ICCP anode assembly for mounting an ICCP anode on a hollow offshore foundation construction

Abstract

The invention relates to an ICCP anode assembly, the assembly comprising an anode mount configured to be mounted in an aperture in a wall of a hollow offshore construction. The anode mount comprises a base, an inner bracket, an outer bracket an one or more fasteners. According to the invention, one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, and the fasteners extending between the base or the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in the fixed position and the other of the inner bracket and the outer bracket. The fasteners extend through the aperture and pull the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other into a clamping position.

Description

[0001] Title: ICCP anode assembly for mounting an ICCP anode on a hollow offshore foundation construction

[0002] The invention relates to mounting an anode of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system on a hollow offshore foundation structure, preferably a wind turbine foundation pile, to provide the offshore construction with cathodic protection.

[0003] It is known to provide steel offshore foundation structures with ICCP anodes to prevent, or at least slow down, corrosion of the construction.

[0004] For example, offshore wind turbines are supported by steel structures in the form of foundation piles and jacket like structures. To protect these structures against corrosion they can be provided with an ICCP system. The great benefit of ICCP systems over the more traditional protection systems that utilise sacrificial anodes is that with the ICCP systems the anodes can be used for a relatively long period.

[0005] An ICCP system typically comprises a control device, a power source, one or more anodes and one or more reference cells. The power source is connected to the structure to be protected and to the anodes to create a potential difference. An offshore construction is provided with multiple anodes, below the water surface, to create a field that sufficiently covers the entire structure. The one or more reference cells monitor potential difference created by the ICCP system, and the control system controls the power source based on the information provided by the one or more reference cells.

[0006] Anodes for ICCP systems are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Common anodes are disk shaped or cylindrical shaped. The anodes are mounted on a spacer frame to set the anode at a distance from the surface to be protected. The disk shaped anodes are supported by the spacer frame such that the anode surface faces away from the structure, and away from the spacer frame. When seen from the side, a disk shaped anode has a T-shaped configuration. Cylindrical anodes are often mounted on bifurcating spacer frames wherein each branch of the spacer frame supports a cylindrical anode. Such a cathodic protection device for example also has a T-shape, or may have a Y-shape.

[0007] The spacer frames are typically welded to the steel offshore construction to be protected, or are mounted on feet that are welded to the steel offshore construction. For example wind turbine foundation piles, and or the transition peace mounted on the foundation pile, are often provided with multiple anodes, each protruding from the construction. The spacer frames and anodes are either mounted on the pile or the transition piece prior to it being shipped, or are mounted to the transition piece after it has been installed on the foundation pile.

[0008] For example, publication EP3635179 discloses two tubular anodes that are supported by a spacer frame that is welded to the foundation pile. The anodes are set up parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of a wind turbine foundation pile. The anodes extend in a direction perpendicular to the support frame, providing the cathodic protection device with a T-shape configuration.

[0009] It is submitted that the way of providing the off shore constructions with anodes for an ICCP system is cumbersome and complicated. Welding the spacer frames to the foundation after the foundation is installed requires welding under water while supporting the spacer frame in the correct position.

[0010] Providing an offshore construction with spacer frames and anodes prior to the offshore construction being installed complicates handling of the construction due to the anodes and the spacer frames being delicate components, in particular compared to for example a transition piece, that protrude from the construction. For example, providing a transition piece with spacer frames and anodes complicates hoisting the transition piece, or stacking the transition piece on the deck of a vessel. Due to the anodes protruding relative to the outside surface of the transition piece, the transition pieces need to be spaced further apart when being stacked on the deck of a vessel to prevent the anodes from getting damaged.

[0011] Also, when a foundation pile is provided with anodes mounted to the outside surface of the pile, or with mounts welded to the outside surface of the pile to enable mounting the anode to the pile after the pile is installed in the seafloor, the foundation pile is provided with protrusion that make the pile harder to handle. For example, when a foundation pile is installed into the seafloor, it is typically supported by a ring shaped pile gripper. To not damage the pile gripper or the mounts for the anodes during the installation process, contact between the two needs to be prevented.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide an ICCP anode assembly, the assembly comprising an anode mount and an anode of an ICCP system, that reduces and preferably obviates one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks. It is a further object of the invention to provide an ICCP anode assembly that allows for an alternative way of mounting an anode to a hollow offshore foundation construction, preferably that enables an improved method for mounting an anode to a hollow offshore foundation construction.

[0013] The invention therefore provides an ICCP anode assembly for mounting an ICCP anode on an offshore foundation construction, the ICCP anode assembly comprising an anode mount and an anode of an ICCP system, wherein the anode mount is configured to be mounted in an aperture in a wall of a hollow offshore construction, e.g. a foundation pile for a wind turbine.

[0014] An ICCP anode assembly according to claim 1 comprises an anode mount and an anode of an ICCP system, wherein the anode mount is configured to be mounted in an aperture in a wall of a hollow offshore construction, e.g. a foundation pile for a wind turbine, wherein the anode mount comprises:

[0015] - a base, the base extending along a longitudinal base axis between an anode end and a base end, and wherein the base is at the anode end provided with an anode seat, wherein the anode is a, preferably cylindrical, anode having a longitudinal anode axis, and is mounted to the anode seat with the anode axis parallel, preferably coinciding with, to longitudinal base axis,

[0016] - a inner bracket for engaging an inner side of the wall of the offshore construction,

[0017] - a outer bracket for engaging an outer side of the wall of the offshore construction, wherein one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis,

[0018] - one or more fasteners extending between the base or the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in the fixed position and the other of the inner bracket and the outer bracket, wherein the one or more fasteners are configured to extend through the aperture in the wall of the hollow offshore construction and pull the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other into a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively to secure the anode mount in the aperture. An anode mount of an anode assembly according to the invention is configured to be mounted in an aperture of a wall of the offshore construction. Preparing the offshore construction for the mounting of the anode assemblies therefore involves cutting holes in the foundation. These holes do not protrude from the construction, and therefore do not complicate handling of the construction prior and during installation. The invention thus allows for example for a foundation pile with no, or at least with a reduced number of protrusions, and therefore facilitates installation, storage and manipulating the foundation pile.

[0019] The anode mount of an assembly according to the invention enables mounting the anode mount without the need for welding. With an anode mount according to the invention, the fasteners and brackets help to correctly position the anode mount while being secured in the aperture. Supporting the anode assembly in the correct position is therefore less critical compared to welding a anode mount to the offshore construction. Thus, the invention facilitates mounting the anode mount to the offshore construction, and enables mounting the anode mount in combination with the anode in a single action.

[0020] In an embodiment, the fasteners are bolts, extending between a head end and a wire end.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the one or more bolts are mounted with their head end to the base or to the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, and have their wire end moveably mounted through securing apertures in the other bracket, such that by securing a nut on the wire end, the inner bracket and the outer bracket are moved towards each other.

[0022] The bolts can be combined with nuts for pulling the brackets towards each other. In such an embodiment, the activation side of the fasteners is the threaded end of the bolts. As an alternative, the bolts can be combined with threaded holes, for example threaded holes provided in the base or in one of the brackets. In the latter case the inner bracket and the outer bracket are moved towards each other by rotating the bolt at the head end thereof.

[0023] It is submitted that the fasteners have an activation end, i.e. the end at which the fasteners are operated, for example by using a tool or by an ROV, to pull the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other into the clamping position. For example, with bolts that are with their threaded end received in a threaded opening, the activation end of the bolts is the head end. In an embodiment, the one or more fasteners have their activation end all at the same side of the anode mount, for example all have their activation end at the at inner bracket or all have their activation end at the outer bracket.

[0024] In an embodiment, the anode mount is configured to be mounted in the aperture from inside the hollow foundation structure, with the anode seat positioned outside the foundation structure, and the one or more fasteners have their activation end at the inner bracket.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the anode mount is configured to be mounted in the aperture from outside the hollow foundation structure, with the anode seat positioned outside the foundation structure, and the one or more fasteners have their activation end at the outer bracket.

[0026] In an embodiment, the one or more fasteners have their activation end at the bracket that is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis. In such an embodiment, during installation the anode can be held secure in the aperture by pushing the fixed bracket against the wall of the offshore construction and the location at which the fasteners can be activated is stationary. This facilitates mounting the anode mount in the aperture.

[0027] In an embodiment, the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis. In such an embodiment, the inner bracket is moveable in the direction of the longitudinal base axis.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the inner bracket comprises a guide portion, and the base is at the base end provided with a guide portion configured to cooperate with the guide portion of the inner bracket to guide the inner bracket in an axial direction, i.e. a direction of the longitudinal base axis, when pulled by the fasteners towards the clamping position.

[0029] In such an embodiment, the guide portions prevent lateral movement of the inner bracket while being moved towards the clamping position.

[0030] In an embodiment, the guide portion of the inner bracket is a hollow rod that is telescopically received in a rod portion of the base. In addition or as an alternative, guides are provided in the form of one or more rods that extend through apertures in the movable bracket and are secured in the fixed bracket or in the base.

[0031] In an embodiment, the cooperating guide portions are dimensioned such that they moveably support the inner bracket and allow for the anode assembly to be supported and manipulated, for example by an ROV, by holding the inner bracket. In a further embodiment, the guide body of the inner bracket and the guide portion of the inner bracket and the guide portion of the base have a non-circular cross section, to prevent rotation of the inner bracket about the basis axis. This configuration may be beneficial when mounting the anode comprises aligning the fasteners with, and inserting the fasteners into, apertures in one of the brackets and / or the base.

[0032] In an embodiment, the base is provided with a boring that extends from the base end to the anode seat for guiding a body, e.g. an anode power cable, to the anode seat.

[0033] In an embodiment the boring extends through a guide portion of the base, preferably in combination with a boring that extends through a guide portion of the inner bracket. The one or more borings function as a guide channel for guiding a body, e.g. a power cable, from inside the hollow offshore body to the anode seat.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the anode assembly is provided with the cables of the anode extending from the anode seat up to and beyond the inner bracket. Thus, when the anode assembly is mounted in the aperture, the anode cables are also in position for connecting the anode with an ICCP system on the inside of the hollow foundation structure.

[0035] In an embodiment, the outer bracket is provided at opposite ends with a raised contact surface. Such an embodiment is beneficial for engaging a curved outer surface of for example a wind turbine installation pile. Providing the bracket with limited spaced apart contact surfaces enables a stable engagement of curved outer surface of the foundation pile. Preferably, the contact surfaces a re linear, and parallel to each other, such that they can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the foundation pile when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture and the brackets are in the clamping position.

[0036] In an embodiment, the anode mount is provided with a centering body between the inner bracket and the outer bracket for centering the anode mount in the aperture, wherein preferably the centering body extends in a radial direction beyond the one or more fasteners.

[0037] In such an embodiment, when the anode mount is placed in the aperture and the inner bracket and the outer bracket are moved into the clamping position, the centering body engages edges of the aperture to prevent later movement of the anode mount in the aperture.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the centering body at least partially encapsulates the fasteners, to shield them from contact with edges of the aperture in the offshore construction and / or to correctly position them, for example keep them parallel to the longitudinal base axis. In an embodiment, the inner bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, in a further embodiment, the outer bracket is slideable mounted on the base and is guided by the base in a direction along the base axis by the base.

[0039] In an embodiment, the base is a tubular base, and preferably the tubular base functions as a spacer frame that positions the anode at a distance from the offshore construction when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture,

[0040] In an embodiment, the base has a length in an axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal base axis, that positions the anode seat at a spacer distance from the offshore structure, when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture, wherein preferably the spacer distance is at least 30 cm, for example is 50 cm, more preferably is at least 100 cm, for example is 150 cm.

[0041] In an embodiment, the inner bracket is provided with an anode seat, and the anode mount can thus support an anode on the inside of the hollow offshore construction. Thus, the anode mount can be used as part of an ICCP system for protecting the outside the offshore construction, and at the same time as part of the an ICCP system for protecting the inside of the offshore construction. The double function of the anode mount reduces the overall number of anode mounts that needs to be installed to provide both an inside and an outside ICCP system.

[0042] In an embodiment, the anode assembly is pre-assembled, e.g. the one or more fasteners connect the bracket that is not mounted to the base to the base, such that anode assembly can be manipulated as a whole. This facilitates manipulating the anode assembly, and thus facilitates using an ROV for mounting the anode assembly in an aperture in the wall of the offshore construction.

[0043] In an embodiment, the anode is a cylindrical anode and has a diameter perpendicular to the basis axis, and the width and the length of the outer bracket and / or the inner bracket, in a direction perpendicular to the core, are larger than a diameter of the cylindrical anode such that the anode can be moved through an aperture that allows for passing through the outer and / or inner bracket respectively.

[0044] In an embodiment, the outer bracket and / or the inner bracket has an elongate shape. In such an embodiment, the elongate shaped bracket has two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the longitudinal base axis. Such an anode mount is configured for cooperating with a non-circular, preferably an elongate shaped, aperture in the wall of the offshore construction.

[0045] The invention furthermore provides a hollow offshore foundation construction having a wall and an aperture in the wall provided with an assembly according to the invention.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the aperture is a non-circular aperture and has an elongate, preferably oval, shape and the inner bracket and / or the outer bracket have an elongate shape that enables the bracket to pa ss through the non-circular, elongate shaped aperture in a first annular position and blocks passage of the bracket through the non-circular, elongate shaped aperture in a second annular position.

[0047] Thus, to move one of the inner bracket or the outer bracket through the aperture, the anode mount is moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis, and with the respective bracket overlapping with the aperture to enable passage of the bracket through the aperture. Furthermore, to move a bracket from the first annular position, in which it was passed through the aperture, into the second annular position, to block passage of the bracket through the aperture, the anode mount is rotated about the longitudinal base axis, or about the longitudinal axis of an anode mounted to the anode seat.

[0048] The invention furthermore provides a method for mounting an anode mount of an ICCP assembly according to the invention in an aperture of a hollow offshore construction, the method comprising:

[0049] - positioning the anode assembly with the anode end aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;

[0050] - positioning the inner bracket of the anode mount on the inner side of the wall;

[0051] - positioning the outer bracket of the anode mount on the outer side of the wall;

[0052] - pulling the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other, and in a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively, to secure the anode mount in the aperture.

[0053] In an embodiment of a method according to the invention, the outer bracket has an elongate shape, having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the base axis, for cooperating with an elongate shaped aperture in the wall, the method comprising:

[0054] - positioning the assembly inside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction; - orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped outer bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;

[0055] - passing the elongate shaped outer bracket through the elongate shaped aperture;

[0056] - positioning the wall between the outer bracket and the inner bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees.

[0057] In an embodiment of a method according to the invention, the inner bracket has an elongate shape, having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the base axis, for cooperating with an elongate shaped aperture in the wall, the method comprising:

[0058] - positioning the assembly outside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;

[0059] - orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped inner bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;

[0060] - passing the elongate shaped inner bracket through the elongate shaped aperture;

[0061] - positioning the wall between the inner bracket and the outer bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees.

[0062] With respect to the methods discussed above, it is submitted that by rotating the mount about the base axis, to position the wall between the brackets, the brackets are moved from a first annular position into a second annular position.

[0063] It is furthermore submitted that once the brackets are thus positioned in the second annular position, with the wall between of the offshore construction between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, the mount is secured in the aperture by pulling the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other, and in a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively.

[0064] In an embodiment of an anode assembly according to the invention, the outer bracket has an elongate shape and can be rotated about the longitudinal base axis relative to the inner bracket. Thus, the wall can be positioned between the inner bracket and the outer bracket the outer bracket by rotating the outer bracket, instead of rotating the whole anode assembly, over an angle, for example an angle of 90 degrees. In an embodiment, the inner bracket is embodied as a plate and / or the outer bracket is embodied as a plate.

[0065] In an embodiment, the inner bracket is configured to be engaged by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to enable manipulation by the ROV and thus enable positioning of the anode mount in an aperture in an offshore foundation structure, preferably with an anode mounted in the anode seat.

[0066] The invention furthermore provides an anode mount for providing an ICCP anode assembly according to the invention.

[0067] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a technical feature discussed herein as required or as optional with respect to one embodiment of the invention may be equally applicable to one or more other embodiments described herein, with the feature performing its designation function. Such combinations are all envisaged herein unless a combination would result in a technical impossible solution and / or not meet the desired functionality.

[0068] Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

[0069] The invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0070] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an ICCP anode assembly according to the invention;

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the anode assembly of figure 1 , in pre-assembled condition, and part of a wall of a foundation pile with an aperture, the anode mount with the anode extending through the aperture;

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the anode assembly of figure and the wall of Fig. 2, with the anode mount mounted in the aperture.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an anode assembly according to the invention and part of a wall of a foundation pile with an aperture, the anode mount being mounted in the aperture;

[0074] Fig. 5 shows an alternative perspective view of the anode mount with anode of fig. 4; and Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the anode mount of Fig. 4; Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an ICCP anode assembly 1 according to the invention. The anode assembly 1 comprises an anode mount 2 and an anode 3 of an ICCP system. The anode mount 2 is configured to be mounted in an aperture 4 in a wall 5 of a hollow offshore construction, e.g. a foundation pile for a wind turbine.

[0075] According to the invention, the anode mount 2 comprises a base 6, an inner bracket 7 for engaging an inner side of the wall of the offshore construction, an outer bracket 8 for engaging an outer side of the wall of the offshore construction, and one or more fasteners 9.

[0076] The base 6 of the anode mount extends along a longitudinal base axis 10 between an anode end 11 and a base end 12. The base 6 is at the anode end 11 provided with an anode seat 13.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the anode 3 is a cylindrical anode. The anode 3 has a longitudinal anode axis 14, and is mounted to the anode seat 13 with the anode axis parallel, and coinciding with, to longitudinal base axis 10,

[0078] According to the invention, one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer bracket 8 is mounted to the base 6 in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, and the inner bracket 7 is moveable relative to the outer bracket 8 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis 10.

[0080] According to the invention the anode assembly comprises one or more fasteners extending between the base or the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in the fixed position and the other of the inner bracket and the outer bracket.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the anode assembly 1 comprises four fasteners 9, each extending between the outer bracket 8, which is mounted to the base 6 in the fixed position and the inner bracket.

[0082] The one or more fasteners 9 are configured to extend through the aperture 4 in the wall 5 of the hollow offshore construction and pull the inner bracket 7 and the outer bracket 8 towards each other into a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall 5 of the offshore construction respectively to secure the anode mount in the aperture. In the embodiment shown, the fasteners 9 are provided in the form of bolts, extending between a head end 15 and a wire end 16, with nuts provided at their wire end. In the assembled condition of the anode assembly, shown in figure 2, the bolts extend through apertures in the inner bracket and outer bracket.

[0083] Furthermore, when the anode mount is secured in the aperture, shown in figure 3, the bolts extend through the aperture 4 in the wall 5 of the hollow offshore construction and pull the inner bracket 7 and the outer bracket 8 towards each other into the clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall 5 of the offshore construction respectively to secure the anode mount in the aperture.

[0084] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the bolts are mounted with their head end to the outer bracket, which is mounted to the base in the fixed position, and have their wire end moveably mounted through securing apertures in the inner bracket. By securing a nut on the wire end of the respective bolts, the inner bracket and the outer bracket are moved towards each other.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner bracket 7 comprises a guide portion 17, and the base 6 is at the base end 12 provided with a guide portion 18 configured to cooperate with the guide portion of the inner bracket to guide the inner bracket in an axial direction, i.e. a direction along of the longitudinal base axis 10, when pulled by the fasteners towards the clamping position.

[0086] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the guide portion 17 of the inner bracket and the guide portion 18 of the base have a non-circular cross section, to prevent rotation of the inner bracket about the basis axis, thus, in this particular embodiment, rotation of the inner bracket about the longitudinal base axis is blocked by the guide portions.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 6 is provided with a boring that extends from the base end 12 to the anode seat 13 for guiding an anode power cable, to the anode seat. The boring 19 thus also extends through the guide portion 18 of the base 6.

[0088] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner bracket 7 is provided with a boring 21 as well. The boring of the inner bracket extends through the guide portion 17 of the inner bracket. The two borings in combination function as a guide channel for guiding a anode power cable 22 from inside the hollow offshore body to the anode seat. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer bracket 8 is provided at opposite ends with a raised contact surface 23, to enable the outer bracket to optimally engage a curved outer surface of the offshore foundation structure.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the anode mount 2 is provided with a centering body 24 between the inner bracket 7 and the outer bracket 8 for centering the anode mount 2 in the aperture 4. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the centering body 24 extends in a radial direction beyond the bolts 9.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base is a tubular base 6, and the tubular base functions as a spacer frame that positions the anode 3 at a distance from the offshore construction when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 6 has a length in an axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal base axis 10, that positions the anode seat at a spacer distance from the offshore structure, when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the anode assembly is pre-assembled, e.g. the one or more fasteners connect the bracket that is not mounted to the base to the base, such that anode assembly can be manipulated as a whole.

[0093] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer bracket has an elongate shape. Thus, the anode mount is configured to cooperate with a non-circular aperture, which will be discussed in more detail when the method according to the invention is addressed below.

[0094] The inventio furthermore provides a method for mounting an anode mount of an ICCP assembly according to the invention in an aperture of a hollow offshore construction. The method comprises:

[0095] - positioning the anode assembly 1 with the anode end 11 aligned with the aperture 4 of the offshore construction;

[0096] - positioning the inner bracket 7 of the anode mount 2 on the inner side of the wall 5;

[0097] - positioning the outer bracket 8 of the anode mount 2 on the outer side of the wall 5; and

[0098] - pulling the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other, and in a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively, to secure the anode mount in the aperture. With the exemplary embodiment of the anode assembly shown in figures 1-3, the outer bracket 8 has an elongate shape, the outer bracket essentially having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the longitudinal base axis 10, for cooperating with the elongate shaped aperture 4 in the wall. For this configuration of the anode assembly, the invention provides a further method comprising the steps:

[0099] - positioning the assembly inside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;

[0100] - orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped outer bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;

[0101] - passing the elongate shaped outer bracket through the elongate shaped aperture; and

[0102] - positioning the wall between the outer bracket and the inner bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees.

[0103] Figure 2 shows the anode assembly in the insert position relative to the elongate aperture, which position allows for passing the outer bracket through the aperture, and thus for moving the outer bracket from inside the hollow structure to outside the hollow structure

[0104] Figure 3 shows the anode assembly rotated over an angle of 90 degrees, the wall being positioned between the outer bracket and the inner bracket. Furthermore, in figure 3 the inner bracket and the outer bracket are pulled towards each other, clamping the wall between them. Thus, the anode munt is secured in the aperture.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment of the ICCP anode assembly, the inner bracket has an elongate shape, having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the base axis, for cooperating with an elongate shaped aperture in the wall. Such an embodiment allows for an alternative method according to the invention, the method comprising:

[0106] - positioning the assembly outside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;

[0107] - orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped inner bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;

[0108] - passing the elongate shaped inner bracket through the elongate shaped aperture;

[0109] - positioning the wall between the inner bracket and the outer bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an ICCP anode assembly 400 according to the invention. The assembly comprises an anode mount 402. The anode mount 402 is configured for mounting an anode of an ICCP system on an offshore construction, e.g. a foundation pile for a wind turbine. In the embodiment shown, the anode mount supports an anode 403. Figure 5 shows an alternative perspective view of the anode mount 402, and figure 6 shows an exploded view of the anode mount 402.

[0110] The anode mount 402 is configured to be mounted in an aperture in a wall of the offshore construction from a first side of the wall to position the anode on a second side of the wall, wherein the second side of the wall is opposite the first side of the wall.

[0111] In the embodiment shown, the anode 403 is provided with a spacer frame, embodied as a tubular base, that is mounted to a guide portion of the base 412 at 413. When the anode mount is assembled, the guide portion of the base cooperates with a guide portion 417 of the inner bracket 414, to guide the inner bracket in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis.

[0112] The anode mount comprises a base 412, an inner bracket 414 for engaging the first side, i.e. the inside, of the wall, and an outer bracket 420 for engaging the second side, i.e. the outside, of the wall of the offshore structure. The outer bracket has an elongate shape and is located between the inner bracket and the anode seat and the anode mount is thus configured for being mounted from the first side of the wall, wherein the first ide of the wall is an inward facing side of the wall, i.e. from the side of the wall opposite the second side where the anode is mounted during use.

[0113] The base 412 extends along a longitudinal base axis 415 between an anode end and a base end, and the inner bracket 414 and the outer bracket 420 are mounted to the base, the outer bracket in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis while the inner bracket is moveable mounted, via two cooperating guide portions, relative to the outer bracket. In the embodiment shown, the base 412, more in particular the guide portions of the inner bracket and the base, comprises a passage 426 for guiding through an anode power cable.

[0114] The inner bracket 414 and the outer bracket 420 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal base axis 415 of the base 412, and are spaced relative to each other such that the wall of the offshore foundation can be positioned between the inner bracket and the outer bracket when the base is in the aperture of the wall, The tubular base portion is at 413 mounted to the guide portion of the base 412, at an anode end of the guide portion of the base, for supporting the anode 403 with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis 415. In addition to the anode mount 402, the figures 4-6 furthermore show a section of a wall 418 of a foundation pile, wherein the wall is provided with an aperture 411 for mounting the anode mount 402 in the wall 418. In figures 13 and 14, the anode mount 402 is mounted in the aperture 411. This is the position in which the anode is used for protecting the foundation pile. Figure 13 shows a first side 419 of the wall 418, the first side faces the inside of the foundation pile. Figure 14 shows a second side 421 of the wall 418, the second side faces the outside of the foundation pile.

[0115] The anode mount 402 is configured for being mounted in the aperture 411 of the wall 418 from the first side of the wall 419, to support the anode on the second side of the wall 421. Therefore, the anode mount 402 is provided with an outer bracket 420 that is configured to be passed through the aperture 411. In the embodiment shown, the outer bracket 420 is configured for cooperating with an elongate, in the embodiment shown an oval shaped, aperture 411.

[0116] In figures 4-6, the aperture 411 is oval shaped. Therefore, the aperture 411 has a central opening 422 and two radially extending channels 423, the channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the oval opening, on opposite sides of the central opening.

[0117] To cooperate with this oval opening, the outer bracket 420 has two arms 425 that extend in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal base axis 415 of the anode mount 402. Thus, in a first position of the outer bracket 420 relative to the aperture 411 , the radially extending channels of the aperture overlap with the radially extending arms of the outer bracket, and the outer bracket can pass through the aperture 411 from the first side of the wall to the second side of the wall.

[0118] Once the outer bracket 420 has been passed through the aperture, the outer bracket is rotated over an angle of ninety degrees relative to the aperture into a second position. In figures 4-6, the anode is depicted with the outer bracket in this second position. In the second position, the arms of the outer bracket 420 overlap with sections of the wall located between the radially extending channels of the aperture. In this position the outer bracket can engage the second side of the wall.

[0119] It is noted that in the embodiment shown, the outer bracket and the inner bracket can not be rotated relative to each other about the core axis. Thus, when the outer bracket is moved from the first position into the second position, the inner bracket is also moved from a first position into a second position. In an alternative embodiment, the outer bracket can be rotated about the longitudinal base axis relative to the inner bracket.

[0120] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the outer bracket 420 and the inner bracket 414 are configured to be moved towards each other, more in particular the inner bracket is configured to be moved along the longitudinal base axis relative to the outer bracket, to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the outer bracket and the inner bracket.

[0121] In the embodiment shown, the inner bracket 414 is moveably supported, such that it can move parallel to the longitudinal base axis 415 of the anode mount 402 and relative to the outer bracket 420.

[0122] Also, the outer bracket 420 is provided with bolts 424 that extend parallel to the longitudinal base axis 415 of the anode mount 402, and thus parallel to the direction of movement of the inner bracket 414. The bolts 424 extend through apertures in the inner bracket 414.

[0123] Therefore, by tightening a nut, not shown in these figures, on each of these bolts 424, the outer bracket 420 is pulled towards the inner bracket 414, and the wall 418 can be clamped between the inner bracket and the outer bracket.

[0124] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the anode mount of figure 4. In the figure, the inner bracket 414 is shown separate from the outer bracket 420, and the inner bracket and the outer bracket are spaced relative to the first side 419 of the wall, i.e. the inside surface of the wall, and the second side 421 of the wall, i.e. the outside surface of the wall, respectively.

Claims

CLAIMS1. ICCP anode assembly, the assembly comprising an anode mount and an anode of an ICCP system, wherein the anode mount is configured to be mounted in an aperture in a wall of a hollow offshore construction, e.g. a foundation pile for a wind turbine, wherein the anode mount comprises:- a base, the base extending along a longitudinal base axis between an anode end and a base end, and wherein the base is at the anode end provided with an anode seat, wherein the anode is a, preferably cylindrical, anode having a longitudinal anode axis, and is mounted to the anode seat with the anode axis parallel, preferably coinciding with, to longitudinal base axis,- a inner bracket for engaging an inner side of the wall of the offshore construction,- a outer bracket for engaging an outer side of the wall of the offshore construction, wherein one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis,- one or more fasteners extending between the base or the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in the fixed position and the other of the inner bracket and the outer bracket, wherein the one or more fasteners are configured to extend through the aperture in the wall of the hollow offshore construction and pull the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other into a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively to secure the anode mount in the aperture.

2. ICCP anode assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the fasteners are bolts, extending between a head end and a wire end.

3. ICCP anode assembly according to claim 2, wherein the one or more bolts are mounted with their head end to the base or to the one of the inner bracket and the outer bracket that is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, and have their wire end moveably mounted through securing apertures in the other bracket, such that bysecuring a nut on the wire end, the inner bracket and the outer bracket are moved towards each other.

4. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis.

5. ICCP anode assembly according to claim 4, wherein the inner bracket comprises a guide portion, and wherein the base is at the base end provided with a guide portion configured to cooperate with the guide portion of the inner bracket to guide the inner bracket in an axial direction, i.e. a direction along of the longitudinal base axis, when pulled by the fasteners towards the clamping position.

6. ICCP anode assembly according to claim 5, wherein the guide portion of the inner bracket and the guide portion of the base have a non-circular cross section, to prevent rotation of the inner bracket about the basis axis.

7. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base is provided with a boring that extends from the base end to the anode seat for guiding a body, e.g. an anode power cable, to the anode seat.

8. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer bracket is provided at opposite ends with a raised contact surface.

9. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the anode mount is provided with a centering body between the inner bracket and the outer bracket for centering the anode mount in the aperture, wherein preferably the centering body extends in a radial direction beyond the one or more fasteners.

10. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the claims 1-3, wherein the inner bracket is mounted to the base in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal base axis, and preferably the outer bracket is slideable mounted on the base and is guided by the base in a direction along the base axis.

11. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base is a tubular base, and preferably the tubular base functions as a spacer frame that positions the anode at a distance from the offshore construction when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture.

12. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base has a length in an axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal base axis, that positions the anode seat at a spacer distance from the offshore structure, when the anode mount is mounted in the aperture, wherein preferably the spacer distance is at least 30 cm, for example is 50 cm, more preferably is at least 100 cm, for example is 150 cm.

13. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the inner bracket is provided with an anode seat, and the anode mount can thus also support an anode on the inside of the hollow offshore construction.

14. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the anode assembly is pre-assembled, e.g. the one or more fasteners connect the bracket that is not mounted to the base to the base, such that the anode assembly can be manipulated as a whole.

15. ICCP anode assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer bracket has an elongate shape.

16. Hollow offshore foundation construction having a wall and an aperture in the wall provided with an assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.

17. Offshore construction according to claim 16, wherein the aperture is a non-circular aperture and has an elongate, preferably oval, shape and the inner bracket and / or the outer bracket have an elongate shape that enables the bracket to pass through the non-circular aperture in a first annular position and blocks passage of the bracket through the non-circular aperture in a second annular position.

18. Method for mounting an anode mount of an ICCP assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims in an aperture of a hollow offshore construction, the method comprising:- positioning the anode assembly with the anode end aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;- positioning the inner bracket of the anode mount on the inner side of the wall;- positioning the outer bracket of the anode mount on the outer side of the wall;- pulling the inner bracket and the outer bracket towards each other, and in a clamping position against the inner side and the outer side of the wall of the offshore construction respectively, to secure the anode mount in the aperture.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the outer bracket has an elongate shape, having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the longitudinal base axis, for cooperating with an elongate shaped aperture in the wall, the method comprising:- positioning the assembly inside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;- orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped outer bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;- passing the elongate shaped outer bracket through the elongate shaped aperture;- positioning the wall between the outer bracket and the inner bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees.

20. Method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the inner bracket has an elongate shape, having two arms that extend on opposite sides of, and in a direction perpendicular to, the base axis, for cooperating with an elongate shaped aperture in the wall, the method comprising:- positioning the assembly outside the offshore construction, with the anode aligned with the aperture of the offshore construction;- orientating the mount in an insert position, in which insert position a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped inner bracket is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaped aperture;- passing the elongate shaped inner bracket through the elongate shaped aperture;- positioning the wall between the inner bracket and the outer bracket by rotating the mount about the base axis, preferably over an angle of 90 degrees.

Images