Anticorrosion and antifouling dual-purpose electrode device and application method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of corrosion and fouling prevention of ship seawater system, and discloses a dual-purpose electrode device for corrosion and fouling prevention and an application method thereof. The dual-purpose electrode device for corrosion and fouling prevention comprises a shell, a cable and an anode assembly. The cable extends into the inner cavity of the shell and is connected with the anode assembly. The anode assembly comprises a first copper alloy anode, a first aluminum base alloy anode, a second copper alloy anode, a third copper alloy anode and a second aluminum base alloy anode which are connected in sequence. The first aluminum base alloy anode is arranged in the through hole of the first copper alloy anode to form a matched connection. The assembly of the first aluminum base alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode is inserted into the sleeve segment at the upper end of the second copper alloy anode. The dual-purpose electrode for corrosion and fouling prevention is composed of the copper alloy anode and the aluminum base alloy anode as key components, and the dual risks of corrosion and marine biofouling of the pipeline system of the ship are resolved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of anti-corrosion and anti-fouling technology for ship seawater systems, specifically relating to a dual-purpose anti-corrosion and anti-fouling electrode device and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] Shipboard seawater systems face the dual hazards of corrosion and biofouling during operation, severely impacting equipment performance and service life. Seawater systems operate in a high-salinity, high-humidity environment, making metal components susceptible to electrochemical corrosion. This can lead to problems such as pipe perforation and valve failure. Localized corrosion (such as pitting and crevice corrosion) can cause stress concentration, increasing the risk of system failure. Furthermore, biofouling, such as the formation of biofilms by algae and barnacles on the inner walls of pipes, reduces fluid transport efficiency, increases energy consumption, and the metabolic products of these organisms can accelerate metal corrosion, resulting in a complex combination of damage.

[0003] With the rapid development of large ships and special underwater vehicles, newer and higher requirements are being placed on the safety, reliability, corrosion resistance, and antifouling performance of sea passage systems. In recent years, taking special underwater vehicles as an example, the materials used for sea passage pipelines in ship equipment have gradually shifted from copper-nickel alloy (B10) and double-sided stainless steel to titanium alloys, which are more resistant to seawater corrosion, erosion, and have a better overall service life. Although titanium alloy sea passage pipeline systems have obvious advantages, they also face the risks of marine biofouling and stress corrosion when operating in the marine environment. In particular, the interior of seawater pipeline systems (including sea passage valves) is difficult to maintain daily due to its complex structure and inaccessibility, and it is also difficult to coat them with antifouling coatings. Therefore, the system always faces enormous antifouling pressure during operation and shutdown.

[0004] Various technical solutions have been adopted both domestically and internationally for corrosion prevention and fouling control of sea-access pipeline systems, with comprehensive corrosion protection being the primary approach. Representative technologies for system corrosion prevention include: pipe material optimization, optimized pipe fittings, optimized pipeline system design, and process optimization and improvement. Furthermore, the use of sacrificial anodes to protect key components of seawater pipeline systems is also applied in naval equipment. Regarding the control of marine biofouling in sea-access pipeline systems, antifouling paints and electrolytic antifouling technologies are the main methods. Based on actual shipboard fouling data, sacrificial anode inlet and outlet pipes, seawater filters, and low-noise flow control valves are the primary locations where marine biofouling occurs. Shipboard treatment is increasingly incorporating the application of high-efficiency antifouling paints, composite electrode antifouling devices, and ultrasonic repellent devices. Due to limitations in the layout and design complexity of sea-access systems, corrosion control and fouling prevention have not yet been uniformly addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dual-purpose electrode device and its application method for corrosion and fouling prevention, which addresses the shortcomings of the existing technology. The device uses copper alloy anode (CO-Anode) and aluminum-based alloy anode (AL-Anode) as key components to form a dual-purpose electrode for corrosion and fouling control, thereby mitigating the dual risks of corrosion in ship piping systems and marine biofouling.

[0006] To solve the technical problem proposed by this invention, this invention provides a corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device, including a housing, a cable, and an anode assembly; the cable extends into the inner cavity of the housing and is connected to the anode assembly; the anode assembly includes a first copper alloy anode, a first aluminum-based alloy anode, a second copper alloy anode, a third copper alloy anode, and a second aluminum-based alloy anode connected in sequence, the first aluminum-based alloy anode passing through the through hole of the first copper alloy anode to form a mating connection, and the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode is inserted together into the sleeve section at the upper end of the second copper alloy anode.

[0007] In the above scheme, the first copper alloy anode and the first aluminum-based alloy anode are respectively provided with a first terminal and a second terminal, and the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of an external power supply through cables.

[0008] In the above scheme, the first copper alloy anode and the first aluminum-based alloy anode are in a transition fit or an interference fit.

[0009] In the above scheme, the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode is in a transition fit or an interference fit with the sleeve section of the second copper alloy anode.

[0010] In the above scheme, the length of the sleeve section of the second copper alloy anode is greater than or equal to the insertion length of the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode.

[0011] Preferably, the first copper alloy anode, the first aluminum-based alloy anode, the second copper alloy anode, the third copper alloy anode, and the second aluminum-based alloy anode are coaxially arranged.

[0012] Preferably, the second copper alloy anode and the third copper alloy anode, as well as the third copper alloy anode and the second aluminum-based alloy anode, are detachably connected by threads.

[0013] In the above scheme, the outer shell is made of low-carbon steel.

[0014] In the above scheme, the conductivity of the first copper alloy anode, the second copper alloy anode, and the third copper alloy anode is ≥85% IACS.

[0015] In the above scheme, the current efficiency of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the second aluminum-based alloy anode is ≥50%.

[0016] This invention also provides an application method for a corrosion-resistant and fouling-resistant dual-purpose electrode device, comprising the following steps: 1) An anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is installed in the cavity of the sea-going pipeline valve through the top opening of the valve and connected to the electrical control system through a cable. 2) When the seawater in the valve cavity of the seawater pipeline reaches the preset liquid level, the electrical control system supplies power to the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode equipment.

[0017] In the above scheme, the preset liquid level is the depth to which the third copper alloy anode is submerged ≥2mm.

[0018] In the above scheme, the electrical control system includes a power supply module that is connected to an external marine AC power supply and converted to 24V DC power via an AC / DC converter to power the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode equipment.

[0019] In the above scheme, the electrical control system includes an automatic control module, which is connected to a limit switch located in the valve cavity of the sea pipeline and is configured to automatically start or stop the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device in response to the immersion signal and disengagement signal of the limit switch.

[0020] In the above scheme, the electrical control system includes a potential controller for regulating the working current of the copper alloy anode and the aluminum-based alloy anode, so that the working current of the copper alloy anode is 5~20A and the working current of the aluminum-based alloy anode is 5~20A.

[0021] In the above scheme, the electronic control system also includes a potential warning device, which issues a warning signal when the operating current of any anode deviates from its preset range.

[0022] In the above scheme, the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is equipped with a wear indicator to monitor the consumption status of the anode assembly and issue a warning signal before the third copper alloy anode or the second aluminum-based alloy anode is exhausted, prompting the replacement of the third copper alloy anode or the second aluminum-based alloy anode.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention uses copper alloy anodes and aluminum-based alloy anodes as key components to construct a dual-purpose electrode for corrosion and fouling control. When energized, the copper alloy anode decomposes salt in seawater into hypochlorous acid ions through external current, preventing the growth of marine organisms such as barnacles. At the same time, it decomposes acids, alkalis, and salts in seawater into ions, preventing the deposition and reproduction of mussel eggs and other microorganisms through decomposition and flushing. The aluminum-based alloy anode undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with seawater. Due to the potential difference between the aluminum alloy and the pipeline material, an oxidation reaction occurs, continuously releasing electrons. These electrons flow to the protected component (pipeline), thereby protecting the pipeline material from seawater corrosion. The synergistic effect of the two electrodes achieves a dual purpose of corrosion and fouling prevention.

[0024] Existing technologies largely rely on the self-coupling couple effect between metals with high and low potentials to achieve passive protection of the cathode. The protection potential and output current cannot be flexibly controlled, and the protective effect is easily limited by environmental conditions and the corrosion decay of the metal itself. This invention, through the application of an external current, can actively and precisely control the potential and current, breaking free from the inherent constraints of traditional sacrificial anode couple coupling. It offers stronger protective stability, a wider range of applicable conditions, and significantly improves the corrosion resistance life and protective reliability of metal components.

[0025] This invention relates to a dual-purpose anti-corrosion and anti-fouling electrode device installed in the cavity of a sea-access pipeline valve. After seawater flows into the cavity of the sea-access pipeline valve, the seawater acts as an electrolyte, forming a circuit. The anode component then functions to protect the entire downstream internal seawater pipeline system, mitigating the dual risks of corrosion and marine biofouling in ship pipeline systems. It also addresses the weaknesses in the sea-access pipeline system regarding fouling and corrosion, optimizes the overall technical performance of the sea-access system, and improves the system's safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and installation of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device of the present invention.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. Cable; 3. Compression nut; 4. First terminal; 5. Second terminal; 6. First copper alloy anode; 7. First aluminum-based alloy anode; 8. Second copper alloy anode; 9. Third copper alloy anode; 10. Second aluminum-based alloy anode; 11. First threaded sleeve; 12. Second threaded sleeve; 13. Seaway valve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To better understand the present invention, the following embodiments further illustrate the content of the present invention, but the content of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0029] Example The structure of the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1As shown, the assembly includes a housing 1, a cable 2, and an anode assembly. The top of the housing 1 has a through hole, through which the cable 2 extends into the internal cavity of the housing 1 and is securely connected to the anode assembly. The connection between the cable 2 and the housing is sealed and fixed by a compression nut 3. The anode assembly includes, from top to bottom, a first copper alloy anode 6, a first aluminum alloy anode 7, a second copper alloy anode 8, a third copper alloy anode 9, and a second aluminum alloy anode 10, arranged coaxially. The first aluminum alloy anode 7 passes through the through hole of the first copper alloy anode 6, forming a transition or interference fit connection. The assemblies of the first aluminum alloy anode 7 and the first copper alloy anode 6 are jointly inserted into the second copper alloy anode 10. A transition fit or interference fit is formed in the sleeve section at the upper end of the gold anode 8. The length of the sleeve section of the second copper alloy anode is greater than or equal to the insertion length of the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode. The second copper alloy anode 8 and the third copper alloy anode 9 are detachably connected by a first threaded sleeve 11, and the third copper alloy anode 9 and the second aluminum-based alloy anode 10 are detachably connected by a second threaded sleeve 12. The first copper alloy anode 6 and the first aluminum-based alloy anode 7 are respectively provided with a first terminal 4 and a second terminal 5, and the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of an external power supply through a cable 2. Wherein: The outer shell 1 is made of low carbon steel (No. 20 steel). Cable 2 is a marine cable, grade JSHFP-30 2*1.5; The material of the clamping nut 3 is Hpb59-1; The first copper alloy anode 6, the second copper alloy anode 8, and the third copper alloy anode 9 are made of phosphorus-deoxidized copper TP2. The first aluminum-based alloy anode 7 and the second aluminum-based alloy anode 10 are made of aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy (6061). The application method of the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device in this embodiment includes the following steps: 1) such as Figure 1 As shown, the top opening of the marine pipeline valve 13, which is made of titanium alloy, connects the outer shell 1 of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device to the top opening through a cast flange with an inner diameter of DN80, so that the anode assembly of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is installed in the cavity of the marine pipeline valve 13 and connected to the external electrical control system through the cable 2. 2) Install a limit switch inside the cavity of the seawater inlet valve. The limit switch is positioned 2mm above the third copper alloy anode 9, and its signal is connected to the automatic control module of the electrical control system. When the seawater inside the seawater inlet valve cavity submerges the limit switch, the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is automatically activated. When the seawater level drops to the point where it is no longer above the limit switch, the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is automatically deactivated, achieving automatic energy-saving operation linked to the seawater status inside the valve. Wherein: The electrical control system includes a power supply module that connects to an external marine AC power supply and is converted to 24V DC power via an AC / DC converter to power the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode equipment. The electrical control system also includes a potential controller, which adjusts the working current of the copper alloy anode to 5~20A and the working current of the aluminum-based alloy anode to 5~20A. Too low a current will cause water pollution, and too high a current will cause the anode to be depleted too quickly. When the working current of any anode is lower or higher than the preset value, the potential warning LED of that anode will light up. The corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is also equipped with a wear indicator to monitor the consumption status of the anode assembly and issue a warning signal before the third copper alloy anode 9 or the second aluminum-based alloy anode 10 is exhausted. The third copper alloy anode 9 and the second aluminum-based alloy anode 10 are replaced through the first threaded sleeve 11 and the second threaded sleeve 12.

[0030] In this embodiment, the dual-purpose anti-corrosion and anti-fouling electrode device, when powered on, decomposes the salt in seawater into hypochlorite ions through external current, preventing the growth of marine organisms such as barnacles. At the same time, it decomposes the acids, alkalis, and salts in seawater into ions, preventing the deposition and reproduction of mussel eggs and other microorganisms through decomposition and flushing. The aluminum-based alloy anode undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with seawater. Due to the potential difference (not less than 0.9V) between the aluminum alloy and the pipeline material, an oxidation reaction occurs, continuously releasing electrons. These electrons flow to the protected component (pipeline), thereby protecting the pipeline material from seawater corrosion. The synergistic effect of the two achieves the dual purpose of anti-corrosion and anti-fouling.

[0031] After applying the above system, the corrosion rate of the inner wall of the steel marine pipeline was controlled below 0.03 mm / year (excluding erosion corrosion from silt and fluids). Compared with before the application, the protection effect against barnacles and algae in the pipeline was improved by more than 90%.

[0032] The above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations, and any obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A dual-purpose electrode device that is both corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a cable, and an anode assembly. The cable extends into the inner cavity of the housing and is connected to the anode assembly. The anode assembly includes a first copper alloy anode, a first aluminum-based alloy anode, a second copper alloy anode, a third copper alloy anode, and a second aluminum-based alloy anode connected in sequence. The first aluminum-based alloy anode passes through the through hole of the first copper alloy anode to form a mating connection. The assemblies of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode are jointly inserted into the sleeve section at the upper end of the second copper alloy anode.

2. The anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first copper alloy anode and the first aluminum-based alloy anode are respectively provided with a first terminal and a second terminal, and the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of an external power source through cables.

3. The anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first copper alloy anode and the first aluminum-based alloy anode are in a transition fit or an interference fit; the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode is in a transition fit or an interference fit with the sleeve section of the second copper alloy anode.

4. The anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the sleeve section of the second copper alloy anode is greater than or equal to the insertion length of the assembly of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the first copper alloy anode.

5. The anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first copper alloy anode, the first aluminum-based alloy anode, the second copper alloy anode, the third copper alloy anode, and the second aluminum-based alloy anode are coaxially arranged; the second copper alloy anode and the third copper alloy anode, as well as the third copper alloy anode and the second aluminum-based alloy anode, are detachably connected by threads.

6. The anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is made of low-carbon steel; the conductivity of the first copper alloy anode, the second copper alloy anode, and the third copper alloy anode is ≥85% IACS; the current efficiency of the first aluminum-based alloy anode and the second aluminum-based alloy anode is ≥50%.

7. An application method of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: 1) An anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is installed in the cavity of the sea-going pipeline valve through the top opening of the valve and connected to the electrical control system via a cable. 2) When the seawater in the valve cavity of the seawater pipeline reaches the preset liquid level, the electrical control system supplies power to the corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode equipment.

8. The application method of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The preset liquid level is a depth of ≥2mm where the third copper alloy anode is submerged.

9. The application method of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating current of the copper alloy anode is 5~20A; the operating current of the aluminum-based alloy anode is 5~20A.

10. The application method of the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling dual-purpose electrode device is equipped with a wear indicator to monitor the consumption status of the anode assembly and issue a warning signal before the third copper alloy anode or the second aluminum-based alloy anode is exhausted, prompting the replacement of the third copper alloy anode or the second aluminum-based alloy anode.

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