Cathodic protection system

Abstract

An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure susceptible to corrosion (such as of steel or cast iron) which comprises an inert mixed metal oxide anode surrounded by a tightly packed conductive zone connected to a power supply source and having an input/output regulator to control the flow of current to the target structure. The present invention relates to device and method to provide personal and/or medical details of one or more individuals in the event of an emergency.

1 . An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure (susceptible to corrosion) comprising:
 An inert mixed metal oxide anode surrounded by a tightly packed conductive zone;   Connected to a power supply source; and   Having an input/output regulator to control the flow of current to the target structure.   
     
     
         2 . An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure according to  claim 1  in which the target structure is of steel; 
     
     
         3 . An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure according to  claim 1  in which the target structure is of cast iron. 
     
     
         4 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the anode is comprised of a mixed metal oxide (“MMO”). 
     
     
         5 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the surface metals in the MMO anode is selected from the earth derivatives. 
     
     
         6 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 5  wherein at least one of the surface metals in the MMO anode is RuO 2 . 
     
     
         7 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 5  wherein at least one of the surface metals in the MMO anode is IrO 2 . 
     
     
         8 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 5  wherein at least one of the surface metals in the MMO anode is PtO 0.12 . 
     
     
         9 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 5  wherein the amount of the said metal is up to 10-12 g per square metre. 
     
     
         10 . An impressed current cathodic protection system  claim 4 , wherein the other surface metal in the MMO anode is typically in the form of TiO 2    
     
     
         11 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 4 , in which the interior of the MMO anode is made of a metal which prevents corrosion of the interior 
     
     
         12 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 4  in which the interior of the MMO anode is made of titanium. 
     
     
         13 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the tightly packed conductive zone effectively increases the active zone of the anode. 
     
     
         14 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the tightly packed conductive zone is in the form of a powder with a low moisture content. 
     
     
         15 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the tightly packed conductive zone is comprised of calcined petroleum coke. 
     
     
         16 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 15  in which the calcined petroleum coke is comprised of:
 Fixed carbon: 99.35% 
 Ash: 0.6% 
 Moisture: 0.05% 
 Volatiles: Nil at 950° C. 
 Bulk Density: 74 lbs. per cubic foot. 
 Predominantly round particles. 
 All particles surface modified for maximum electrical conductivity. 
 Particle Sizing: Dust free with a maximum particle size of 1 mm. 
 Minimum calcination temperature of base materials in excess of 1200° C. 
 Base materials calcined under specified quality control. 
 Surfactants added to assist pumping and settling. 
 No de-dusting oils used during the manufacture of base particles. 
 
     
     
         17 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the anode and surrounding tightly packed conductive zone is contained within a tubular sleeve sealed at both ends. 
     
     
         18 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 17  in which the tubular sleeve is comprised of a non degradable permeable synthetic or linen cloth or other suitable material. 
     
     
         19 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which a number of anodes are placed into an anode bed 
     
     
         20 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is driven by a DC power supply stored in a sealed battery cell. 
     
     
         21 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the system power supply is provided by means of solar input power generation and battery storage. 
     
     
         22 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 21  in which the solar input power generation is in the form of solar powered cells or panels. 
     
     
         23 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the system power supply is generated by means of wind power. 
     
     
         24 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the system power supply is generated by means of thermo electric generators. 
     
     
         25 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the system power supply is generated by means of turbines. 
     
     
         26 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  in which the total CO 2  footprint for the 1.5 mm diameter MMO/TiO 2  anode will be about 0.473 kgs/m. 
     
     
         27 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the power to the structure is controlled by a DC input/output regulator. 
     
     
         28 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 27  wherein the system is capable of operating at a number of output capacity ranges. 
     
     
         29 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to according to  claim 28  wherein the system is capable of operating at about 50, 150, 500 and 1000 mA. 
     
     
         30 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 27  wherein the input/output regulator and control circuitry are designed to fit within a small control box which may be fitted on the structure or support column or, where applicable, on a structure within close proximity. 
     
     
         31 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is optionally provided with lightning and surge protection. 
     
     
         32 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is optionally provided with monitoring systems. 
     
     
         33 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is optionally provided with one or more permanently installed reference cells to allow monitoring of the protection system by conventional manual methods or via an electronic interface or SCADA system. 
     
     
         34 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is optionally provided with a remote electronic surveillance and monitoring system to provide continuous electronic monitoring and reporting via satellite or a GSM communications system. 
     
     
         35 . An impressed current cathodic protection system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is optionally provided with a remote automatically controlled input/output regulated system. 
     
     
         36 . A method of operating an impressed current cathodic protection system by means of the apparatus disclosed herein with reference to the description and drawings. 
     
     
         37 . A method of operating an impressed current cathodic protection system by means of the apparatus disclosed herein in which the total CO 2  footprint for the 1.5 mm diameter MMO/TiO 2  anode will be about 0.473 kgs/m 
     
     
         38 . A method of operating an impressed current cathodic protection system by means of the apparatus disclosed herein with reference to the description and drawings.