Method to control the functioning of a heating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating apparatuses with cathodic protection systems are not effective in detecting external influences such as electrostatic loads and electric dispersions, which can lead to corrosion, limiting their operational life and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes a controller and measurer to detect and regulate electric dispersions in a heating apparatus by maintaining a constant protection potential, identifying stray currents, and using indicators to signal anomalous conditions, thereby preventing corrosive effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cathodic protection system with periodic current variation is used to maintain protection potential, then corrosion protection is guaranteed, but the system cannot detect external electric dispersions or electrostatic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by varying the protection current in cycles between a first value and a second value, and by periodically inverting the polarity of the potential applied to the electrode. This periodic variation enables the system to detect electric dispersions through analysis of current responses at different phases, while simultaneously maintaining corrosion protection through controlled potential variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the current circulating between the electrode and tank, comparing measured values against expected ranges, and using this information to detect the presence of electric dispersions. The system continuously monitors electrical parameters and adjusts its operation based on detected conditions, enabling both protection and detection functions.
2Reliability
If the protection potential is maintained at a constant known value, then corrosion is impeded, but electric dispersions causing corrosive effects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically inverts the polarity of the potential applied to the electrode between a first potential and a second potential. During these periodic inversions, the measurer records current values that reveal the presence of electric dispersions. This periodic action enables information about external electrical influences to be extracted without compromising the average protection potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by varying the protection current between different values and inverting polarity periodically, rather than maintaining a completely static potential. This dynamic approach allows the system to probe for electric dispersions while maintaining protective conditions on average, resolving the contradiction between constancy for protection and variability for detection.
3Reliability
If the measurer continuously monitors current to detect electric dispersions, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the existing cathodic protection current generator and measurer to perform both corrosion protection and electric dispersion detection. The same electrode, generator, and measurer that maintain protection potential are also used to detect external electrical influences, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own protection current and measurer to detect the presence of electric dispersions. The cathodic protection system monitors its own operating conditions and external influences without requiring external monitoring equipment, enabling safety improvements while minimizing additional complexity.
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
The method effectively extends the operational life and safety of heating apparatuses by continuously monitoring and mitigating the impact of electric dispersions, ensuring consistent protection against corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a cathodic protection device (11) to be associated with a heating apparatus (10), in which the cathodic protection device (11) comprises an electrode (13), an electric energy generator (14) and a controller (16)
Implementation Method 2
The current that is established between the anode and the boiler is periodically varied over time, in its intensity, for a determinate interval, with respect to the normal operating value
Implementation Method 3
a controller (16) provided with a measurer (15) which measures at least one electric quantity which is established between the electrode (13) and the tank (12)
Implementation Method 4
a first step in which the electric energy generator (14) alternates cyclically, between the electrode (13) and the tank (12), a variation of potential that varies between a first potential and a second potential
Implementation Method 5
a second step in which the measurer (15) performs a plurality of measurements of the current circulating between the electrode (13) and the tank (12)
Data Source
AI summary
Method to control the functioning of a heating apparatus (10), which comprises a tank (12) for containing an electrolytic solution, an electrode (13) immersed in the electrolytic solution, an electric energy generator (14) connected to the electrode (13) and to the tank (12), and a controller (16) provided with a measurer (15) which measures at least one electric quantity which is established between the electrode (13) and the tank (12). The method provides to regulate the electric energy generator (14) to maintain in the electrolytic solution a protection potential (Vp) suitable to guarantee the protection of the tank (12) from corrosion, and comprises at least a step of detecting electric dispersions present in the tank (12) during which the measurer (15) measures at least one electric quantity (Vm1, Vm2; Im), and the controller (16) processes the at least one electric quantity (Vm1, Vm2; Im) to determine the presence of the electric dispersions.