Suspension type auxiliary anode device suitable for interior of steel structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a suspension type auxiliary anode device suitable for the interior of a steel structure, which belongs to the technical field of corrosion protection of metal facilities and comprises an anode main body, a cable, a conductive structure, a counterweight structure, a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure, the anode main body is a hollow shell, the cable, the conductive structure, the counterweight structure and the first sealing structure are arranged in the anode main body, and the anode main body is electrically connected with the cable through the conductive structure. Two ends of the cavity of the anode main body and the cable are provided with first sealing structures which are crimped and fixed on the cable, and two ends outside the anode main body are crimped with second sealing structures. Reliable electric connection and efficient watertight sealing are achieved through a double-sealing structure, the sealing stability and the current transmission reliability in the underwater high-pressure environment are guaranteed, the structural durability is improved, and the device is suitable for ocean engineering, storage tanks and other scenes. And the counterweight structure counteracts buoyancy in water, so that the vertical suspension posture is ensured, the cathode protection current is ensured to be uniformly distributed, and the protection effect on the protected steel structure is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of corrosion protection technology for metal facilities, and in particular to a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures. Background Technology

[0002] Suspended auxiliary anode devices are key electrochemical protection equipment used in marine engineering, petrochemical storage tanks, and wastewater treatment plants for the internal corrosion protection of steel structures. They mainly consist of an anode body, conductive structure, sealing structure, counterweight structure, and cables, and can be suspended and installed in the underwater submerged area or confined space inside the protected steel structure. Their core function is to continuously release cathodic protection current through the anode body, performing cathodic polarization treatment on the protected structure, inhibiting corrosion reactions, slowing down the corrosion rate, and extending its service life. Compared to traditional anti-corrosion coatings and fixed anodes, this type of device has advantages such as strong adaptability, wide protection range, and flexible construction. It is particularly suitable for complex conditions where conventional anti-corrosion methods are difficult to implement and ineffective in areas such as confined spaces inside the protected steel structure and deep underwater areas, effectively solving corrosion protection problems in these areas.

[0003] However, existing suspended auxiliary anode devices on the market still have many shortcomings and cannot meet the high standards required for practical engineering applications. Existing devices lack sufficient sealing reliability, cannot effectively withstand the high-pressure underwater environment, and are prone to the infiltration of external corrosive media, affecting the stability of cathodic protection. In addition, traditional suspended anodes often suffer from unstable posture, easily tilting and displacement, resulting in uneven distribution of cathodic protection current and even protection failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures to overcome the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures includes an anode body, a cable, a conductive structure, a counterweight structure, a first sealing structure, and a second sealing structure.

[0007] The anode body is a hollow shell structure. The cable, the conductive structure, the counterweight structure, and the first sealing structure are all located inside the anode body. The anode body and the cable are electrically connected through the conductive structure located inside the anode body.

[0008] The first sealing structure is fixed at both ends of the cavity between the anode body and the cable, and the first sealing structure is pressed and fixed to the outside of the cable. The first sealing structure and the conductive structure cooperate to form a composite seal at both ends inside the anode body.

[0009] The second sealing structure is press-fitted to both ends of the anode body to seal the outer ends of the anode body.

[0010] Furthermore, the conductive structure is located at both ends within the cavity between the anode body and the cable, and the conductive structure is pressed against the outside of the cable; the conductive structure is a copper block.

[0011] Furthermore, the first sealing structure is a rubber sealing plug, which is installed at both ends of the inner part of the anode body by compression fitting, and the two rubber sealing plugs are respectively tightly attached to both sides of the conductive structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the second sealing structure includes a protective sleeve and a heat shrink tubing;

[0013] The protective sleeve is fitted and fixed to both ends of the anode body, and the protective sleeve covers the outer side of the anode body at the position corresponding to the first sealing structure. The heat shrink tubing covers the connection between the protective sleeve and the cable and the connection between the protective sleeve and the anode body.

[0014] Furthermore, the counterweight structure is placed within the cavity between the anode body and the cable, and is positioned between the two first sealing structures;

[0015] The counterweight structure is spiral-shaped and is wound around the cable.

[0016] Furthermore, the anode body is coated with a metal plating layer on its exterior.

[0017] Furthermore, the counterweight structure is made of metal.

[0018] Furthermore, the rubber sealing plugs are installed at both ends inside the anode body using a cold-pressing method;

[0019] The conductive structure is installed on the outside of the cable using a cold-pressing method.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This utility model discloses a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures. By pressing a first sealing structure onto the outside of the cable and cooperating with a conductive structure at both ends inside the anode body to form a composite seal, reliable electrical connection and efficient watertight sealing can be achieved simultaneously, effectively ensuring the sealing stability and current transmission reliability of the device under high-pressure underwater environments. The second sealing structure pressed onto both ends of the anode body can provide secondary sealing protection for the device ends, further improving the overall sealing performance and structural durability, meeting the long-term stable service requirements in marine engineering, storage tanks, and other scenarios. The counterweight structure can offset the buoyancy of the device in water / underwater, providing downward traction for lowering the device, ensuring that the device maintains a vertical posture when suspended, thereby ensuring uniform distribution of cathodic protection current and improving the cathodic protection effect on the protected steel structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside a steel structure, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside a steel structure, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside a steel structure, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Anode body;

[0029] 2. Cables;

[0030] 3. Conductive structure;

[0031] 4. Counterweight structure;

[0032] 5. First sealing structure;

[0033] 6. Second sealing structure; 61. Protective sleeve; 62. Heat shrink tubing. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] like Figure 1-3 The image shows a suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside a steel structure, as provided in this embodiment. It includes an anode body 1, a cable 2, a conductive structure 3, a counterweight structure 4, a first sealing structure 5, and a second sealing structure 6.

[0036] The anode body 1 is a hollow shell structure. The cable 2, the conductive structure 3, the counterweight structure 4, and the first sealing structure 5 are all located inside the anode body 1. The anode body 1 and the cable 2 are electrically connected through the conductive structure 3 located inside the anode body 1.

[0037] The first sealing structure 5 is fixed at both ends of the cavity between the anode body 1 and the cable 2, and the first sealing structure 5 is pressed and fixed to the outside of the cable 2. The first sealing structure 5 and the conductive structure 3 cooperate to form a composite seal at both ends inside the anode body 1.

[0038] The anode body 1 has the second sealing structure 6 pressed onto both ends of its exterior to seal the exterior ends of the anode body 1.

[0039] The anode body 1 (MMO anode) undergoes an electrochemical reaction through the MMO (existing mixed metal oxide) coating on its surface, continuously releasing protective current into the seawater. The anode body 1 forms a circuit with the power module through the cable 2, maintaining the potential range of the protected structure, causing the protected structure to be cathodically polarized, and inhibiting corrosion.

[0040] This device employs a hollow shell anode body 1, integrating the cable 2, conductive structure 3, counterweight structure 4, and first sealing structure 5 within the anode body 1. This design maximizes internal space for a compact structure, resulting in a small overall size suitable for installation in confined spaces within steel structures such as offshore wind turbine monopiles and water storage tanks. The counterweight structure 4 evenly distributes weight and counteracts buoyancy in the water, providing downward traction for lowering the device and ensuring its vertical orientation during suspension. The first sealing structure 5 is pressed against the outside of the cable 2 and, together with the conductive structure 3, forms a composite seal at both ends inside the anode body 1. This simultaneously achieves reliable electrical connection and efficient watertight sealing between the cable 2 and the anode body 1, effectively reducing electrical contact resistance and ensuring sealing stability and current transmission efficiency under high-pressure underwater conditions. The second sealing structure 6, pressed against both ends of the anode body 1, provides secondary sealing protection to the external ends, sealing potential leakage gaps. Together with the internal first sealing structure 5, it forms a dual sealing system, further enhancing overall sealing reliability and structural durability, meeting the long-term stable service requirements of corrosive environments such as marine engineering and petrochemical storage tanks.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, the conductive structure 3 is located at both ends of the cavity between the anode body 1 and the cable 2, and the conductive structure 3 is pressed against the outside of the cable 2, and the outside of the conductive structure 3 abuts against the inner wall of the anode body 1; the conductive structure 3 is a copper block.

[0042] Using a copper block as the conductive structure 3 and pressing it onto the outside of the cable 2 enables a low-resistance and stable electrical connection between the cable 2 and the anode body 1 (electrical contact resistance not higher than 0.1), ensuring efficient transmission of the protective current. The conductive structure 3 is arranged at both ends of the cavity, which can make full use of the internal space of the device and optimize the structural integration. Under the cold pressing action of the anode body 1, the copper block and the first sealing structure 5 are deformed together, ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection and the sealing stability of the device under the high pressure environment underwater.

[0043] In a specific embodiment, the first sealing structure 5 is a rubber sealing plug, which is installed at both ends of the inner part of the anode body 1 by compression, and the two rubber sealing plugs are respectively tightly attached to both sides of the conductive structure 3.

[0044] A rubber sealing plug is used as the first sealing structure 5. Utilizing the excellent compression deformation characteristics of rubber, it can form a tight fit with the inner wall of the anode body 1 and the outer wall of the cable 2 through press-fit assembly. The rubber sealing plug is placed on both sides of the conductive structure 3 and tightly fitted, which can provide stable assembly positioning for the conductive structure 3. Under the press-fit action of the anode body 1, it works together with the conductive structure 3 to form a sealed area. When the cold-pressed area of ​​the anode body 1 shrinks, a composite seal is formed of copper, rubber, and the substrate of the anode body 1. This ensures that the electrical contact resistance of the product is not higher than 0.1Ω and can withstand a water pressure of not less than 5MPa, effectively preventing the infiltration of external media and ensuring the watertightness of the device under high-pressure underwater environment. It takes into account both electrical connection stability and sealing reliability, and improves the overall durability of the device structure.

[0045] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second sealing structure 6 includes a protective sleeve 61 and a heat shrink tubing 62;

[0046] The protective sleeve 61 is sleeved and fixed to both ends of the anode body 1, and the protective sleeve 61 covers the outer side of the anode body 1 at the position corresponding to the first sealing structure 5. The heat shrink tubing 62 covers the connection between the protective sleeve 61 and the cable 2 and the connection between the protective sleeve 61 and the anode body 1.

[0047] The protective sleeve 61 is fitted and fixed to both ends of the anode body 1 and covers the corresponding outer positions of the first sealing structure 5. It can provide physical protection for the sealing and cold-pressed areas of the anode body 1, preventing mechanical damage to the device during installation. At the same time, it provides a covering and support surface for the heat shrink tubing 62, allowing the heat shrink tubing 62 to fit tightly against the connection positions of the protective sleeve 61 with the anode body 1 and the cable 2, improving the sealing performance of the heat shrink tubing 62. The heat shrink tubing 62 tightly covers the connection points between the protective sleeve 61 and the cable 2, and between the protective sleeve 61 and the anode body 1, further improving the sealing effect of each connection point by utilizing the heat shrinking characteristics. Together with the internal first sealing structure 5, it forms a multi-layered protection system, enhancing the device's resistance to seawater erosion and external friction damage, and effectively strengthening the overall sealing reliability and structural life.

[0048] The protective sleeve 61 is made of a laying-resistant material, which is resistant to seawater and hypochlorous acid to achieve corrosion resistance; the cable 2 sheath is also made of a seawater-resistant and hypochlorous acid-resistant material to further improve the long-term reliability of the underwater electrical connection.

[0049] The protective sleeve 61 has a through hole structure adapted to the cable 2 at the position where the cable 2 enters or exits the anode body 1, which facilitates the smooth insertion and assembly of the cable 2 and ensures the neatness of the device assembly; the protective sleeve 61 at the end of the anode body 1 where the cable 2 does not enter or exit is a closed structure without through holes, to prevent external media from seeping in from the end of the device and to ensure the integrity of the end seal.

[0050] In this embodiment, the heat shrink tubing includes an inner adhesive heat shrink tubing and an outer transparent heat shrink tubing. The inner adhesive heat shrink tubing is directly wrapped around the joint between the protective sleeve and the cable, and between the protective sleeve and the anode rod. After being heated, the adhesive layer melts and fills the gap, undertaking the main functions of sealing, waterproofing, and preventing the penetration of corrosive media. The outer transparent heat shrink tubing is completely wrapped around the outside of the adhesive heat shrink tubing, playing the role of secondary mechanical protection, wear resistance, protection of the inner adhesive heat shrink tubing, and facilitating visual inspection of the sealing status.

[0051] The end of cable 2 away from the anode body 1 can be quickly connected to the water surface potentiostat through a watertight connector, simplifying on-site wiring operations. The device adopts a land-based pre-assembly, vertical lowering at sea, and water surface binding and fixing installation method. Underwater deployment can be completed by pulling cable 2, without the need for large hoisting equipment and diving operations, which greatly improves installation efficiency and reduces offshore construction costs.

[0052] During on-site installation, the bottom of this device can be fixed by lifting lugs or similar components, or it can be freely suspended from the top, which can be flexibly adjusted according to the on-site installation conditions. The upper part of the device can be suspended and fixed by structures such as heart-shaped rings and rope clamps. Since there is no large wave disturbance inside the steel structure (the protected structure), the device can be simply suspended to maintain a stable deployment state, thereby achieving effective cathodic protection for the immersion area inside the steel structure.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, the counterweight structure 4 is placed in the cavity between the anode body 1 and the cable 2, and is positioned between the two first sealing structures 5;

[0054] The counterweight structure 4 is spiral-shaped and is wound around the cable 2.

[0055] The counterweight structure 4 is placed in the cavity between the anode body 1 and the cable 2 and between the two first sealing structures 5. It can make full use of the internal space of the device without increasing the overall size. It is spirally wound around the cable 2 and evenly distributed. Its weight is greater than the buoyancy of the anode. It can provide a continuous downward traction force during the lowering of the device and counteract the buoyancy of the device in the water. This ensures that the device maintains a vertical posture when suspended, controls the tilt angle, and ensures the discharge stability and uniformity of the cathodic protection effect during the operation of the device.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, the anode body 1 is coated with a metal plating layer; the metal plating material can be a platinum-niobium mixture or a mixed material layer formed by ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), and tantalum (Ta), that is, the type of anode body can be a titanium-based MMO anode or a platinum-niobium plated anode; to ensure the electrochemical activity and current output stability of the anode body 1 and the continuous and efficient release of the cathodic protection current, and to achieve stable cathodic polarization of the protected structure; in practical applications, suitable materials can be flexibly selected as needed.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, the counterweight structure 4 is made of metal materials, such as iron, lead and other metals with relatively high density. By taking advantage of the high density of metal materials, efficient counterweight can be achieved in a limited internal space, which can fully counteract the buoyancy of the device in water and ensure the stability of the device's suspension posture.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, the rubber sealing plugs are cold-pressed and installed at both ends inside the anode body 1; the conductive structure 3 is cold-pressed and installed on the outside of the cable 2 (and at both ends inside the anode body 1). Both the rubber sealing plugs and the conductive structure 3 are assembled using cold pressing, eliminating the need for complex processes such as welding. This simple assembly process results in a robust and reliable structure, effectively improving assembly efficiency and precision. After cold pressing, the rubber sealing plugs fit tightly against the inner wall of the anode body 1 and the outer wall of the cable 2. The conductive structure 3 is cold-pressed and secured to the outside of the cable 2, ensuring a stable electrical connection and low contact resistance between the cable 2 and the anode body 1. The two components work together after cold pressing to form a composite sealing structure of copper, rubber, and the anode body 1 substrate. This ensures that the product's electrical contact resistance is ≤0.1Ω and can withstand a water pressure of ≥5MPa, guaranteeing reliable sealing and electrical connection performance and meeting the requirements for long-term stable operation in underwater / submerged corrosive environments.

[0059] The installation steps for this device are as follows:

[0060] (1) Land pre-assembly: The operator installs the conductive structure 3, counterweight structure 4 and first sealing structure 5 into the anode body 1 in sequence. After the cable 2 is in place, the conductive structure 3 and the first sealing structure 5 are fixed by cold pressing. Then, the protective sleeves 61 are installed at both ends of the anode body 1. Finally, the heat shrink tubing 62 is installed to complete the land pre-assembly of the whole device, ensuring that each component is firmly assembled and reliably sealed.

[0061] (2) Vertical lowering at sea: The operator lowers the pre-assembled auxiliary anode device vertically to the designated position inside the protected structure by using the traction cable 2. During the lowering process, the downward traction force of the counterweight structure 4 is used to maintain the vertical posture of the device and avoid tilting or bumping.

[0062] (3) Rapid fixation on the water surface: After the device is lowered to the designated position, the operator binds and fixes the traction cable 2 on the water surface to ensure that the device is suspended in a stable position. No additional large-scale fixing equipment is required to complete the underwater deployment and fixation of the device.

[0063] (4) Power module introduction: The cable 2 is quickly connected to the water surface potentiostat through the watertight connector to complete the power supply and start the device to enter normal working state.

[0064] By employing the three-step method of land pre-assembly, vertical lowering at sea, and water surface fixation, the installation time for a single unit of this device is less than 1 hour. It does not require large equipment or diving operations, effectively reducing operating costs and ensuring high installation efficiency.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures, characterized in that, It includes an anode body (1), a cable (2), a conductive structure (3), a counterweight structure (4), a first sealing structure (5), and a second sealing structure (6); The anode body (1) is a hollow shell structure. The cable (2), the conductive structure (3), the counterweight structure (4) and the first sealing structure (5) are all located inside the anode body (1). The anode body (1) and the cable (2) are electrically connected through the conductive structure (3) located inside the anode body (1). The first sealing structure (5) is fixed at both ends of the cavity between the anode body (1) and the cable (2), and the first sealing structure (5) is pressed and fixed to the outside of the cable (2). The first sealing structure (5) and the conductive structure (3) cooperate to form a composite seal at both ends inside the anode body (1). The anode body (1) has a second sealing structure (6) pressed onto both ends of its exterior, which is used to seal the exterior ends of the anode body (1).

2. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive structure (3) is located at both ends of the cavity between the anode body (1) and the cable (2), and the conductive structure (3) is pressed against the outside of the cable (2); the conductive structure (3) is a copper block.

3. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sealing structure (5) is a rubber sealing plug. The rubber sealing plug is installed at both ends of the inside of the anode body (1) by pressing, and the two rubber sealing plugs are respectively tightly attached to both sides of the conductive structure (3).

4. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sealing structure (6) includes a protective sleeve (61) and a heat shrink tubing (62). The protective sleeve (61) is fitted and fixed to both ends of the anode body (1), and the protective sleeve (61) covers the position of the anode body (1) corresponding to the first sealing structure (5) on the outside. The heat shrink tube (62) covers the connection between the protective sleeve (61) and the cable (2) and the connection between the protective sleeve (61) and the anode body (1).

5. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight structure (4) is placed in the cavity between the anode body (1) and the cable (2), and between the two first sealing structures (5); The counterweight structure (4) is spiral in shape and is wound around the cable (2).

6. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode body (1) is coated with a metal plating layer on the outside.

7. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight structure (4) is made of metal.

8. The suspended auxiliary anode device suitable for use inside steel structures according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rubber sealing plugs are installed at both ends inside the anode body (1) by cold pressing. The conductive structure (3) is installed on the outside of the cable (2) by cold pressing.

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