Device for cathodic protection of metal boat parts
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023560981
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-04-01
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-09
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing cathodic protection systems for boats require complex circuitry, are energy-intensive, and involve sacrificial anodes that wear out and pollute the marine environment, while smaller boats lack space for central generators and face installation challenges on non-metallic hulls.
An autonomous cathodic protection device with a direct current power source, anode, and control unit integrated on the metal parts, which measures voltage and adjusts current based on environmental conditions, eliminating the need for sacrificial anodes and remote generators.
Provides efficient, low-energy corrosion protection for small boats without central generators, allowing real-time monitoring and autonomous operation, reducing pollution and maintenance needs.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of galvanic corrosion of metal structures exposed to electrolytic environments such as fresh water or sea water.
[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to impressed current cathodic protection systems. [Background technology]
[0003] As is well known, galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical reaction caused when metals of different potentials, immersed in a conductive liquid (called the electrolyte), come into contact with each other, either directly or with the intervention of a further element acting as a link. The electric current that is generated is capable of attacking and corroding the metal with the lowest potential (the anode), usually the least noble metal.
[0004] When a boat is immersed in water, water, being an excellent electrolyte, constitutes a very favorable environment for this phenomenon to occur, seriously endangering the metals immersed in the boat (propellers, shafts, keels, stems, seacocks, flaps, etc.) and all metal parts that come into contact with these elements (valves, pipes, etc.). The higher the degree of salinity of the water, its temperature and the presence of oxygen, the greater the chance of corrosion.
[0005] Usually the most effective solution to protect a boat is to use properly placed anodes, which naturally generate a protective current. These less noble metallic elements (commonly zinc or aluminium alloys, but also magnesium alloys) corrode and prevent corrosion of the most important and expensive parts of the boat. For this reason they are commonly called sacrificial anodes. An example of the application of this system is described in WO2004101851.
[0006] However, this system involves progressive wear of the sacrificial anodes, which require constant inspection to maintain effective protection of the boat, as well as annual replacement during winter storage. Furthermore, during corrosion, the sacrificial anodes release metal oxides into the marine environment, causing high pollution.
[0007] Another system is so-called impressed current cathodic protection, in which the metal to be protected is brought to a safe potential by means of an electric current impressed by an electromotive force, typically supplied by a suitable DC power source called the impressed cathode.
[0008] Some examples of impressed current cathodic protection are described in Russian Patent No. 2713898, U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,818, U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,606, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,977.
[0009] However, in such systems there is a single current generator located remotely relative to the metal to be protected, which is connected by complex circuits to various components located in the hull.
[0010] For this reason, such systems are typically used on larger boats where space is available for a current generator capable of powering the protection systems of the entire boat.
[0011] Furthermore, the circuitry required to electrically connect the protected metal parts with the generator is typically fabricated on the surface of the hull, which can be very complicated for hulls that are not entirely metal, such as fiberglass or wood.
[0012] EP 1 715 229 A2 discloses a corrosion protection device for subsea equipment comprising a charging module, an energy storage module, an electrochemical corrosion protection module and a control module.
[0013] However, the control module is designed to protect the subsea equipment with a constant current set by the user, so the user can either set a current strength high enough to reliably counter galvanic currents, providing perfect protection but also dissipating energy, or the user can set a lower current strength, saving energy but risking losing the effectiveness of the protection. Summary of the Invention
[0014] It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide an impressed current cathodic protection system which can be used on small boats, e.g. pleasure boats, or metal structures or components immersed in an electrolytic environment, ensuring complete protection from corrosion and at the same time lower energy consumption than prior art devices.
[0015] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is completely autonomous and can be installed directly on metal parts of a boat or underwater structure without requiring circuitry to connect to a central generator.
[0016] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that is capable of recording and transmitting information regarding locally monitored electrical quantities in real time.
[0017] These and other objects are achieved by a cathodic protection apparatus arranged to provide impressed current cathodic protection of a metallic element configured to be immersed in an electrolytic environment, the cathodic protection apparatus comprising: a container body comprising an internal chamber and at least one electrically conductive interface arranged to be electrically connected to a metal element; an anode which is integral with the vessel body and has a portion facing outwardly with respect to the vessel body; a DC power source disposed within the container body, the DC power source having a negative electrode electrically connected to the conductive interface and a positive electrode electrically connected to the anode; Its main features are: a reference electrode integral with the vessel body and having a portion facing outwardly with respect to the vessel body; a control unit arranged in the vessel body and configured to measure a voltage ΔV between the conductive interface and the reference electrode when the cathodic protection device is immersed in the electrolytic environment, The control unit determines ΔV * is a predetermined threshold, and the voltage ΔV>ΔV * When detecting, the DC power supply satisfies the condition ΔV≦ΔV * and supplying a current I between the conductive interface and the anode so as to restore
[0018] In this way, the invention makes it possible to obtain cathodic protection at the impressed current of a metal element, while avoiding the use of sacrificial anodes, and at the same time having the energy autonomy of one or more devices placed on the metal element, thereby making it possible to dispense with a central energy source remote from the devices, and on the other hand, required by the impressed current cathodic protection systems of the prior art.
[0019] In particular, the conductive interface is configured to mechanically fasten the container body to the metal element.
[0020] Advantageously, the electrically conductive interface comprises at least one flange configured to mechanically and electrically secure the container body to the metal element.
[0021] In particular, the vessel body includes a hermetic sealing element configured to insulate the interior chamber from the electrolytic environment.
[0022] Advantageously, the anode comprises at least one of the following elements: -titanium, - Titanium activated with iridium and ruthenium, -Titanium activated with platinum, -Platinum activated niobium, -A combination of the above.
[0023] In particular, the control unit is also arranged to generate a register in which trends over time of electrical parameters selected from the group consisting of: - the voltage ΔV between the conductive interface and the reference electrode, - the current I supplied by the DC power source, - The voltage ΔV between the positive and negative poles of the DC power supply G , - DC power supply status data, -A combination of the above.
[0024] In this way it is possible to monitor trends of parameters over time and generate statistics and / or predictions that can be used to modify protective currents.
[0025] Advantageously, also located within the inner chamber is an antenna arranged to wirelessly connect the control unit to a remote device, which may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a computer or a server for collecting data.
[0026] In particular, the control unit is adapted to transmit, by means of the antenna, the data present on the register.
[0027] Advantageously, a recharging device is also provided, arranged to recharge the DC power source, in particular by motive power or solar energy.
[0028] Advantageously, the DC power source is adapted to store energy by wireless charging, for example the battery can be recharged using magnetic induction or resonance devices.
[0029] In particular, the device may be equipped with devices, in particular LEDs or the like, for visually indicating the state of the battery and / or the operational state of the device.
[0030] In particular, the recharging device is selected from the group consisting of: -Solar panels installed in part of the container body; a direct current generator having a rotor connected to the vessel body and adapted to be propelled by relative motion between the cathodic protection device and the electrolytic environment; An inertial generator arranged within the vessel body and configured to utilize the vibration of a metallic element.
[0031] Advantageously, the control unit determines the predetermined threshold value ΔV by means of a remote device. * The control circuit is configured to adjust the
[0032] In particular, the control unit determines whether a predetermined threshold ΔV * based on the determined environmental parameters.
[0033] Advantageously, the metallic element is adapted to be immersed in the electrolyte and the determined environmental parameter is selected from the group consisting of: - the level of oxygen in the electrolyte fluid, - the level of salinity of electrolyte fluids, - the speed of migration of metal elements in the electrolyte, -A combination of the above.
[0034] In particular, the cathodic protection device has a maximum length of 3 cm to 30 cm.
[0035] Advantageously, the container body has a hydrodynamic shape, in particular a rounded shape. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0036] The invention is illustrated by means of the following description of some exemplary embodiments, given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates possible exemplary embodiments of the cathodic protection device of the present invention; [Figure 1A] 1 shows a logic diagram of the operation of the cathodic protection device. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a possible exemplary embodiment of a cathodic protection device of the present invention, comprising a recharging device, an antenna for wireless connection with a remote device, and a visual signaling device. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cathodic protection apparatus in which an external turbine is present as a recharging device. [Figure 4] 1 shows diagrammatically possible applications of several cathodic protection devices of the present invention placed in the hull of a boat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred exemplary embodiment of a cathodic protection apparatus 100 of the present invention arranged to provide impressed current cathodic protection of a metal component 10 of a boat or other structure when the component 10 is immersed in an electrolytic environment, such as saltwater or fresh water.
[0038] In particular, the cathodic protection device 100 comprises a container body 110 with an internal chamber 111 insulated from the outside, and two conductive interfaces 115 enabling mechanical and electrical connection between the container body 110 and the metal element 10 to be protected.
[0039] The cathodic protection device 100 also includes an anode 120 and a reference electrode 130, both of which are disposed external to the vessel body 110 in contact with the electrolyte.
[0040] Furthermore, a DC power source 140, in particular a rechargeable battery, and a control unit 150 are arranged within the inner chamber.
[0041] In particular, the battery 140 is connected by its negative pole to the conductive interface 115 and by its positive pole to the anode 120, completing a circuit via the electrolyte.
[0042] The control unit 150 is instead configured to measure the voltage ΔV between the conductive interface 115 and the reference electrode 130 .
[0043] Referring also to FIG. 1A, the device 100 is * is a predetermined value, and the control unit 150 sets the voltage ΔV>ΔV *When detecting ΔV, the battery 140 detects that the conductive interface 115, and therefore the metallic element 10 connected thereto, acts as a cathode and is in a state ΔV≦ΔV * The anode 120 is configured to supply a current I between the conductive interface 115 and the anode 120 so as to enable the recovery of
[0044] In this way, the invention makes it possible to obtain cathodic protection by impressed current of the metal element 10, avoiding the use of sacrificial anodes, while at the same time having the energy autonomy of one or more devices placed on the metal element, which makes it possible to dispense with a central generator, which prior art cathodic protection systems using impressed current would instead require.
[0045] In particular, the control unit may comprise an electronic board 151 adapted to generate a resistor, which may for example include the voltage ΔV between the conductive interface 115 and the reference electrode 130, the current I supplied by the battery 140 and the voltage ΔV of the battery 140. G Trends over time of electrical parameters are reported, such as: In addition, the control unit can record any corrosion peaks and "overprotection" phenomena.
[0046] In this way it is possible to monitor trends of parameters over time and generate statistics and / or predictions that can be used to modify protective currents.
[0047] 2 and 3, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control unit may comprise an electronic board 152 and an antenna arranged to wirelessly connect the control unit 150 to a remote device 200, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or server collecting data, for transmitting the data present in the registers of monitored electrical parameters.
[0048] In this way, it is possible to monitor in real time by the remote device the recorded parameters, the corrosion / protection state of the metal element 10 and the battery state, and to detect in case of a fault or a need for maintenance of the device or to determine a voltage threshold ΔV above which a protective current is activated. * This allows you to intervene even if you want to adjust
[0049] Advantageously, a recharging device 154 is also provided arranged to recharge the battery 140, for example by means of kinetic or solar energy.
[0050] In particular, this recharging device 154 can be, for example, a hydroelectric turbine placed outside the internal chamber 111 (FIG. 3). Alternatively, the recharging device can be a gyroscopic generator, actuated by wave motion and placed inside the internal chamber 111. This second solution makes it possible to avoid wear and tear on the recharging device that may result from immersion in a marine environment or, in general, an electrolytic environment.
[0051] In this way the DC power supply can be recharged by energy obtained from the movement of the boat or from the movement of the waves in case of long stops.
[0052] Alternatively, the charging device 154 may be a solar panel located remotely relative to the cathodic protection system 100, for example on the hull or deck of a boat.
[0053] Additionally, the battery 140 may be rechargeable by wireless charging. In this way, it is possible to recharge the battery without having to remove the device 100 from the hull. For example, the battery may be recharged using a magnetic induction or resonance device.
[0054] Furthermore, the device 100 may comprise a visual signaling device 153 of the battery status and / or the operating status of the device, such as in particular an LED.
[0055] In this way, it is possible to perform a quick visual inspection of the device 100 to verify its correct functioning (e.g., green light or intermittent green light), battery failure or imminent depletion (e.g., red light or flashing red light), or complete failure of the device or battery (no light).
[0056] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above will fully clarify the present invention according to a conceptual point of view, so that others can modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying their current knowledge without further study and without departing from the present invention, and therefore such adaptations and modifications must be considered equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and materials for achieving different functions described herein can, for this reason, have different properties without departing from the field of the present invention. It is to be understood that the expressions or terms employed herein are for the purpose of description and not limitation.
Claims
1. 1. A cathodic protection apparatus (100) arranged to provide impressed current cathodic protection of a metal element (10) configured to be immersed in an electrolytic environment, comprising: - a container body (110) comprising an internal chamber (111) and at least one electrically conductive interface (115) arranged to be electrically connected to said metal element (10); an anode (120) integrated with said container body (110) and having a portion facing outward with respect to said container body (110); a DC power source (140) arranged in said container body (110) and comprising a negative pole electrically connected to said conductive interface (115) and a positive pole electrically connected to said anode (120); The cathodic protection device (100) comprises: a reference electrode (130) integrated with said container body (110) and having a portion facing outward with respect to said container body (110); a control unit (150) arranged in said container body (110) and configured to measure a voltage ΔV between said conductive interface (115) and said reference electrode (130) when said cathodic protection device (100) is immersed in an electrolytic environment, The control unit (150) sets ΔV as a predetermined threshold and determines whether the voltage ΔV>ΔV ＊ When detecting the state ΔV≦ΔV ＊ a cathodic protection apparatus (100) configured to provide a current I between the conductive interface (115) and the anode (120) to restore
2. The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive interface (115) is configured to mechanically secure the vessel body (110) to the metal element (10).
3. 2. The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the conductive interface (115) comprises at least one flange configured to mechanically and electrically secure the vessel body (110) to the metal element (10).
4. The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the vessel body (110) comprises a hermetic sealing element configured to insulate the inner chamber (111) from the electrolytic environment.
5. The anode (120) is -titanium, - Titanium activated with iridium and ruthenium, - Titanium activated with platinum, - Platinum-activated niobium, The cathodic protection device (100) of claim 1, comprising at least one of the following elements: - the above combinations.
6. The control unit (150) the voltage ΔV between the conductive interface (115) and the reference electrode (130), the current I provided by the DC power source (140), The voltage ΔV between the positive and negative poles of the DC power source (140) Ｇ , - status data of said DC power source (140), - combinations of the above.
7. 2. The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein an antenna is also disposed within the inner chamber (111) for wirelessly connecting the control unit (150) to a remote device.
8. The cathodic protection device (100) of claim 6, wherein an antenna is also arranged within the inner chamber (111) for wirelessly connecting the control unit (150) to a remote device, and the control unit (150) is adapted to transmit data present on the register via the antenna.
9. The cathodic protection system (100) of claim 1, also comprising a recharging device (154) arranged to recharge the DC power source (140).
10. The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the DC power source (140) is adapted to store energy by wireless charging.
11. The recharging device (154) - a solar panel arranged on a part of said container body (110); - a direct current generator having a rotor connected to said vessel body (110) and adapted to be propelled by the relative motion between said cathodic protection device (100) and said electrolytic environment; an inertial generator arranged in the vessel body (110) and configured to utilize the vibration of the metal element (10).
12. The control unit detects the predetermined threshold ΔV ＊ The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 7 configured to regulate
13. The control unit determines the predetermined threshold value ΔV based on the determined environmental parameters. ＊ The cathodic protection apparatus (100) of claim 1 configured to automatically adjust
14. The metal element (10) is configured to be immersed in an electrolyte fluid, and the determined environmental parameters include: the level of oxygen in the electrolyte fluid, the salinity level of the electrolytic fluid, the speed of movement of said metal element (10) through said electrolyte fluid, - combinations of the above.
15. The cathodic protection device (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the cathodic protection device (100) has a maximum length of between 3 cm and 30 cm.
16. The cathodic protection device (100) of claim 1, wherein the vessel body (110) has a hydrodynamic shape, in particular a rounded shape.