Gravity-Contact Sacrificial Anode for Weld-Free Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing sacrificial anodes on submerged structures require expensive diving services and welding, which increases costs and time, especially for platforms with low oil and gas production levels.
Innovation Solution
A new sacrificial anode design featuring a metallic hook and electrical contact pin ensures electrical contact by gravity, eliminating the need for welding and reducing fixing time, with optional ballast to maintain contact throughout the anode's lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional welding fixation is used for sacrificial anodes, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but installation cost and diving service time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the welding operation from the anode installation process by using a gravity-based mechanical suspension system. The anode is suspended from the structure via a hook or clamp mechanism, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining electrical contact through direct metallic connection, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanical suspension component (hook, clamp, or bracket) that mediates between the anode and the structure. This intermediary element provides both mechanical support and electrical contact, replacing the welding process while ensuring reliable galvanic connection, thereby reducing installation time without compromising contact reliability.
2Strength
If multiple welding points are used per anode, then secure fixation is achieved, but the number of welding operations and associated costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fixation function into separate components: a mechanical suspension element (hook or clamp) that provides structural support and an electrical contact element that ensures galvanic connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving both strong fixation and electrical contact without requiring multiple welding points.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical suspension component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to hold the anode in position, ensures electrical contact through direct metallic connection, and allows for easy installation and replacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate welding operations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining fixation strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If expensive submerged welding services are used, then permanent anode fixation is achieved, but budget impact increases especially for low production platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a self-service installation mechanism where the anode's own weight provides the necessary force to maintain contact and suspension. The gravity-based system automatically ensures proper positioning and electrical contact without requiring expensive external welding services, thereby achieving permanent fixation while significantly reducing installation costs for platforms with low oil and gas production.
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
This design reduces the need for diving services and welding, lowering costs and time required for anode replacement, while ensuring consistent electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical contact will be made by the anode's own weight
Implementation Method 2
This protection is based on the fact that there is a metal that has a lower corrosion potential and, as such, is corroded during the reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention consists of a new sacrificial anode design that eliminates welding and reduces fixing time. This new anode design comprises a metallic appendix, which can be in the form of a hook, in order to hold and provide electrical contact between the anode and the jacket, or other part of the structure that is desired to be protected. In the contact region of the hook there will be a pointed device (3) to allow full electrical contact between the anode and the jacket element. Therefore, this electrical contact will be made by the anode's own weight, which may be added with a galvanically inert ballast to guarantee the contact until the end of the anode's lifetime.