WO1992000401A1 - Anode assemblies for submarine use - Google Patents

Anode assemblies for submarine use Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992000401A1
WO1992000401A1 PCT/GB1991/001003 GB9101003W WO9200401A1 WO 1992000401 A1 WO1992000401 A1 WO 1992000401A1 GB 9101003 W GB9101003 W GB 9101003W WO 9200401 A1 WO9200401 A1 WO 9200401A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
anode
gland
connecting member
aperture
support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1991/001003
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Brian Hughes
Original Assignee
Corrintec/Uk Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corrintec/Uk Limited filed Critical Corrintec/Uk Limited
Publication of WO1992000401A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992000401A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
    • C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
    • C23F13/06—Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
    • C23F13/08—Electrodes specially adapted for inhibiting corrosion by cathodic protection; Manufacture thereof; Conducting electric current thereto
    • C23F13/18—Means for supporting electrodes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
    • C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
    • C23F13/06—Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
    • C23F13/08—Electrodes specially adapted for inhibiting corrosion by cathodic protection; Manufacture thereof; Conducting electric current thereto
    • C23F13/10—Electrodes characterised by the structure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to anode assemblies which are particularly, though not exclusively, intended for use in the protection from corrosion of submarine structures, particularly submarine hulls or other structures intended for use in substantial depths of seawater.
  • a known form of anode comprises a thin sheet of material, such as platinised titanium, which is in the form of a thin sheet and is held within a facial recess on a supporting plate of a suitable insulating material made of a glass-reinforced plastic or an epoxy resin.
  • the support is secured at some desired position on the external part of the hull or other structure and an electrical cable is connected by way of an aperture in the structure (such as the hull of the ship or submarine) to the anode sheet.
  • a connection is made at that point and the electrical cable thereby connected to the stud extends through the aperture in the hull or structure by way of a coffer dam arrangement (such as that described in Patent No. 2171061) to the control system which is employed for generating and controlling the current which is impressed on the anode.
  • a coffer dam arrangement such as that described in Patent No. 2171061
  • the techniques of impressed current protection are well known and will not be described herein.
  • the present invention is concerned with the construction of the anode assembly and in particular with a new structure which is particularly resistant to corrosion by sea water.
  • a feature of the present invention is the use of an extension member which is of the same material as the anode and which extends from the anode material through the support sufficiently to protrude beyond the support.
  • the extension member extends into the structure through a gland seal such as a gland plug fitted into the aperture. Beyond the gland seal, the member can be secured to an electrical cable.
  • a gland seal such as a gland plug fitted into the aperture. Beyond the gland seal, the member can be secured to an electrical cable.
  • Such an arrangement is resistant to degradation because no electrolytic cell can be set up on the dry side of the seal, namely within the structure, and any ingress of sea water to the extension member in the region where it penetrates the hull or structure does not form any dangerous electrolytic cell because the extension member effectively forms part of the anode, it being necessary for this purpose that the extension member be substantially of the same material as the anode.
  • the assembly may comprise an insulative support plate for fitment adjacent to and externally of the structure and having a lateral extent substantially greater than said aperture; an anode member disposed on a face portion of the support to be spaced apart from said structure by said plate; a connecting member which adjoins the anode and extends away from it through said support plate, protruding a substantial distance beyond the support so that it can pass into the structure by way of said aperture, the connecting member being of essentially the same material as the anode member; a gland plug adapted for fitment into said aperture and for receiving the connecting member; and means for providing a seal between the said connecting member and the gland plug.
  • the anode assembly in another aspect comprises an insulative support adapted for disposition adjacent part of the structure; an anode member disposed on the support; a connecting member adjoining the anode member and being of substantially the same material as the anode member, the connecting member extending through the support and protruding beyond it so as to extend through an aperture in the structure; a gland member for receiving the connecting member, the gland member being adapted for fitment within said aperture; and water-resistant sealing means for disposition between the connecting member and the gland member.
  • the gland member may comprise an internal bore for reception of the connecting member and means defining a shoulder within the bore for supporting a sealing member.
  • a retainer may engage the gland member to urge the sealing member against the shoulder.
  • a hydrophobic liner may be disposed between the connecting member and the gland member.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of a typical anode support for an impressed current anode for use on a submarine or submarine structure.
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line x-x showing in part section the anode element and including an exploded section of certain components which are preferably employed in the anode assembly.
  • Figure 3 is a part section on the line x-x through the assembled anode components in the region where the connection is made through the hull to the anode.
  • the main anode structure comprises a generally plate-like support 1 of a suitable insulating, rigid material. Glass reinforced plastic or a variety of epoxy resins is a suitable material.
  • the support plate may have any suitable shape in plan form. Typically it is elliptical or generally elliptical but other elongate forms are known and suitable.
  • the support 1 has a side margin 2 of lesser thickness. This margin has a plurality of small apertures 3 by means of which the support plate may be attached to the hull, for example by means of studs and nuts in known manner.
  • the support includes a lip 4 around a recess 5 in which is held a plate 6, preferably a thin plate, of a suitable anode material.
  • a plate 6 preferably a thin plate, of a suitable anode material.
  • Platinised titaniumm is suitable and is most commonly used.
  • Platinised niobium or platinised tantalum are alternatives.
  • Adjoining and extending from the anode plate 6 is a spigot 7 of substantially the same material as the plate 6. There should be intimate contact or an integral relationship between the spigot and the plate material.
  • the support plate is disposed closely adjacent the skin 8 of the hull, or of an insert in the hull depending on whether a flush mounting or recessed mounting is desired.
  • a suitable insulating putty 9 is disposed between the support plate and the hull 9 in known manner.
  • the hull 8 has an aperture 10 at the location where the spigot 7 is to protrude through the hull to the interior. Fitting within the aperture is an insulating gland plug 11 which may be a screw threaded fit within the aperture 10.
  • the gland plug has an internal bore 12 which has a shoulder 13 between a first part 14 of the bore and a second, screw threaded part 15 of the bore.
  • the first part of the bore is preferably provided with a hydrophobic plastic liner 16 (which may be of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) which surrounds the rod and fits snugly in the bore. This liner may extend as far as the shoulder in the gland nut.
  • the gland plug 11 may partially engage the hole in the hull and also engage an annular reinforcing ring 17 which is welded around the location of the hole 10 in the hull.
  • a bonded metal/rubber sealing gasket 18 may be disposed between the hexagonal head of the gland nut and the reinforcing ring.
  • an insulating elasto eric washer 19 This is forced against the seat to provide a seal by means of a gland nut 20 which screws into the threaded part 15 of the gland plug.
  • a 'nylon' washer 21 is disposed between the nut 20 and the washer 19 to prevent undue distortion of the washer 19.
  • the outer portion of the rod 1 is adapted for connection to a cable.
  • a cable connection to the screw threaded portion may be made by means of a nut 22 and a plain washer 23.
  • the components within the hull may be surrounded by a coffer dam 23 (which is shown in outline) of known construction.
  • the cable connection to the terminal end of the spigot may exit the coffer dam via a suitable gland.
  • the construction is extremely resistant to corrosion. There is no securing nut which is in the region of the anode plate and is of a different material. Water at the hull/support interface may form an electrolytic cell but the action of this is suppressed by the current impressed on the anode. Further ingress of water to the joint with the cable is resisted by the hydrophobic plastic liner and the seal plug.

Abstract

An anode assembly comprises an anode support of insulating material having recessed in its front face a platinised titanium anode intended for impressed current use. A spigot extends from the plate through the material of the anode support through the aperture in the hull. The fixture into the electric cable is made within the hull in a region which is separated from the anode by a hydrophobic barrier.

Description

ANODE ASSEMBLIES FOR SUBMARINE USE
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to anode assemblies which are particularly, though not exclusively, intended for use in the protection from corrosion of submarine structures, particularly submarine hulls or other structures intended for use in substantial depths of seawater.
The use of impressed-current anodes for use in the protection of marine structures is well established. A known form of anode comprises a thin sheet of material, such as platinised titanium, which is in the form of a thin sheet and is held within a facial recess on a supporting plate of a suitable insulating material made of a glass-reinforced plastic or an epoxy resin. The support is secured at some desired position on the external part of the hull or other structure and an electrical cable is connected by way of an aperture in the structure (such as the hull of the ship or submarine) to the anode sheet. For this purpose, there is usually a stud or other suitable terminal disposed within the support and adjoining the anode. A connection is made at that point and the electrical cable thereby connected to the stud extends through the aperture in the hull or structure by way of a coffer dam arrangement (such as that described in Patent No. 2171061) to the control system which is employed for generating and controlling the current which is impressed on the anode.
The techniques of impressed current protection are well known and will not be described herein. The present invention is concerned with the construction of the anode assembly and in particular with a new structure which is particularly resistant to corrosion by sea water.
Structures of the kind described above are well known and in principle work satisfactorily for long periods. However, it is found that, especially when the structure is used at substantial depth, sea water can force its way into the rear of the support into the region of the the stud by which the anode is connected to the electrical system. This ingress of water presents as such no immediate danger to the structure since the aperture in the structure is protected by means of a coffer dam arrangement, to guard against the seal around said aperture. However, should there be ingress of water to the region of the stud or cable, an electrolytic cell is set up between the anode material and the material of the cable or the hull and rapid degradation of the cable or hull can occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A feature of the present invention is the use of an extension member which is of the same material as the anode and which extends from the anode material through the support sufficiently to protrude beyond the support. The extension member extends into the structure through a gland seal such as a gland plug fitted into the aperture. Beyond the gland seal, the member can be secured to an electrical cable. Such an arrangement is resistant to degradation because no electrolytic cell can be set up on the dry side of the seal, namely within the structure, and any ingress of sea water to the extension member in the region where it penetrates the hull or structure does not form any dangerous electrolytic cell because the extension member effectively forms part of the anode, it being necessary for this purpose that the extension member be substantially of the same material as the anode.
In particular the assembly may comprise an insulative support plate for fitment adjacent to and externally of the structure and having a lateral extent substantially greater than said aperture; an anode member disposed on a face portion of the support to be spaced apart from said structure by said plate; a connecting member which adjoins the anode and extends away from it through said support plate, protruding a substantial distance beyond the support so that it can pass into the structure by way of said aperture, the connecting member being of essentially the same material as the anode member; a gland plug adapted for fitment into said aperture and for receiving the connecting member; and means for providing a seal between the said connecting member and the gland plug. The anode assembly in another aspect comprises an insulative support adapted for disposition adjacent part of the structure; an anode member disposed on the support; a connecting member adjoining the anode member and being of substantially the same material as the anode member, the connecting member extending through the support and protruding beyond it so as to extend through an aperture in the structure; a gland member for receiving the connecting member, the gland member being adapted for fitment within said aperture; and water-resistant sealing means for disposition between the connecting member and the gland member.
The gland member may comprise an internal bore for reception of the connecting member and means defining a shoulder within the bore for supporting a sealing member. A retainer may engage the gland member to urge the sealing member against the shoulder. A hydrophobic liner may be disposed between the connecting member and the gland member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top view of a typical anode support for an impressed current anode for use on a submarine or submarine structure.
Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line x-x showing in part section the anode element and including an exploded section of certain components which are preferably employed in the anode assembly.
Figure 3 is a part section on the line x-x through the assembled anode components in the region where the connection is made through the hull to the anode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The drawings illustrate an assembly for an impressed current anode which is intended for use on the hull of a submarine. However the invention is not necessarily limited for use in such a context.
As is shown in the drawings, the main anode structure comprises a generally plate-like support 1 of a suitable insulating, rigid material. Glass reinforced plastic or a variety of epoxy resins is a suitable material. The support plate may have any suitable shape in plan form. Typically it is elliptical or generally elliptical but other elongate forms are known and suitable.
The support 1 has a side margin 2 of lesser thickness. This margin has a plurality of small apertures 3 by means of which the support plate may be attached to the hull, for example by means of studs and nuts in known manner.
The support includes a lip 4 around a recess 5 in which is held a plate 6, preferably a thin plate, of a suitable anode material. Platinised titaniumm is suitable and is most commonly used. Platinised niobium or platinised tantalum are alternatives.
Adjoining and extending from the anode plate 6 is a spigot 7 of substantially the same material as the plate 6. There should be intimate contact or an integral relationship between the spigot and the plate material. As is shown in Figure 3, the support plate is disposed closely adjacent the skin 8 of the hull, or of an insert in the hull depending on whether a flush mounting or recessed mounting is desired. A suitable insulating putty 9 is disposed between the support plate and the hull 9 in known manner.
The hull 8 has an aperture 10 at the location where the spigot 7 is to protrude through the hull to the interior. Fitting within the aperture is an insulating gland plug 11 which may be a screw threaded fit within the aperture 10. The gland plug has an internal bore 12 which has a shoulder 13 between a first part 14 of the bore and a second, screw threaded part 15 of the bore. The first part of the bore is preferably provided with a hydrophobic plastic liner 16 (which may be of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) which surrounds the rod and fits snugly in the bore. This liner may extend as far as the shoulder in the gland nut.
The gland plug 11 may partially engage the hole in the hull and also engage an annular reinforcing ring 17 which is welded around the location of the hole 10 in the hull.
A bonded metal/rubber sealing gasket 18 may be disposed between the hexagonal head of the gland nut and the reinforcing ring.
Within the plug 11 and adjacent the shoulder (which forms a seat) is an insulating elasto eric washer 19. This is forced against the seat to provide a seal by means of a gland nut 20 which screws into the threaded part 15 of the gland plug. A 'nylon' washer 21 is disposed between the nut 20 and the washer 19 to prevent undue distortion of the washer 19.
The outer portion of the rod 1 is adapted for connection to a cable. In particular it is screw threaded and a cable connection to the screw threaded portion may be made by means of a nut 22 and a plain washer 23.
The components within the hull may be surrounded by a coffer dam 23 (which is shown in outline) of known construction. The cable connection to the terminal end of the spigot may exit the coffer dam via a suitable gland.
The construction is extremely resistant to corrosion. There is no securing nut which is in the region of the anode plate and is of a different material. Water at the hull/support interface may form an electrolytic cell but the action of this is suppressed by the current impressed on the anode. Further ingress of water to the joint with the cable is resisted by the hydrophobic plastic liner and the seal plug.

Claims

1. An anode assembly for use in the protection from corrosion of a metallic submarine structure having an aperture therein, comprising:
an insulative support plate (1) for fitment adjacent to and externally of the structure and having a lateral extent substantially greater than said aperture;
an anode member (6) disposed on a face portion of the support to be spaced apart from said structure by said plate;
a connecting member (7) which adjoins the anode and extends away from it through said support plate, protruding a substantial distance beyond the support so that it can pass into the structure by way of said aperture, the connecting member being of essentially the same material as the anode member;
a gland plug (11) adapted for fitment into said aperture and for receiving the connecting member; and
means (16, 19) for providing a seal between the said connecting member and the gland plug.
2. An anode assembly for use in the protection from corrosion of a submarine structure, comprising:
an insulative support (1) adapted for disposition adjacent part of the structure; an anode member (6) disposed on the support;
a connecting member (7) adjoining the anode member and being of substantially the same material as the anode member, the connecting member extending through the support and protruding beyond it so as to extend through an aperture (10) in the structure;
a gland member (11) for receiving the connecting member, the gland member being adapted for fitment within said aperture; and
water-resistant sealing means (19) for disposition between the connecting member and the gland member.
3. An anode assembly according to claim 2 in which the gland member (11) comprises an internal bore (12) for reception of the connecting member and means defining a shoulder (13) within the bore for supporting a sealing member.
4. An anode assembly according to claim 3 and including a retainer (20) engaging the gland member to urge the sealing member against the shoulder.
5. An anode assembly according to any of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a hydrophobic liner (16) between the connecting member (7) and the gland member (11).
PCT/GB1991/001003 1990-06-25 1991-06-20 Anode assemblies for submarine use WO1992000401A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9014107.8 1990-06-25
GB909014107A GB9014107D0 (en) 1990-06-25 1990-06-25 Anode assemblies for submarine use

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992000401A1 true WO1992000401A1 (en) 1992-01-09

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ID=10678160

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1991/001003 WO1992000401A1 (en) 1990-06-25 1991-06-20 Anode assemblies for submarine use

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GB (2) GB9014107D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1992000401A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2042415A2 (en) * 1992-05-07 1993-12-01 W W I Proytec S L Cathodic protection system by printed current for metal parts of ships having dual voltage regulating means
GB2367560A (en) * 2000-08-25 2002-04-10 Main Tech As Sacrificial anode with releasable connection
DE19549042B4 (en) * 1995-12-28 2008-03-27 Hiss, Eckart, Dr. connector

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3075911A (en) * 1958-12-05 1963-01-29 Engelhard Ind Inc Cathodic protection anode assembly
US3133873A (en) * 1961-06-23 1964-05-19 Walter L Miller Electrolytic anode and connection
US3488274A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-01-06 Us Navy Electrolytic composite anode and connector
DE3822168A1 (en) * 1986-12-30 1990-02-15 Waertsilae Meriteollisuus Cathodic corrosion protection

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3075911A (en) * 1958-12-05 1963-01-29 Engelhard Ind Inc Cathodic protection anode assembly
US3133873A (en) * 1961-06-23 1964-05-19 Walter L Miller Electrolytic anode and connection
US3488274A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-01-06 Us Navy Electrolytic composite anode and connector
DE3822168A1 (en) * 1986-12-30 1990-02-15 Waertsilae Meriteollisuus Cathodic corrosion protection

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2042415A2 (en) * 1992-05-07 1993-12-01 W W I Proytec S L Cathodic protection system by printed current for metal parts of ships having dual voltage regulating means
DE19549042B4 (en) * 1995-12-28 2008-03-27 Hiss, Eckart, Dr. connector
GB2367560A (en) * 2000-08-25 2002-04-10 Main Tech As Sacrificial anode with releasable connection
SG99932A1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2003-11-27 Maintech As Resistance controlled sacrificial anode
GB2367560B (en) * 2000-08-25 2004-05-19 Main Tech As Resistance controlled sacrificial anode

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9111437D0 (en) 1991-07-17
GB9014107D0 (en) 1990-08-15

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