A ship sacrificial anode potential on-site detection device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ship sacrificial anode potential on-site detection device, it is related to ship electrochemical protection technical field, including the sacrificial anode being installed on ship structure, potential detection sensor, potential detection sensor fixed support and potential measuring unit, the potential detection sensor is by silver / silver chloride / saline reference electrode probe and the foam water absorption layer that is soaked by sea water and is wrapped in reference electrode probe measuring end, by adjusting potential detection sensor fixed support, make the foam water absorption layer that is wrapped on reference electrode probe and rest on the surface of sacrificial anode to be measured, the potential difference between potential measuring unit and sacrificial anode is measured to obtain the potential of sacrificial anode relative to reference electrode, the detection device can be in dry dock and ballast tank empty cabin when ship is in sacrificial anode potential nondestructive, fast detection, the device is portable, easy to operate, suitable for on-site use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ship electrochemical protection technology, and more specifically, to a field detection device for ship sacrificial anode potential. Background Technology

[0002] The hulls and ballast tanks of ocean-going vessels inevitably corrode due to the influence of seawater. Corrosion of the hull structure not only increases maintenance workload and costs, raising operating expenses, but can also shorten the vessel's service life and even cause accidents, seriously affecting ship safety. To prevent seawater corrosion of the hull plating and ballast tanks, sacrificial anodes and paint coatings are often used in combination for protection. The paint coating can block the direct corrosive effect of seawater on the ship's steel structure, while the sacrificial anode provides electrochemical protection to the exposed steel substrate at damaged areas of the coating and to the steel substrate after the paint coating has aged. When the sacrificial anode is working, it dissolves and consumes cathodic protection current to the protected hull steel structure, causing cathodic polarization of the hull structure, thereby mitigating and inhibiting metal corrosion. The performance of the sacrificial anode plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cathodic protection for ships.

[0003] The potential of the sacrificial anode in seawater is one of the important indicators for evaluating its performance and quality. When the sacrificial anode becomes passivated during use, its electrode potential will shift to the positive direction. For example, the sacrificial anodes in ship ballast tanks are often in a state of periodic seawater immersion. That is, during ballasting, the tank is filled with seawater, at which time the sacrificial anode works and provides cathodic protection. However, when the tank is empty or loaded with cargo, the sacrificial anode is in a dry state. This alternating wet and dry seawater environment can easily cause the potential of the sacrificial anode to gradually shift to the positive direction, and even lead to passivation failure (Huang Zhenfeng et al., The Influence of Alternating Wet and Dry Seawater Environment on the Performance of Aluminum Alloy Sacrificial Anodes, Corrosion and Protection, 2016, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 160-164.). Therefore, by measuring the potential of the sacrificial anodes installed on the ship, it is possible to evaluate whether the sacrificial anode is in a normal working state and whether it can continue to provide cathodic protection for the hull structure.

[0004] The potential measurement of sacrificial anodes is usually conducted in the laboratory. This requires casting cylindrical samples during the production process or directly cutting samples from the sacrificial anode, machining them into the required shape and specifications, and then measuring the potential of the sacrificial anode using a reference electrode in a specialized seawater container according to the standard method (GB / T17848-1999, Test Method for Electrochemical Performance of Sacrificial Anodes). Patent application CN 103388149 A discloses a sacrificial anode electrochemical performance testing device. This device places multiple electrolytic cells separated by partitions in a constant-temperature water bath. Sacrificial anode samples, reference electrodes, and cathode cylinders are fixed on a horizontal plate. An industrial control computer automatically measures the potential and current of the sacrificial anode to obtain its electrochemical performance. Although this device has a high degree of automation and testing efficiency, this method is only suitable for laboratory measurements and requires the fabrication of specialized sacrificial anode samples. It cannot be used for direct on-site measurement of sacrificial anodes installed on ships. The invention patent with publication number CN 112663068 A discloses a sacrificial anode electrochemical performance testing device, and the invention patent with publication number CN 119307928 A discloses a sacrificial anode electrochemical performance testing device. These devices are improvements on the conventional laboratory sacrificial anode performance testing methods, simplifying the testing process and preparation work, and improving the testing efficiency of sacrificial anode electrochemical performance. However, these devices are still only suitable for testing in the laboratory using small-sized processed samples and cannot be used for on-site measurement on ships.

[0005] Measuring the electrode potential of the protected structure can determine the effectiveness of the hull protection, but it cannot determine whether the sacrificial anode performance is up to standard, especially when the measured potential of the structure does not meet the requirements. This is because many factors affect the cathodic protection potential of the hull structure, not just the performance of the sacrificial anode. For example, even if the sacrificial anode performance is up to standard, improper design and arrangement of the sacrificial anode cathodic protection can still cause the hull structure to fail to reach the required protection potential. Another method for on-site assessment of sacrificial anode performance is to install a sacrificial anode potential and current monitoring device in situ. For example, invention patent application CN 119506896A discloses an underwater corrosion potential detection device, which can be used to detect or monitor the corrosion status of underwater steel structures over a long period of time. However, this device has a complex structure and is a corrosion potential probe, requiring divers or ROVs to place it at the underwater test point for detection. It cannot be used to measure and inspect the sacrificial anode potential when the ship is in dry dock or in empty ballast tanks. The utility model patent with authorization publication number CN 211972454 U discloses an underwater potential detection device, which consists of a potential detection unit and a control unit connected to the potential detection unit. This potential detection device also needs to be placed at the underwater test point for detection. Similarly, it cannot be used to measure and inspect the potential of the sacrificial anode when the ship is in dry dock or empty ballast tank. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device for on-site potential detection of installed sacrificial anodes when a ship is in dry dock or in an empty ballast tank. This device verifies the performance and condition of the sacrificial anode by measuring the actual potential. It eliminates the need for cutting and sampling the sacrificial anode, enabling non-destructive and rapid on-site detection of the ship's sacrificial anode potential.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] This invention provides a field detection device for the sacrificial anode potential of a ship, comprising: a sacrificial anode installed on the hull structure, a potential detection sensor, a potential detection sensor mounting bracket, and a potential measurement unit. The potential difference between the potential detection sensor and the sacrificial anode can be measured by the potential measurement unit to obtain the potential of the sacrificial anode relative to a reference electrode. This detection device can perform potential detection on the sacrificial anode when the ship is in dry dock or when the ballast tanks are empty.

[0009] As a further step in this solution, the sacrificial anode is fixed to the hull structure by welding a steel core or by using screws.

[0010] As a further improvement to this solution, the potential detection sensor comprises a reference electrode probe and a foam absorbent layer. The reference electrode probe is characterized by being a silver / silver chloride / seawater electrode, consisting of a silver / silver chloride electrode body, a cylindrical shell, a semi-permeable membrane, seawater, a sealing structure, and a connecting cable. The joint between the electrode body and the connecting cable is sealed using a stuffing box, sealing packing, and a gland. The stuffing box and the shell are connected by threads and sealed with a gasket. The measuring end of the reference electrode probe has a semi-permeable membrane with a boss structure, embedded in an end cap. The end cap is connected to the shell by threads, and a gasket is placed at the end of the semi-permeable membrane and the shell for sealing. The shell is filled with seawater, immersing the silver / silver chloride electrode body in seawater. The cylindrical shell, stuffing box, gland, and end cap are all made of opaque plastic, possessing good mechanical and insulating properties and preventing the silver / silver chloride electrode body from decomposing due to light exposure, thereby ensuring the measurement stability of the reference electrode probe and extending its lifespan.

[0011] As a further step in this solution, the foam absorbent layer is a porous absorbent material, preferably a porous foam sponge or a super absorbent polymer felt; the foam absorbent layer wraps around and fixes the end of the reference electrode probe with a semi-permeable membrane, and is in close contact with the semi-permeable membrane, and can act as an ion pathway after being fully soaked in seawater.

[0012] As a further step in this solution, the potential measurement unit is a digital voltmeter or a potential data acquisition device, which has two terminals. One end is connected to the reference electrode probe via a cable, and the other end is connected to the sacrificial anode steel core via a cable. Preferably, it is a potential data acquisition device, which can measure and automatically record the sacrificial anode potential value and its change over time according to the set sampling frequency, thereby obtaining a more stable sacrificial anode potential value.

[0013] As a further step in this solution, the potential detection sensor mounting bracket includes a base, an upright, a crossbar, and a fixing cross clamp. The potential detection sensor is fixed to the crossbar. The cross clamp is used to fix the crossbar to the upright. By adjusting the position of the crossbar, the foam absorbent layer of the potential detection sensor can be pressed against the sacrificial anode test surface, allowing the sacrificial anode test surface to be wetted by seawater. The upright and crossbar are made of hollow tubes to reduce weight.

[0014] As a further step of this solution, the base of the fixed bracket is embedded with a magnet, which allows the base to be attracted to the steel structure of the hull. This facilitates the detection of anodes installed on the horizontal surface of the hull structure, as well as anodes installed on the vertical wall surface.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a sacrificial anode potential detection device, which enables non-destructive and rapid on-site detection and evaluation of the sacrificial anode potential when the ship is in dry dock or the ballast tank is empty. The device is portable, easy to operate, and suitable for on-site use. In addition to detecting sacrificial anodes installed on ships, it can also be used by sacrificial anode manufacturers to directly inspect their produced sacrificial anode products.

[0016] This invention incorporates a potential detection sensor with a silver / silver chloride / seawater reference electrode probe, which features a compact structure, high potential stability, and environmental friendliness. The included foam absorbent layer effectively absorbs and retains seawater, providing not only a measurement ion pathway but also, due to its soft, elastic material, better conforming to the rough surface of the dissolved sacrificial anode, thus ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the measurement.

[0017] This invention features a mounting bracket for a potential detection sensor. The measurement point on the sacrificial anode can be easily adjusted by moving the crossbar up and down and rotating it. By incorporating a magnet in the base of the bracket, it can be easily installed on the ship's hull panel, enabling the detection of the potential of the sacrificial anode mounted on a vertical wall surface, thus improving the convenience and practicality of the sacrificial anode potential detection device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the potential detection sensor of this utility model.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Hull structure; 2. Anode steel core; 3. Sacrificial anode; 4. Potential detection sensor mounting bracket; 41. Crossbar; 42. Vertical bar; 43. Cross clamp; 44. Base with embedded magnet; 5. Reference electrode probe; 51. Cable connector sealing gland; 52. Sealing packing; 53. Sealing gasket; 54. Electrode body; 541. Electrode body and cable connector; 55. Seawater; 56. End cap; 57. Stuffing box; 58. Shell; 59. Sealing ring; 6. Foam absorbent layer; 61. Semi-permeable membrane; 7. Potential measurement unit; 8. Cable; 9. Electrical connection joint between cable and anode steel core. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments provided are intended to enable those skilled in the art to gain a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0022] Example:

[0023] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a field detection device for the sacrificial anode potential of a ship includes: a sacrificial anode 3 installed on the hull structure 1, a potential detection sensor composed of a reference electrode probe 5 and a foam absorbent layer 6, a fixing bracket 4, and a potential measurement unit 7. The sacrificial anode 3 is fixed to the hull structure 1 by welding through a steel core 2. One port of the potential measurement unit 7 is connected to the steel core of the sacrificial anode via a cable 8, forming an electrical connection connector 9; the other port is connected to the cable connected to the reference electrode probe 5. During measurement, the foam absorbent layer 6 is filled with seawater. By adjusting the position of the crossbar 41 in the fixing bracket 4, the foam absorbent layer of the potential detection sensor is pressed against the surface of the sacrificial anode. At this time, an ion pathway is formed between the reference electrode probe 5 and the sacrificial anode 3 through the foam absorbent layer. The potential difference between the reference electrode probe 5 and the sacrificial anode 3 is measured by the potential measurement unit 7 to obtain the potential of the sacrificial anode.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the foam absorbent layer 6 in the potential detection sensor wraps around the measuring end of the reference electrode probe 5, so that the foam absorbent layer 6 and the semi-permeable membrane 61 of the measuring end of the reference electrode probe 5 form a tight fit. The foam absorbent layer 6 can be tied and fixed to the housing 58 of the reference electrode probe using plastic cable ties with buckles.

[0025] In this embodiment, the reference electrode probe 5 is a silver / silver chloride / seawater electrode, which has high electrode potential stability and anti-polarization performance. The reference electrode probe consists of a silver / silver chloride electrode body 54, a cylindrical housing 58, a semi-permeable membrane 61, seawater 55, a sealing structure, and a connecting cable 8. The housing is made of opaque polyvinyl chloride to prevent the silver / silver chloride electrode body from decomposing under light. One end of the electrode body 54 is threaded to pass through the threaded hole on the stuffing box 57 for fixing, and is electrically connected to the cable 8 using a nut 541. The cavity of the stuffing box 57 is filled with sealing filler, such as epoxy putty or other suitable sealing filler, to prevent seawater from seeping in and to seal the joint between the cable 8 and the electrode body 54. The cable joint sealing cap 51 has external threads, which are screwed into the internally threaded stuffing box 57 to compress the filler. The threaded end of the stuffing box is connected to the housing 58 by threads and is equipped with a rubber sealing gasket 53 to prevent the seawater electrolyte 55 filled in the housing from leaking out. This structure facilitates installation and disassembly for replenishing seawater into the shell cavity. The other end of the shell 58 has external threads for connection to an end cap 56 with internal threads. The end cap 56 has an opening into which a semi-permeable membrane 61 with a boss is embedded. A rubber sealing ring is placed between the semi-permeable membrane 61 and the end face of the shell 58. By tightening the end cap 56, seawater 55 can be prevented from leaking out. The semi-permeable membrane 61 can be made of ceramic or other suitable materials, its function being to maintain ion passage while preventing rapid leakage of seawater 55. The bossed surface of the semi-permeable membrane 61 should be flush with or slightly protruding from the end face of the end cap 56 to ensure good adhesion to the foam absorbent layer 6.

[0026] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 4 for the potential detection sensor consists of a crossbar 41, a vertical rod 42, an adjustable cross clamp 43, and a base 44 embedded with magnets. The base contains magnets, which generate an attractive force with the steel structure, allowing the bracket 4 to be placed on either a horizontal or vertical steel structure surface. The potential detection sensor is vertically fixed to the crossbar 41 using a cross clamp or other suitable method. The crossbar 41 and the vertical rod 42 are connected by the cross clamp 43. The crossbar can move up and down along the vertical rod 42 and rotate around it. By adjusting the position of the crossbar, the foam absorbent layer of the potential detection sensor is brought into contact with the sacrificial anode surface to be measured. Then, the screws of the cross clamp are tightened to fix the crossbar to the vertical rod.

[0027] During measurement, the foam absorbent layer 6 should be fully saturated with seawater. The potential measurement unit 7 uses a digital multimeter or an automatic potential data acquisition device. This detection device can perform potential detection on the sacrificial anode installed on the hull structure when the ship is in dry dock or in an empty ballast tank. Based on the measured potential value, it can be verified whether the sacrificial anode has become passivated.

[0028] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. All equivalent transformations and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model using the above-disclosed technical content shall still be covered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A field detection device for sacrificial anode potential of ships, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a sacrificial anode, a potential detection sensor, a potential detection sensor mounting bracket, and a potential measurement unit, all mounted on the ship's hull structure. The potential detection sensor includes a reference electrode probe and a foam absorbent layer permeated with seawater. The potential measurement unit has two terminals, one connected to the reference electrode probe via a cable, and the other connected to the sacrificial anode steel core via a cable. The potential detection sensor mounting bracket ensures that the foam absorbent layer wrapped around the reference electrode probe rests against the surface of the sacrificial anode to be measured.

2. The on-site detection device for ship sacrificial anode potential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference electrode probe is a silver / silver chloride / seawater electrode, consisting of a silver / silver chloride electrode body, a cylindrical housing, a semi-permeable membrane, seawater, a sealing structure, and a connecting cable. The joint between the electrode body and the connecting cable is sealed using a stuffing box, sealing packing, and a gland. The stuffing box and the housing are connected by threads and sealed with a gasket. The measuring end of the reference electrode probe has a semi-permeable membrane with a boss structure, which is embedded in an end cap. The end cap is connected to the housing by threads, and a gasket is placed at the end of the semi-permeable membrane and the housing for sealing. The housing is filled with seawater, immersing the silver / silver chloride electrode body in seawater. The cylindrical housing, stuffing box, gland, and end cap are all made of opaque plastic.

3. The on-site detection device for ship sacrificial anode potential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foam absorbent layer wraps around and fixes the reference electrode probe to one end with a semi-permeable membrane.

4. The on-site detection device for sacrificial anode potential of ships according to claim 1, characterized in that, The potential measurement unit is a potential data acquisition device.

5. A field detection device for sacrificial anode potential of ships according to claim 1, characterized in that, The potential measurement unit is a digital voltmeter.

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