Walter D Young

US Patent:

62385453, May 29, 2001

Filed:

Aug 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/365500

Inventors:

Carl I. Allebach - Telford PA
Albert A. Smith - Denver PA
Walter T. Young - Springfield PA

International Classification:

C23F 1300

US Classification:

205734

Abstract:

An anode is embedded in an electrolyte layer applied to the surface of a structure such as a pipe section to provide an ionic conductive path between the anode and structure to supply cathodic protection to the structure, where the natural environment may not provide a continuous electrolyte. The anode is comprised of a material normally used as a cathodic protection anode material, such as, an expanded valve metal mesh or ribbon having either an electrochemically active coating or noble metal coating, or a sacrificial anode metal alloy. The anode material is made continuous from one end of the structure to the other and may be connected to a common bus wire from one end to the other. The anode and structure to be protected are connected using wires to a DC power supply that causes cathodic protection current flow to the structure in the case of an impressed current system. No separate power supply is needed in the case of a galvanic or sacrificial anode system.