Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Apparatus – Electrolytic
Reexamination Certificate
1994-04-26
2001-11-13
Tung, T. (Department: 1743)
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Apparatus
Electrolytic
C204S196010, C204S196330, C204S196360, C204S435000, C205S724000, C205S727000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315876
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally as indicated to a cathodic protection system for buried structures such as guy anchors, and more particularly to a reference cell-test station-anode combination prepackaged, assembled and tested for installation as a unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the prior copending application of Bushman et al., entitled Reference Cell, Ser. No. 07/874,745, filed Apr. 27, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,161 B1, there is disclosed a reference cell-test station combination which is prepackaged assembled and tested for installation as a unit. However, the combination doesn't include an anode or anode system.
The system shown in such prior application is used to monitor the levels of cathodic protection of underground tanks and piping. The system is self contained and includes a permanent copper sulfate reference cell packaged in a special backfill that contains a ceramic cell as described in the copending application of Carlson, Ser. No. 07/739,193, filed Aug. 1, 1991, entitled “Electrode”. The prior systems are available as a two or four wire unit capable of monitoring two or four structures, respectively. However, the prior system cannot monitor the current output of the cathodic protective system, nor is such system part and parcel of the prior combination package.
It would, therefore, be desirable for the cathodic protection system to be part and parcel of a combination package which can be assembled, tested and packaged for ease of installation rather than be fabricated, installed and tested in the field. It would also be desirable for the packaged system to be able to monitor the current output of the cathodic protection system. In this manner, the structure or system could be monitored to evaluate the level of cathodic protection, and also evaluate the anticipated life of the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A preassembled cathodic protection system is provided for protecting buried structures such as guy anchors, which includes a reference cell, test station and at least one anode, all prewired together and tested before delivery and field installation. The package includes a convenient connection for the structure which has one lead to an exposed stud or contact point on the test station. Another lead extends from the connection to the anode or anodes through a shunt in the form of a calibrated resistance wire. The shunt is connected to two spaced studs or contact points on the test station by which the shunt is read. The reference cell is also connected to a stud or contact point on the test station. The reference cell-test station lead extends through a flexible tube. The studs or contact points are on the dome or cap of a rigid tube designed to project out of the ground or an electrolyte a short distance. With a guy anchor the tube may include an elbow and angled portion. The interior of the dome or cap at the top of the test station is totally encapsulated in epoxy or other potting or sealing compound. This includes all of the test station connections as well as the shunt.
With the present invention, the system can monitor both potentials as well as current output of the cathodic protection system. The entire package is assembled tested, and evaluated under controlled conditions following strict quality control programs and procedures.
The system is particularly useful for protecting guy anchors. The test station may be tied directly to the guy to project from the earth or electrolyte at the same angle as the guy anchor, or it may include the mentioned elbow and project vertically.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
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Carlson William P.
Delahoyde James E.
Corrpro Companies Inc.
Renner , Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
Tung T.
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