Analog reference device and intelligent constant potential instrument analog test system

By using a simulation reference device and an intelligent potentiostat simulation test system, and utilizing Ohm's law voltage division principle and remote control of digital potentiometers, the complexity of factory testing of intelligent potentiostats is solved, achieving efficient and low-cost testing results.

CN224395030UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23ZHEJIANG YUXI CORROSION CONTROL CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG YUXI CORROSION CONTROL CORP
Filing Date
2025-07-07
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing intelligent potentiostats require complex on-site environment setup and real reference electrode operation for factory performance testing, resulting in low testing efficiency and high cost.

Method used

Design a simulation reference device, including an adjustable potentiometer, terminals, and a resistor. Utilize Ohm's law voltage division principle, combined with a digital potentiometer and remote control, to achieve remote control of the resistance value adjustment, simplifying the testing process and adapting to the testing needs of different models of potentiostats.

Benefits of technology

It significantly shortens detection time, reduces costs, improves detection efficiency, has wide applicability, and can accurately control the voltage range to meet the detection needs of different models of potentiostats.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of simulation reference device and intelligent constant potential instrument simulation test system, the simulation reference device includes adjustable potentiometer, anode binding post, cathode binding post and reference binding post set on pedestal, anode binding post is connected with the input end of adjustable potentiometer, cathode binding post is connected with the ground end of adjustable potentiometer, reference binding post is connected with the adjustable end of adjustable potentiometer.In the intelligent constant potential instrument simulation test system, load, ammeter and intelligent constant potential instrument are accessed by multiple wires, the simulation reference device uses Ohm's law voltage division principle voltage division simulation reference electrode, and based on the reverse correlation characteristics of adjustable potentiometer resistance value and output potential (the more negative corresponding current is greater for potential), realize the dynamic simulation test of current output adjustment caused by the electrochemical reaction process change of external reference in cathodic protection system of intelligent constant potential instrument, compare by with ammeter current value, determine whether the tested intelligent constant potential instrument is qualified.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of corrosion protection technology, and in particular to a simulation reference device and an intelligent potentiostat simulation test system. Background Technology

[0002] In a cathodic protection system, the potentiostat is essentially a negative feedback amplification-output system. It forms a closed-loop regulation with the protected object (such as a buried pipeline). It measures the potential at the energized point through a reference electrode, uses it as a sampling signal to compare with the control signal, and controls and regulates the polarization current output to keep the energized potential at the set control potential.

[0003] The reference electrode is an important component of a cathodic protection system. It serves as a reference electrode for comparing and contrasting various electrode potentials. By constructing a cell with the electrode to be measured and a reference electrode whose electrode potential is precisely known, and measuring the cell's electromotive force, the electrode potential of the electrode to be measured can be calculated. The electrode reaction occurring on the reference electrode must be a single, reversible reaction, with stable and reproducible electrode potential.

[0004] In conventional operation, the reference device first needs to be buried deep underground, then pipes and other objects under test are buried, and finally connected to the equipment via cables to simulate the on-site environment for measurement. This series of complex operations presents relatively many conditions for the factory performance testing of intelligent potentiostats. Therefore, improvements to the existing reference device are urgently needed for the factory performance testing of intelligent potentiostats. Utility Model Content

[0005] One technical problem this application aims to solve is to overcome the deficiencies of the above-mentioned related technologies and provide a simulation reference device and an intelligent potentiostat simulation test system. This simulation reference device can simulate the electrochemical reaction of an intelligent potentiostat in a cathodic protection system in response to an external reference.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this analog reference device to solve the technical problem is as follows: an analog reference device includes a base, on which an adjustable potentiometer, an anode terminal, a cathode terminal and a reference terminal are provided. The anode terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, the cathode terminal is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, and the reference terminal is electrically connected to the adjustable terminal of the adjustable potentiometer.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the base is further provided with a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resistor is connected between the anode terminal and the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, and the second resistor is connected between the cathode terminal and the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer. This is used to prevent short circuits between the adjustable potentiometer and the intelligent potentiometer, and also to form two specific voltage division modes. Using Ohm's law voltage division principle, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the output current of the intelligent potentiometer and the adjustment range of the output current are determined.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a handle is provided on the outer side of the base.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this intelligent potentiostat simulation test system to solve the technical problem is as follows: An intelligent potentiostat simulation test system includes the aforementioned simulation reference device, as well as a load, an ammeter, a first test connection line, a second test connection line, and a third test connection line; the first test connection line consists of a main line connected in series with the ammeter and two branch lines connected to the anode terminal and the positive terminal of the load, respectively. The connector of the main line is used for detachable connection with the anode cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test; the second test connection line is H-shaped, with one end connected to the cathode terminal and the negative terminal of the load, respectively, and the other two ends detachably connected to the cathode cable end and the zero-position cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test, respectively; one end of the third test connection line is connected to the reference terminal, and the other end of the third test connection line is detachably connected to the reference cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test.

[0010] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the adjustable potentiometer is a digital potentiometer, which contains a control chip and a wireless communication module.

[0011] It also includes a remote control, which communicates with the control chip via a wireless communication module for remotely controlling the step-by-step adjustment of the reference-side resistance value of the digital potentiometer. This remote control allows for remote, step-by-step adjustment of the reference-side resistance value of the digital potentiometer, ensuring the safety of testing personnel.

[0012] Compared with related technologies, the simulation reference device and intelligent potentiostat simulation test system of this utility model have the following advantages:

[0013] 1. Flexible and efficient operation and debugging of the analog reference device: Utilizing the voltage division principle of Ohm's law, the voltage division ratio can be changed in real time through the linear adjustment function of the adjustable potentiometer, which can accurately control the voltage range of the analog reference signal, adapting to the testing needs of different models of potentiostats. It does not require the use of real reference electrodes or complex environment setup, significantly shortening the factory testing time of the intelligent potentiostat and improving debugging efficiency.

[0014] 2. Wide applicability: By adjusting the resistance of the adjustable potentiometer, it can cover the output current range of various potentiostats and meet the factory testing requirements of different intelligent potentiostats.

[0015] 3. Simplified structure and low cost: Using basic electronic components (resistors, adjustable potentiometers, bases) and standardized terminals, there is no need for complex installation or on-site environment simulation, which greatly reduces manufacturing costs. It is simple to manufacture, has stable performance, stable potential, is not easy to polarize, and has a long service life.

[0016] 4. By comparing the current value of the ammeter with the current value displayed by the intelligent potentiostat under test, the adaptability of the intelligent potentiostat under test to changes in electrode response in the cathodic protection system can be directly detected. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0018] The diagram shows: 1. Analog reference device; 11. Base; 12. Adjustable potentiometer; 13. Anode terminal; 14. Cathode terminal; 15. Reference terminal; 16. First resistor; 17. Second resistor; 18. Handle; 2. Intelligent potentiostat; 21. Anode cable end; 22. Cathode cable end; 23. Zero-position cable end; 24. Reference cable end; 3. Load; 4. First test connection line; 5. Second test connection line; 6. Third test connection line. Detailed Implementation

[0019] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] This preferred option is as follows: Figure 1The diagram shows an intelligent potentiostat simulation test system, including a simulation reference device 1, a load 3, an ammeter 8, a first test connection line 4, a second test connection line 5, and a third test connection line 6. The simulation reference device 1 includes a base 11, on which an adjustable potentiometer 12, an anode terminal 13, a cathode terminal 14, and a reference terminal 15 are mounted. The anode terminal 13 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer 12, the cathode terminal 14 is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer 12, and the reference terminal 15 is electrically connected to the adjustable terminal of the adjustable potentiometer 12. The first test connection line 4 consists of a main line equipped with an ammeter 8 and two branch lines connected to the positive terminals of the anode terminal 13 and the load 3, respectively. The connector of the main line is detachably connected to the anode cable terminal 21 of the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test. The second test connection line 5 is H-shaped with four terminals. Two ends of the second test connection line 5 are connected to the cathode terminal 13 and the negative terminal of the load 3, respectively. The other two ends of the second test connection line 5 are detachably connected to the cathode cable terminal 22 and the zero-position cable terminal 23 of the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test, respectively. One end of the third test connection line 6 is connected to the reference terminal 15, and the other end of the third test connection line 6 is detachably connected to the reference cable terminal 24 of the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test. The current value displayed by the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test is compared with the current reading (current value) displayed by the ammeter 8 to determine whether the current output display of the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test is accurate.

[0022] The base 11 of the analog reference device 1 is made of insulating materials such as epoxy resin or polytetrafluoroethylene to isolate the electrical path between the anode terminal 13, the cathode terminal 14, and the reference terminal 15, preventing power leakage caused by moisture, contamination, or voltage fluctuations, and ensuring signal purity. This design forms a precise current control loop, enabling the analog reference device 1 to accurately simulate the reference potential, making it suitable for factory testing and debugging of various intelligent potentiostats 2.

[0023] As an improvement, the base 11 is further provided with a first resistor 16 and a second resistor 17. The first resistor 16 is connected between the anode terminal 13 and the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer 12, and the second resistor 17 is connected between the cathode terminal 14 and the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer 12. This avoids short circuits during testing and ensures the normal operation of the simulation reference device 1.

[0024] In addition, to facilitate the operation of the adjustable potentiometer 12, a handle 18 is provided on the side of the base 11 near the adjustable potentiometer 12, which can be used to manually fix the analog reference device 1. Alternatively, the adjustable potentiometer 12 is a digital potentiometer, which contains a control chip and a wireless communication module; the analog test system also includes a remote controller 7, which communicates with the control chip through the wireless communication module and is used to remotely control the step-by-step adjustment of the reference side resistance value of the digital potentiometer.

[0025] In the test, the intelligent potentiostat 2 under test is connected to the intelligent potentiostat simulation test system. When the intelligent potentiostat 2 is turned on, it outputs DC power. The load 3 operates, and the simulation reference device 1 receives the voltage from the intelligent potentiostat 2. This voltage is then divided by the internal resistor of the adjustable potentiometer 12, and a feedback signal is sent to the reference terminal of the intelligent potentiostat 2. Then, adjusting the internal resistance of the adjustable potentiometer 12 changes the voltage division. According to Ohm's law, the magnitude of the DC power output by the intelligent potentiostat 2 changes accordingly. The more negative the reverse display potential of the adjustable potentiometer 12, the larger the output current, thus simulating the electrochemical reaction of the cathodic protection intelligent potentiostat 2 with respect to an external reference.

[0026] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A simulation reference device, comprising a base, characterized in that, The base is equipped with an adjustable potentiometer, an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a reference terminal. The anode terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, the cathode terminal is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, and the reference terminal is electrically connected to the adjustable terminal of the adjustable potentiometer.

2. The simulation reference device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is also provided with a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resistor is connected between the anode terminal and the input terminal of the adjustable potentiometer, and the second resistor is connected between the cathode terminal and the ground terminal of the adjustable potentiometer.

3. The simulation reference device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handle is provided on the outside of the base.

4. A smart potentiostat simulation testing system, characterized in that, The device includes the analog reference device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, as well as a load, an ammeter, a first test connection line, a second test connection line, and a third test connection line. The first test connection line consists of a main line connected in series with the ammeter and two branch lines connected to the anode terminal and the positive terminal of the load, respectively. The connector of the main line is used for detachable connection to the anode cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test. The second test connection line is H-shaped, with two ends connected to the cathode terminal and the negative terminal of the load, respectively, and the other two ends detachably connected to the cathode cable end and the zero-position cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test, respectively. One end of the third test connection line is connected to the reference terminal, and the other end is detachably connected to the reference cable end of the intelligent potentiostat under test.

5. The intelligent potentiostat simulation test system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjustable potentiometer is a digital potentiometer, and the digital potentiometer contains a control chip and a wireless communication module. It also includes a remote control, which is connected to the control chip via a wireless communication module and is used to remotely control the step-by-step adjustment of the reference-side resistance value of the digital potentiometer.