing fouling and/or corrosion of the exposed surfaces of a structure which is in contact with seawater, brackish water, fresh water, or a combination of these. The system includes using a structure having an exposed zinc-containing surface. At the exposed surface water interface a negative capacitive charge or an asymmetric alternating electrostatic is induced and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Marine Environmental Research, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Riffe, Jack D. Carter
  • Patent number: 5513694
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and process for use with a corrosive fluid, such as sulphuric acid, having an anodic protection system for protecting the acid-contacted surfaces wherein the anodic protection system has a plurality of elongated cathodes of such cross sectional area and length as to operably maintain voltage losses due to current flow along the cathodes at values less than the allowable passive voltage ranges at the acid-contacted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Gordon M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 5505826
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing corrosion on the interior and exterior of a fuel storage tank. A galvanic anode assembly is placed within the interior of or exterior to the fuel storage tank and is surrounded by a layer of hydrophilic gel. The hydrophilic gel absorbs water in the fuel storage tank, thus removing it from contact with the tank. The hydrophilic gel also absorbs metal ions produced as the anode is consumed. The hydrophilic gel is maintained around the anode assembly by a porous container. The anode, hydrophilic gel, and porous container are maintained within a flexible container that allows water and fluid contained within the fuel storage tank to contact the hydrophilic gel. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic gel includes a polyacrylamide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Patrick G. Haglin, Stuart J. Ell