Buried cathode protection on-line monitoring device

By burying the main unit of the cathodic protection online monitoring equipment underground, the environmental erosion, lack of flexibility and safety issues during ground installation are solved, higher monitoring accuracy, safety and signal stability are achieved, and maintenance costs are reduced.

CN223481283UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28INST OF CORROSION SCI & TECH +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423075936.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-12
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When existing cathodic protection online monitoring equipment is installed on the ground, it is susceptible to external environmental erosion, lacks flexibility, is not safe enough, has unstable signal transmission, high maintenance costs, and is easily damaged.

Method used

A buried cathodic protection online monitoring device is designed. The host is set in the protection part, the sensor is electrically connected to the host through cables, the protection part is buried underground, the sensor is used to detect and transmit data to the host, and the host is connected to the management platform through cables.

Benefits of technology

Effectively avoid external environmental influences, improve monitoring data accuracy and reliability, increase safety, reduce failure rate and maintenance costs, enhance signal stability and flexibility, and adapt to harsh environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a buried cathode protection on-line monitoring device, and relates to the technical field of monitoring. The buried cathode protection online monitoring device comprises a protection part, a host and a sensor, the protection part is buried underground, and the protection part is provided with a first cable hole; the host is arranged in the protection part, so that the protection part can protect the host; the sensor is arranged outside the protection part, the sensor penetrates through the first cable hole through a first cable to be electrically connected with the host, and the sensor is used for detecting the cathode protection object so as to transmit a detection result to the host through the first cable. According to the utility model, the protection part is arranged underground to protect the host arranged in the protection part, and the external sensor passes through the first cable hole of the protection part through the first cable to be electrically connected with the internal host, so that a cathode protection object can be detected; therefore, the problems of external environment erosion, lack of flexibility, insufficient safety and the like are solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of monitoring technology, and in particular to an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection. Background Technology

[0002] Online monitoring of cathodic protection is an important technical means used to detect and evaluate the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems in real time, ensuring the safety and durability of metal structures in corrosive environments.

[0003] Cathodic protection online monitoring systems typically consist of sensors, data acquisition devices, and monitoring software. Sensors are installed on the metal structure to be protected and can measure key parameters such as potential, current, and corrosion rate in real time. This data is aggregated by the data acquisition device and transmitted to the monitoring software for analysis and evaluation by engineers. The monitoring system can automatically trigger alarms by setting thresholds; when the potential or current value exceeds the preset range, the system will issue an alarm, prompting maintenance personnel to inspect and maintain the system. This function effectively improves the system's response speed, reduces the need for manual inspections, and increases work efficiency. Simultaneously, long-term data recording provides a reliable basis for optimizing the cathodic protection system. By analyzing historical data, potential corrosion trends and problems can be identified, allowing for targeted measures to be taken.

[0004] Cathodic protection online monitoring equipment is typically installed on the ground. While this configuration offers some convenience, it also has several drawbacks. First, ground-mounted locations are susceptible to external environmental factors such as rain, snow, dust, and other pollutants, which can degrade equipment performance or cause malfunctions, affecting monitoring accuracy and reliability. Second, ground-mounted equipment is more vulnerable to mechanical damage, such as collisions with traffic or construction equipment, increasing the risk of damage. Furthermore, underground pipelines are generally located at greater depths, resulting in longer signal transmission distances between the ground-based unit and underground monitoring points, potentially leading to signal attenuation or interference, affecting data real-time performance and stability. Additionally, ground-mounted equipment often requires additional protective measures, such as waterproofing, dustproofing, and corrosion protection, increasing maintenance costs and workload. Moreover, under harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperature, high humidity, or salt spray, the lifespan of ground-based equipment may be significantly shortened, requiring frequent replacement or repair, further increasing operating costs. Finally, the relatively fixed location of the ground-based unit lacks flexibility and is difficult to adapt to the needs of certain specialized application scenarios. Ground-based monitoring units are typically 1-2 meters above the ground, and some devices are equipped with additional equipment such as solar panels. This necessitates land acquisition for installation, limiting the installation options for cathodic protection monitoring units. In some cases, closer proximity to the monitored object is necessary to improve data acquisition accuracy and efficiency, but ground installation restricts location choices. Finally, the security of ground-based units is also a concern, especially in high-risk areas where the equipment may face threats such as vandalism, theft, or other human-caused incidents. Therefore, addressing these shortcomings by designing cathodic protection online monitoring equipment units underground or in other more concealed and secure locations, or by improving the equipment's structure and materials to enhance its environmental resistance, will help improve monitoring efficiency and the overall reliability of the system. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection, which can solve the problems of external environmental erosion, lack of flexibility and insufficient security when the host is installed on the ground.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection is provided, comprising:

[0007] A protective section, which is buried underground, has a first cable hole;

[0008] A host computer is disposed within the protective unit so that the protective unit protects the host computer.

[0009] A sensor is disposed outside the protective part. The sensor is electrically connected to the host through a first cable passing through the first cable hole. The sensor is used to detect the cathodic protection object and transmit the detection result to the host through the first cable.

[0010] This utility model discloses an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection. By placing the protective part underground, the main unit installed inside the protective part is protected. External sensors are electrically connected to the internal main unit through the first cable passing through the first cable hole of the protective part, so as to detect the cathodic protection object. This solves the problems of external environmental erosion, lack of flexibility, and insufficient safety.

[0011] In some embodiments, the protective part includes:

[0012] An equipment well, the equipment well having an open cavity, the main unit being disposed within the cavity;

[0013] A sealing cap, used to seal the opening of the cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protective unit also has a second cable hole, through which the host is electrically connected to an external management platform via a second cable, and the host transmits the detection results to the management platform via the second cable.

[0015] In some implementations, the host includes:

[0016] An interface, wherein the interface is electrically connected to the sensor via the first cable;

[0017] The acquisition module is electrically connected to the interface, and the acquisition module receives the detection results through the interface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the host further includes:

[0019] A battery pack, which is electrically connected to the acquisition module, is used to power the acquisition module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sensor includes:

[0021] A carbon steel test piece sensor is used to detect at least one of the following parameters of concrete associated with the cathodic protection object: temperature, humidity, pressure, and corrosivity.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor includes:

[0023] A high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode is used to provide a base potential.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sensor includes:

[0025] A carbon steel corrosion rate sensor is used to detect corrosion rate information.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor includes:

[0027] A redox potential sensor is used to detect redox potential information of concrete associated with the cathodic protection object.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sensor includes:

[0029] A concrete resistivity sensor, wherein the concrete resistivity sensor is used to detect the resistance information of the concrete associated with the cathodic protection object.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model's buried cathodic protection online monitoring device protects the main unit located within the protective section by placing the protective section underground. External sensors are electrically connected to the internal main unit via a first cable passing through the first cable hole in the protective section to monitor the cathodic protection object. This solves problems such as external environmental erosion, lack of flexibility, and insufficient security. Specifically, it effectively avoids the influence of the external environment, such as rain, snow, dust, and pollutants, reducing the main unit's failure rate and improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring data. Compared to ground installation, buried main unit is less susceptible to human damage, theft, or malicious attacks, increasing its security, especially in high-risk areas. Buried main unit is also less affected by mechanical shocks and collisions, such as traffic and construction equipment, thus extending the equipment's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Buried main unit can be located close to the monitored object (such as underground pipelines), shortening the signal transmission distance, reducing signal attenuation and interference, and improving the real-time performance and stability of data acquisition. In certain application scenarios, such as saline-alkali soils and high-temperature and high-humidity environments, buried installation provides better conditions, ensuring the main unit operates normally in harsh environments. Meanwhile, burying the main unit underground does not occupy ground space, keeps the environment clean, and reduces visual interference, meeting urban planning and aesthetic requirements. The underground design of the main unit can be adjusted according to specific monitoring needs, flexibly responding to different working conditions and environmental requirements. Because the underground main unit is less affected by external influences, its maintenance frequency is relatively reduced, helping to decrease maintenance time and labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the sensor, the host, and the management platform according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Reference numerals in the attached figures: Sensor 10, Sensor body 11, Carbon steel test piece sensor 12, High-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13, Carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14, Oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15, Concrete resistivity sensor 16, Protective part 20, Equipment well 21, First cable hole 211, Second cable hole 212, Sealing cover 22, Main unit 30, Acquisition module 31, Interface 32, Battery pack 33, First cable 40, Second cable 50, Management platform 60. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The present invention provides an online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the monitoring device includes a sensor 10, a protective part 20, and a main unit 30. The sensor 10 is built into a concrete block, which may be buried near the cathodic protection object or may be part of the cathodic protection object. The cathodic protection object includes at least a metal structure. The sensor 10 indirectly detects the cathodic protection object by detecting the concrete (i.e., the concrete block) associated with the cathodic protection object. In other words, the sensor 10 is used to indirectly detect the cathodic protection object to obtain the detection result.

[0037] like Figures 1-3 As shown, sensor 10 is located below protective part 20, so sensor 10 needs to be laid before installing protective part 20. The number of sensors 10 is at least one, and generally three are used. Sensor 10 includes sensor body 11 and at least one of the following: carbon steel test piece sensor 12, high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13, carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14, redox potential sensor 15, and concrete resistivity sensor 16, which are set on sensor body 11. The front of sensor body 11 is circular, and carbon steel test piece sensor 12 is located at the center of sensor body 11. Carbon steel test piece sensor 12 is used to detect at least one parameter data of temperature, humidity, pressure, and corrosivity of concrete associated with cathodic protection object. Specifically, carbon steel test piece sensor 12 can measure the natural potential of carbon steel in concrete, reflecting the parameter data of concrete temperature, humidity, pressure, and corrosivity. Carbon steel test piece sensor 12 can also be used as an electrode to resist interference from external DC current and AC current.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13 is a certain distance away from the carbon steel test piece sensor 12. The high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13 is used to provide a base potential. Specifically, the high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13 utilizes the characteristics of high-purity zinc in concrete, such as stable potential and low polarization, to provide a stable base potential in concrete.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14 includes two sensors, which are located on both sides of the high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13. The distance from the circle of the two carbon steel corrosion rate sensors 14 and the circle of the high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13 to the center of the carbon steel specimen sensor 12 is the same. The carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14 is used to detect corrosion rate information. Specifically, the carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14 adopts an ER sensor and is combined with high-precision resistance measurement technology. When the sensor is corroded in the concrete, the corrosion rate of the material can be calculated by the change in the sensor resistance value. Alternatively, the corrosion rate can be calculated by monitoring environmental corrosive data (such as temperature, humidity, pH, chloride ions).

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the front of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15 is annular in shape. The oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15 is located in the sensor body 11 and is concentric with the sensor body 11. The carbon steel test piece sensor 12, the high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode 13, and the carbon steel corrosion rate sensor 14 are located inside the annulus of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15. The oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15 is used to detect the oxidation-reduction capacity information of the concrete associated with the cathodic protection object. Specifically, the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 15 uses high-strength, high-purity graphite, which can reflect the oxidation-reduction capacity in the concrete.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the concrete resistivity sensor 16 is located outside the annular structure of the redox potential sensor 15. The concrete resistivity sensor 16 is used to detect the resistance information of the concrete associated with the cathodic protection object. Specifically, the concrete resistivity sensor 16 includes four electrodes, which can measure the concrete resistivity using the four-electrode method. A constant DC current is passed through the two outer electrodes, and the voltage is measured by the two middle electrodes. The concrete resistance and resistivity are calculated, which can reflect the conductivity of the concrete, as well as parameters such as the concrete salt content and ion content.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the protective part 20 is buried underground. The protective part 20 includes an equipment well 21 and a sealing cover 22. The equipment well 21 has an open cavity. The sealing cover 22 is a concrete sealing top cover. The sealing cover 22 is used to seal the opening of the cavity of the equipment well 21. The equipment well 21 of the protective part 20 has a first cable hole 211 and a second cable hole 212. Specifically, after the sensor 10 is laid, a pit of the corresponding size and shape for the installation position of the equipment well 21 is dug out, leaving two cable lead-out positions. A certain thickness of concrete is poured, and after hardening, it serves as the bottom of the equipment well. Then, a cylindrical mold with a diameter smaller than the equipment pit is placed in the middle of the equipment pit, and concrete is poured on the outside. After hardening, the mold is removed to form a cylindrical equipment well 21. A square opening larger than the cable hole is chiseled in the concrete wall of the equipment well 21. A galvanized steel pipe with a water-stop steel plate is then buried in the square opening, and the entire square opening is poured with fine stone concrete to form the equipment well 21 with the first cable hole and the second cable hole. The inner wall of the equipment well 21 can be coated with waterproof paint to form a waterproof layer.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the host 30 is disposed inside the protective part 20 so that the protective part 20 protects the host 30. Specifically, the host 30 is disposed in the middle of the cavity of the equipment well 21. At this time, the sensor 10 is located outside the protective part 20. The sensor 10 is electrically connected to the host 10 through the first cable 40 (such as an armored cable) through the first cable hole 211 so as to transmit the detection result to the host 30 through the first cable 40.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the host 30 is also electrically connected to an external management platform 60 (such as an IoT system management platform) via a second cable 50 passing through a second cable hole 212. The host 30 transmits the detection results to the management platform 60 via the second cable 50 (such as a communication cable) for data analysis. After the two cables are connected, a sealing cover 22 is placed on the equipment well 21, and epoxy sealant is injected at the joint. After completion, 0.5-1m of soil can be backfilled above the equipment well 21.

[0045] like Figure 3As shown, the host 30 includes a data acquisition module 31, an interface 32, and a battery pack 33. Specifically, the data acquisition module 31 is electrically connected to the interface 32, which is a 485 interface. The interface 32 is electrically connected to the sensor 10 via a first cable 40 to receive detection results. The data acquisition module 31 can receive detection results through this interface 32. The data acquisition module 31 is also connected to the management platform 60 via a second cable 50 to transmit the received detection results to the management platform 60 via the second cable 50. The battery pack 33 is a rechargeable battery and is electrically connected to the data acquisition module 31. The battery pack 33 is used to power the data acquisition module 31. The data acquisition module 31 powers the sensor 10 via the interface 32 and the first cable 40. When the battery pack 33 is depleted, the sealing cover 22 can be opened to replace or recharge the battery pack 33. After replacing or recharging the battery pack 33, the sealing cover 22 can be closed again.

[0046] This practical embodiment protects the main unit 30, which is installed inside the protective unit 20, by placing the protective unit 20 underground. The external sensor 10 is electrically connected to the internal main unit 30 via a first cable 40 passing through the first cable hole 211 of the protective unit 20, enabling the detection of the cathodic protection object. This solves problems such as external environmental corrosion, lack of flexibility, and insufficient security. Specifically, it effectively avoids the influence of the external environment, such as rain, snow, dust, and pollutants, reducing the failure rate of the main unit 30 and improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring data. Compared to ground installation, the buried main unit 30 is less susceptible to human damage, theft, or malicious attacks, increasing its security, especially in high-risk areas. The buried main unit 30 is less affected by mechanical impacts and collisions, such as traffic and construction equipment, thus extending its service life and reducing maintenance costs. The buried main unit 30 can be placed close to the monitored object (such as underground pipelines), shortening the signal transmission distance, reducing signal attenuation and interference, and improving the real-time performance and stability of data acquisition. In certain application scenarios, such as saline-alkali soils and high-temperature and high-humidity environments, buried installation provides better conditions, ensuring the normal operation of the main unit 30 in harsh environments. Meanwhile, the buried main unit 30 does not occupy ground space, maintains a clean environment, and reduces visual interference, meeting urban planning and aesthetic requirements. The buried design of the main unit 30 can be adjusted according to specific monitoring needs, flexibly responding to different working conditions and environmental requirements. Because the buried main unit 30 is less affected by external influences, its maintenance frequency is relatively reduced, helping to decrease maintenance time and labor costs.

[0047] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An online monitoring device for buried cathodic protection, characterized in that, include: A protective section, which is buried underground, has a first cable hole; A host computer is disposed within the protective unit so that the protective unit protects the host computer. A sensor is disposed outside the protective part. The sensor is electrically connected to the host through a first cable passing through the first cable hole. The sensor is used to detect the cathodic protection object and transmit the detection result to the host through the first cable.

2. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective part includes: An equipment well, the equipment well having an open cavity, the main unit being disposed within the cavity; A sealing cap, used to seal the opening of the cavity.

3. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective unit also has a second cable hole, through which the host is electrically connected to an external management platform via a second cable passing through the second cable hole, and the host transmits the detection results to the management platform via the second cable.

4. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The host includes: An interface, wherein the interface is electrically connected to the sensor via the first cable; The acquisition module is electrically connected to the interface, and the acquisition module receives the detection results through the interface.

5. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The host also includes: A battery pack, which is electrically connected to the acquisition module, is used to power the acquisition module.

6. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor includes: A carbon steel test piece sensor is used to detect at least one of the following parameters of concrete associated with the cathodic protection object: temperature, humidity, pressure, and corrosivity.

7. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor includes: A high-purity zinc concrete reference electrode is used to provide a base potential.

8. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor includes: A carbon steel corrosion rate sensor is used to detect corrosion rate information.

9. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor includes: A redox potential sensor is used to detect redox potential information of concrete associated with the cathodic protection object.

10. The buried cathodic protection online monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sensor includes: A concrete resistivity sensor, wherein the concrete resistivity sensor is used to detect the resistance information of the concrete associated with the cathodic protection object.