External FPSO Anode Support Structure for Adjustable Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-corrosion measures for FPSO hulls, such as sacrificial anodes, are not adjustable, have short lifespans, require frequent maintenance, affect hull stability, and cause environmental pollution, while conventional coatings are inadequate for high-resistance marine environments.
Innovation Solution
An FPSO external anti-corrosion device featuring composite cables and auxiliary anodes supported by telescopic or rotating arms, allowing adjustable protective current and minimal structural impact, with maintenance conducted externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sacrificial anodes are installed on the hull surface for cathodic protection, then corrosion protection is provided, but the current is not adjustable and the lifespan is short requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cathodic protection system into modular components: the hull remains separate from the auxiliary anodes which are mounted on support arms. This segmentation allows the anodes to be independently positioned and adjusted without affecting the hull structure, enabling current adjustability while maintaining corrosion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable support arms that can rotate and position auxiliary anodes at different locations and angles. This dynamic positioning capability allows optimization of protection current distribution according to varying operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliable protection and adaptability.
2Reliability
If sacrificial anodes are installed on the hull surface, then cathodic protection is achieved, but frequent replacement and maintenance affect the stability of the hull structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anodes from direct integration with the hull structure by mounting them on separate support arms. This extraction allows maintenance of hull structural stability while enabling easy replacement of anodes without disturbing the hull's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms act as intermediaries between the hull and the auxiliary anodes. These arms provide a stable mounting platform that can be easily adjusted and maintained without affecting the hull structure, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable protection and structural stability.
3Reliability
If sacrificial anodes are used for protection, then corrosion resistance is improved, but non-ferrous metals are consumed causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cathodic protection system by using externally powered auxiliary anodes instead of sacrificial ones. This allows controlled current application that can be optimized for efficiency, reducing unnecessary metal consumption and environmental impact while maintaining corrosion resistance.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional coating protection is applied above the waterline, then corrosion protection is provided, but it is inadequate for high-resistance marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges coating protection with cathodic protection in a hybrid system. The coating provides the first line of defense above the waterline, while auxiliary anodes provide supplemental cathodic protection, creating a more reliable multi-layer protection system that addresses the limitations of coating alone in high-resistance marine environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides effective underwater corrosion protection with adjustable current, minimal structural disruption, and ease of maintenance, suitable for existing FPSOs with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
FPSO external anti-corrosion device... auxiliary anodes being arranged on the composite cables... provides effective underwater corrosion protection
Data Source
AI summary
An FPSO external anti-corrosion device includes a hull; support arms; composite cables; and auxiliary anodes. At least two of the support arms are provided on one side of the hull. The ends of the support arms extend away from the hull. The ends of the support arms are connected to the composite cables. The composite cables are tensioned by the support arms. The auxiliary anodes are arranged on the composite cables. The FPSO external anti-corrosion device provides auxiliary anodes outside a hull via support arms, solving the problem of underwater anti-corrosion for FPSOs. A protective current is adjustable, offering a wider range of applications. The external installation of auxiliary anodes does not affect the hull's structure, ensuring the stability and reliability of the hull structure. The FPSO external anti-corrosion device is suitable for existing FPSOs, and the external anti-corrosion structure is implemented with minimal modifications to the original hull structure.