Cathode protection reference electrode

Abstract

The utility model provides a cathode protection reference electrode, which relates to the technical field of corrosion and protection of surface engineering of oil and gas fields, and comprises a round pipe nipple, an upper pipe cap and a lower pipe cap, the upper pipe cap and the lower pipe cap are inserted on the peripheral surface of the round pipe nipple and are arranged up and down, and the inserted round pipe nipple is wrapped in the upper pipe cap and the lower pipe cap and is fixedly sealed with the upper pipe cap and the lower pipe cap. Cavities are respectively arranged between the top surface and the bottom surface of the circular pipe nipple and the top surface of the upper pipe cap and between the top surface and the bottom surface of the lower pipe cap, the central protection pipe is inserted into the cavity between the circular pipe nipple and the lower pipe cap, and electrolyte is injected into the cavity; the welding position of the red copper wire and the cable is located in the center protection tube, the center protection tube, the red copper wire and the cable are sealed, and the red copper wire is submerged in the electrolyte. The protective circular tube is inserted into a cavity between the top surface of the upper tube cap and the circular tube nipple, and the absorbent cotton swab is inserted into electrolyte in a cavity between the circular tube nipple and the lower tube cap; the utility model has the beneficial effects that the electrolyte is not easy to leak, the red copper wire is not easy to oxidize, the service life is long, and the structure is firmer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of corrosion and protection technology for oil and gas field surface engineering, and in particular relates to a cathodic protection reference electrode. Background Technology

[0002] Our company is engaged in pipeline corrosion prevention and protection. The existing long-lasting copper / saturated copper sulfate solution reference electrodes for cathodic protection are mostly porous ceramic structures, which suffer from serious leakage, low internal resistance, and poor polarization resistance and anti-interference ability. Because of the porous ceramic structure, oxygen can penetrate into the surface of the high-purity copper electrode in the reference center and form an oxide layer, thus reducing the service life. In addition, porous ceramics are easily broken by impacts during transportation or construction. Therefore, we have developed a new cathodic protection reference electrode. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a cathode protection reference electrode that is not easily broken, has a surface that is not easily oxidized, and has a longer service life.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is:

[0005] A cathodic protection reference electrode includes a circular tube section and an upper cap and a lower cap inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the circular tube section. After insertion, the circular tube section is enclosed inside the upper cap and the lower cap, and the outer circumferential surface of the circular tube section is fixedly sealed to the upper cap and the lower cap. A cavity is formed between the top and bottom surfaces of the circular tube section and the top surface of the upper cap and the bottom surface of the lower cap, respectively. An opening I penetrating the top surface of the upper cap and the circular tube section is provided at the central axis position of the top surface of the upper cap. A central protective tube is sequentially inserted into the cavity between the circular tube section and the lower cap through the opening I of the upper cap and the circular tube section. A feeding port is provided on the top surface of the upper cap, through which material is fed into the circular tube section and the top surface of the upper cap. Electrolyte is injected into the chamber between the upper tube and the chamber between the short section of the round tube and the bottom surface of the lower tube cap; after the copper electrode is welded to the cable, it is inserted into the central protective tube, and the welded joint between the copper electrode and the cable is located inside the central protective tube. The central protective tube is sealed to the copper electrode and the cable and is not in contact with air. The cable and the copper electrode extend from the top and bottom sections of the central protective tube respectively, and the copper electrode is submerged in the electrolyte; the upper tube cap is provided with an opening II that penetrates the top surface of the upper tube cap and the short section of the round tube. The protective round tube is inserted from the top surface of the upper tube cap into the chamber between the top surface of the upper tube cap and the short section of the round tube. The absorbent cotton swab is inserted from the top of the protective round tube into the electrolyte in the chamber between the short section of the round tube and the lower tube cap.

[0006] The electrolyte is a high-resistivity electrolyte, which can be commercially available copper sulfate electrolyte or other commercially available electrolytes.

[0007] Furthermore, a sealing cap is fastened or threaded onto the feeding port;

[0008] Furthermore, the top end of the central protective tube protrudes beyond the top surface of the upper cap, and the top end of the protective circular tube also protrudes beyond the top surface of the upper cap.

[0009] Furthermore, the round tube short section, upper tube cap, lower tube cap, and central protective tube are preferably made of transparent material to facilitate observation of the internal conditions;

[0010] Furthermore, the round tube short section, upper tube cap, lower tube cap, and central protective tube are all made of synthetic resin material, including UPVC material, a high-temperature resistant non-metallic material, with a pressure resistance of 1.6MPa. The outer diameter of the round tube short section is DN200, and the length between the top and bottom of the round tube short section is 15 cm.

[0011] The gaps between the protective circular tube and the central protective tube and the upper cap are sealed with synthetic resin or other sealing materials; the outer circumference of the circular tube section is sealed with epoxy resin to the upper and lower caps; and the central protective tube is sealed with epoxy resin or other acid- and alkali-resistant, high-temperature-resistant adhesives to the copper electrode and the cable.

[0012] The diameter of the absorbent cotton swab is 1mm-10mm longer than the diameter of the protective round tube, preferably 3mm. The absorbent cotton swab is squeezed into the protective round tube and the top surface of the absorbent cotton swab protrudes from the top surface of the protective round tube.

[0013] The copper electrode is made of copper wire, and the copper wire is inserted at the center point of the cable into the central protection tube. The copper wire is made of high-purity copper wire, and the copper wire is soldered to the cable.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper tube cap is provided with several openings II that penetrate the top surface of the upper tube cap and the short section of the round tube. The number of openings II, protective round tubes, and absorbent cotton swabs is preferably four, and the four protective round tubes are evenly distributed on the upper tube cap on the outer circumference of the central protective tube.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This invention uses a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and insulating synthetic resin material to form a sealed outer shell with upper and lower caps, exhibiting strong polarization resistance and anti-interference capabilities. The upper and lower caps are sealed with epoxy resin to the short section of the round tube, ensuring a tight seal and virtually eliminating electrolyte leakage. A copper wire is welded to a cable and then inserted into the central protective tube. The weld joint between the copper wire and the cable is located inside the central protective tube and sealed with epoxy resin or other acid- and alkali-resistant, high-temperature-resistant curing adhesive, preventing breakage at the weld. Furthermore, the bottom of the copper wire is immersed in the electrolyte, ensuring a tight seal. The copper wire does not come into contact with air and therefore does not oxidize, resulting in a longer service life for the cathodic protection reference electrode. Therefore, this application uses a high-purity copper electrode submerged at the bottom center of a high-strength, sealed, and insulating outer shell, with internal high-resistance electrolyte material isolating oxygen from the air and improving oxidation resistance.

[0017] Made entirely of UPVC, this device is not only strong but also resistant to breakage. Since it doesn't use ceramics, there is no risk of leakage. We use absorbent cotton swabs to form circuits with the electrolyte, copper wire, and ground, employing a top-insertion absorbent cotton structure to ensure effective communication between the electrolyte inside the reference electrode and the soil or water environment. The absorbent cotton swabs are inserted into the two chambers from the top. Because the chambers are filled with electrolyte, the reference electrode electrolyte remains inside the chambers due to gravity and will not leak. Because multiple absorbent cotton swabs are used, even if one swab becomes clogged by bacteria in the soil, the others can still function. The top surface of the absorbent cotton swab protrudes from the top surface of the protective tube, facilitating the absorption of moisture from the soil. The absorbent cotton swabs are inserted into the protective tube using a squeeze-type method, resulting in a stable connection that prevents stacking and facilitates subsequent moisture absorption.

[0018] The feeding port has a sealing cap with a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection, which facilitates the replenishment of electrolytes later.

[0019] The round tube short section, upper tube cap, lower tube cap, and central protective tube are preferably made of transparent material to facilitate observation of the internal conditions, including the electrolyte level, the insertion depth of the absorbent cotton swab, the connection between the copper electrode and the cable, and the overall sealing performance.

[0020] The seal is cured using synthetic resin or other sealing materials, resulting in better sealing and a longer service life.

[0021] The electrolyte is a special non-metallic high-resistivity electrolyte, which is a highly absorbent material that does not react with copper sulfate solution. Its performance is superior, not only resisting oxidation but also not easily volatilizing, achieving high internal resistance and strong polarization resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode protection reference electrode of this utility model;

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Round pipe short section 2. Upper pipe cap 3. Lower pipe cap

[0025] 4. Protective round tube; 5. Absorbent cotton swab; 6. Central protective tube

[0026] 7. Copper wire 8. Cable 9. Electrolyte

[0027] 10. Feed port 11. Sealing cap Detailed Implementation

[0028] This embodiment provides a cathodic protection reference electrode, comprising a circular tube section 1 and an upper cap 2 and a lower cap 3 inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the circular tube section 1. The circular tube section 1, upper cap 2, lower cap 3, and central protective tube 6 are all made of transparent synthetic resin material, currently using high-temperature resistant non-metallic UPVC material with a pressure resistance of 1.6 MPa. The outer circumferential diameter of the circular tube section 1 is DN200, and the length of the circular tube section 1 is 15 cm. The outer circumferential surface of the circular tube section 1 is sealed with the upper cap 2 and lower cap 3 using epoxy resin. The top and bottom surfaces of the circular tube section 1 are respectively provided with chambers between the top surface of the upper cap 2 and the bottom surface of the lower cap 3.

[0029] The upper cap 2 has an opening I at the center axis of its top surface, which penetrates the top surface of the upper cap 2 and the round tube 1. The central protective tube 6 is inserted sequentially from the upper cap 2 and the opening I of the round tube 1 into the cavity between the round tube 1 and the lower cap 3. After insertion, the round tube 1 is wrapped inside the upper cap 2 and the lower cap 3. The top end of the central protective tube 6 protrudes from the top surface of the upper cap 2, and the top end of the protective round tube 4 protrudes from the top surface of the upper cap 2.

[0030] The upper cap 2 has four openings II that penetrate the top surface of the upper cap 2 and the short section of the round tube 1. The diameter of the absorbent cotton swab 5 is 3mm longer than the diameter of the protective round tube 4. The absorbent cotton swab 5 is inserted into the cavity between the protective round tube 4, the top surface of the upper cap 2 and the short section of the round tube 1 by squeezing, and the top surface of the absorbent cotton swab 5 protrudes from the top surface of the protective round tube 4.

[0031] The upper cap 2 has a feeding port 10 on its top surface, and a sealing cap 11 is fastened to the feeding port 10. Electrolyte 9 is injected into the cavity between the round tube section 1 and the top surface of the upper cap 2, and into the cavity between the round tube section 1 and the bottom surface of the lower cap 3 through the feeding port 10. Copper wire 7 is welded to cable 8 and then inserted into the central protective tube 6. The solder joint between copper wire 7 and cable 8 is located inside the central protective tube 6. The central protective tube 6 is sealed with epoxy resin or other acid- and alkali-resistant, high-temperature resistant curing adhesive. Cable 8 and copper wire 7 extend from the top and bottom sections of the central protective tube 6 respectively, and copper wire 7 is submerged in electrolyte 9. Absorbent cotton swab 5 is inserted from the top of the protective round tube 4 into the electrolyte 9 in the cavity between the round tube section 1 and the lower cap 3.

[0032] This invention uses high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and insulating synthetic resin to form a sealed outer shell for the upper cap 2 and lower cap 3, exhibiting strong polarization resistance and anti-interference capabilities. The upper cap 2, lower cap 3, and the round tube short section 1 are sealed with epoxy resin to ensure airtightness, thus virtually eliminating the possibility of electrolyte 9 leakage. The central protective tube 6 and protective round tube 4 are further sealed with epoxy resin to the upper cap 2 and round tube short section 1, ensuring continued airtightness. The copper wire 7 is welded to the cable 8 and then inserted into the central protective tube 6. Furthermore, the weld joint between the copper wire 7 and the cable 8 is located inside the central protective tube 6 and sealed with epoxy resin or other acid- and alkali-resistant, high-temperature-resistant curing adhesive, thus ensuring that the weld joint will not break. Combined with the fact that the bottom of the copper wire 7 is immersed in the electrolyte 9, its sealing performance is also guaranteed. The copper wire 7 does not come into contact with air and therefore will not oxidize, resulting in a longer service life for the reference electrode of this cathodic protection. Therefore, the high-purity copper electrode of this application is submerged in the center bottom of the high-strength sealed insulating shell, and the high-resistance electrolyte 9 material inside isolates oxygen in the air, improving oxidation resistance.

[0033] Because the entire structure is made of UPVC material, it is not only strong but also not easily broken. Since this invention does not use ceramics, there will be no leakage. The absorbent cotton swabs 5 form circuits with the electrolyte 9, copper wire 7, and ground, respectively. A top-insertion type absorbent cotton structure ensures effective communication between the electrolyte 9 inside the reference electrode and the soil or water environment. The absorbent cotton swabs 5 are inserted into the two chambers from the top. Because the chambers are filled with electrolyte 9, the electrolyte in the reference electrode remains inside the chambers due to gravity and will not leak. Because multiple absorbent cotton swabs 5 are used, even if one absorbent cotton swab 5 is blocked by bacteria in the soil, the others can still continue to function. The top surface of the absorbent cotton swab 5 protrudes from the top surface of the protective tube 4, facilitating the absorption of moisture from the soil. The absorbent cotton swabs 5 are inserted into the protective tube 4 by compression, resulting in a stable connection that is not prone to stacking and facilitates subsequent moisture absorption.

[0034] The reference electrode for this cathodic protection is buried underground. The specific cathodic protection construction steps are as follows:

[0035] (1) After the cathodic protection reference electrode is assembled, ensure that the center cable 8 outlet side faces upward and is not reversed;

[0036] (2) The cathodic protection reference electrode is buried near the cathodic energization point of the protected pipeline to measure the cathodic protection potential at the energization point; or it is buried near the pipeline under the cathodic protection test pile to measure the cathodic protection potential along the pipeline.

[0037] (3) The reference electrode of the cathodic protection is connected to the reference cable 8 of the cathodic protection potentiostat, and together with the zero-position cathodic cable 8 on the pipeline, the potentiostat can measure the cathodic protection potential of the pipeline energized point.

[0038] (4) The reference electrode for cathodic protection is connected to the reserved terminal of the ground test pile by the reference cable 8 and the reserved cable 8 on the pipeline. The cathodic protection potential of the pipeline at the test pile position is measured by a multimeter or intelligent remote transmission instrument.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientations or positional relationships shown are for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0040] The above description provides a detailed account of one embodiment of the present invention. However, this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent variations and improvements made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cathode protection reference electrode, characterized in that: The device includes a short cylindrical tube and an upper and lower cap inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the short cylindrical tube. After insertion, the short cylindrical tube is enclosed within the upper and lower caps, and the outer circumferential surface of the short cylindrical tube is sealed to the upper and lower caps. A cavity is formed between the top and bottom surfaces of the short cylindrical tube and the top and bottom surfaces of the upper and lower caps, respectively. An opening I, penetrating the top surface of the upper cap and the short cylindrical tube, is provided at the central axis of the top surface of the upper cap. A central protective tube is inserted sequentially through the opening I of the upper cap and the short cylindrical tube into the cavity between the short cylindrical tube and the lower cap. A feeding port is provided on the top surface of the upper cap, through which material is fed into the cavity between the top surface of the short cylindrical tube and the upper cap. Electrolyte is injected into the chamber and the chamber between the short round tube and the bottom of the lower cap; after the copper electrode is welded to the cable, it is inserted into the central protective tube, and the welded joint between the copper electrode and the cable is located inside the central protective tube. The central protective tube is sealed to the copper electrode and the cable and is not in contact with air. The cable and the copper electrode extend from the top and bottom sections of the central protective tube respectively, and the copper electrode is submerged in the electrolyte; the upper cap is provided with an opening II that penetrates the top surface of the upper cap and the short round tube. The protective round tube is inserted into the chamber between the top surface of the upper cap and the short round tube. An absorbent cotton swab is inserted from the top of the protective round tube into the electrolyte in the chamber between the short round tube and the lower cap.

2. The cathode protection reference electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding port is fitted with a sealing cap via a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection.

3. The cathode protection reference electrode according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top end of the central protective tube protrudes beyond the top surface of the upper cap, and the top end of the protective circular tube protrudes beyond the top surface of the upper cap.

4. A cathodic protection reference electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that: The round tube short section, upper tube cap, lower tube cap, and central protective tube are made of transparent material.

5. A cathode protection reference electrode according to claim 4, characterized in that: The round tube short section, upper tube cap, lower tube cap, and central protective tube are all made of synthetic resin material, including UPVC material, and the length between the top and bottom of the round tube short section is 15 cm.

6. A cathodic protection reference electrode according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The gaps between the protective round tube and the central protective tube and the upper cap are sealed with synthetic resin or sealing material; the outer circumference of the round tube section is sealed with epoxy resin to the upper and lower caps; and the central protective tube is sealed with epoxy resin or acid- and alkali-resistant and high-temperature resistant curing adhesive to the copper electrode and the cable.

7. A cathodic protection reference electrode according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the absorbent cotton swab is 1mm-10mm longer than the diameter of the protective tube. The absorbent cotton swab is squeezed into the protective tube and the top surface of the absorbent cotton swab protrudes from the top surface of the protective tube.

8. A cathodic protection reference electrode according to claim 7, characterized in that: The diameter of the absorbent cotton swab is 3mm longer than the diameter of the protective tube.

9. A cathodic protection reference electrode according to claim 8, characterized in that: The copper electrode is made of copper wire, and the copper wire is inserted into the center of the central protective tube of the cable and then soldered to the cable.

10. A cathode protection reference electrode according to claim 9, characterized in that: The upper tube cap is provided with several openings II that penetrate the top surface of the upper tube cap and the short section of the round tube; The number of opening II, protective round tube, and absorbent cotton swab is 4, and the four protective round tubes are evenly distributed on the upper cap on the outer circumference of the central protective tube.

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