Helix Electrode For Impressed Current Cathodic Protection

Abstract

Fluid-containing structures such as water storage tanks often utilize impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) which generally utilizes custom-cut high-cost oxide-coated titanium electrodes, of which increased surface area typically gives increased protection to the structure. These electrodes must not short-circuit against the structure. This present invention allows the use of a lower-cost commonly-manufactured shape of oxide-coated titanium ribbon stock to fashion a helix-shaped electrode that has increased surface area per linear length unit of electrode when compared to prior art. This present invention can also be embodied such that it is operative with interior-facing electrically conductive surfaces while simultaneously protected on dielectric exterior surfaces from electrical short circuit contact to the electrically conductive surfaces inside the tank, thereby allowing contact or close proximity with said tank-structure electrically conductive surfaces.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helix-shaped electrode, of which a section view of its main element perpendicular to the element's longest curve shows a profile of a ribbon, utilized to deliver an electric current to an electrolyte for the purpose of controlling corrosion of structures that are in contact with the electrolyte. 
     
     
         2 . A helix-shaped electrode, comprised as measured by weight 10% or greater of titanium, utilized to deliver an electric current to an electrolyte for the purpose of controlling corrosion of structures that are in contact with the electrolyte. 
     
     
         3 . A helix-shaped electrode mounted to a threaded fitting either directly or through various intermediaries or intermediary material, said fitting which is sealed for water-tightness for use in water storage tanks for the purpose of delivering an electric current to the fluid in the tank for the purpose of controlling corrosion of the tank or for controlling corrosion of any electrically conductive attached elements that are in contact with the fluid or both. 
     
     
         4 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 1 , in which the number of full 360-degree revolutions that make up the geometry of the helix is greater than 1. 
     
     
         5 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 2 , in which the number of full 360-degree revolutions that make up the geometry of the helix is greater than 1. 
     
     
         6 . The invention, according to  claim 2 , of which a section view of its main element perpendicular to the element's longest curve shows a ratio of greater than 3:1 of the width-to-length ratio of its shape, largely being that of a rectangle. 
     
     
         7 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 3 , in which the number of full 360-degree revolutions that make up the geometry of the helix is greater than 1. 
     
     
         8 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 3 , of which a section view of its main element perpendicular to the element's longest curve shows a ratio of greater than 3:1 of the width-to-length ratio of its shape, largely being that of a rectangle. 
     
     
         9 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 3 , in which the ribbon is of dimensions that do not readily allow for useful expansion or extension of the invention and that the invention typically remains in its manufactured shape during and after installation. 
     
     
         10 . The helix-shaped electrode, according to  claim 3 , in which the ribbon is comprised 30% or more by weight of titanium, or an electrically conductive polymer, or an electrically conductive ceramic, or an electrically conductive metal oxide, or all or a combination of the aforementioned substances.