Current rope anodes

Abstract

Abstract The invention provides a submergeable structure provided with cathodic protection means comprising a flexible impressed current anode assembly including at least one elongate electrode wound around a rope and lying in the depressions between the strands of the rope to provide an anodic region and rope extensions extending from the anodic region in at least two different directions, said extensions being secured to the structure so as to space the anodic region from metal of the structure to be protected. In addition, the invention includes an impressed current anode assembly suitable for use as the above defined cathodic protection means and having an anodic region comprising an elongate electrode wound around an insulating rope which passes through the anodic region and extends therefrom in at least two different directions. A particularly useful anode assembly in accordance with the invention includes platinized titanium or niobium wire (preferably copper-cored) for the electrode(s) helically wound around a rope of polyester or polypropylene. Regardless of the structure of the anode assembly, a plurality of assemblies in accordance with the invention may be assembled using a harness system to provide an impressed current anode system for cathodic protection of a submerged structure. The invention also relates to a new design of reference electrode which may be used with the anode assembly of the invention. The invention has particular utility in cathodic protection of oil rigs.

Inventors

• 👤 Michael A. Warne

Bibliographic Details