Microbial Anode Cathodic Protection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cathodic protection methods for metal structures in contact with electrolytic media are costly and environmentally impactful due to the consumption of sacrificial metals and continuous electricity usage, limiting their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A cathodic protection device utilizing microbial anode systems with microorganisms that degrade oxidizable ambient resources to generate electrons, eliminating the need for sacrificial metals and electrical connections, and featuring a control system to manage electron flow and conserve resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic current cathodic protection using sacrificial metal is used, then the metal structure is protected from corrosion, but natural metal resources are consumed and metal oxides are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses microorganisms to generate electrons through degradation of naturally present oxidizable resources in the environment, making the protection system self-sufficient without requiring external sacrificial metal or electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical consumption of sacrificial metal with a biological-electrochemical process where microorganisms generate electrons through metabolic degradation of organic matter, converting a resource-consuming system into a renewable energy system
2Reliability
If impressed current cathodic protection with continuous electrical connection is used, then the metal structure is protected from corrosion, but continuous electrical energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses microorganisms that periodically degrade oxidizable resources present in the environment, generating electrons in a periodic manner rather than requiring continuous external energy supply
Solution Approach 2:
The microorganisms serve themselves by utilizing naturally present oxidizable resources in the environment as fuel for electron generation, eliminating the need for external electrical energy input
3Reliability
If sacrificial metal is used for cathodic protection, then electrons are supplied to the metal structure, but the lifetime is limited by the quantity and consumption rate of the sacrificial metal
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of electron generation from finite metal consumption to continuous biological degradation of renewable organic resources, potentially extending protection lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive long-lived sacrificial metal, the system employs microorganisms that consume cheap, renewable, short-lived organic matter from the environment, effectively replacing a durable but resource-intensive solution with a renewable alternative
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 solution provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly protection method by harnessing renewable energy, reducing resource depletion, and extending the lifespan of the protection system while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
microorganisms having the capacity to supply the electrode with electrons by degradation of oxidizable ambient resources found in the environment close to the microbial anodic system to which they are arranged and linked, following oxidation-reduction reactions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cathodic protection device against corrosion of at least one metallic structure in contact with an electrolytic medium comprising sedimentary soil, said protection device being free from sacrificial metal and means of connection to an electrical distribution network and comprising at least two microbial anodic systems comprising microorganisms and an electrode configured to be in contact with said microorganisms and the electrolytic medium, said microorganisms having the capacity to supply electrons to the electrode by degradation of ambient oxidizable resources following redox reactions,The electrode of each microbial anodic system is configured to be at least partially buried in the sedimentary soil of the electrolytic medium, and the free electrochemical potential of the microbial anodic system is lower than the free electrochemical potential of the metal of the metallic structure to be protected. The protection device also includes at least one means of connection between each microbial anodic system and the metallic structure, said means of connection being configured to allow electrons to flow from the electrode of each microbial anodic system to the metallic structure.such that a protective galvanic current is applied through the electrolytic medium from at least one of the microbial anodic systems to the metallic structure when said at least one microbial anodic system is in contact with said electrolytic medium and is connected by said at least one connecting means to said at least one metallic structure. The protection device further comprises a measurement system and a control system to prevent the depletion of ambient oxidizable resources found in the immediate vicinity of the microbial anodic systems.