A method and apparatus for using cathodic currents from individual electrodes of a multielectrode sensor to indicate how safely a pipe in soil or a metal structure in an electrolyte is cathodically protected. This method uses a simple parameter derived from the multielectrode sensor, called cathodic protection effectiveness margin or CPEM, to indicate and control, the cathodic protection (CP) system so that the CP operates within the optimal range. This method is solely based on the measurements of currents and eliminates the reference electrode that has been one of the most important components in the present CP practice.

Assemblies and methods for monitoring the cathodic protection of underground or submerged structures may include a coupon assembly including a conductive test coupon and a reference electrode for determining the voltage potential difference of the protected structure without substantially interrupting surrounding current sources. The reference electrode may be at least partially covered with an electrolytic material in electrical contact with the surrounding environment via a plug including a porous material. A method of installation of the assembly may allow a single technician to install the coupon assembly using a probe rod without extensive on-site excavation. The coupon assembly may be configured to seat securely with the probe rod for stability during installation, and release from the probe rob when the probe rod is separated from the coupon assembly and withdrawn from the ground, leaving the coupon assembly at a preselected depth or preselected distance from the protected structure.

A monitoring system (10) for monitoring parameters of a fluid heater. The heater (30) comprises a storage vessel (32) for storing heated fluid therein. The monitoring system (10) includes a first sensor (12) and associated first electrical metering circuitry (14), a second sensor (16) and associated second electrical metering circuitry (18), and a control switch (22). The control switch (22) is operable so as to be able to adopt a first mode of operation in which the first electrical metering circuitry (14) is activated, and, a second mode of operation in which the second electrical metering circuitry is activated. The monitoring system (10) also includes a controller (24) for causing periodic operation of the control switch so that it switches between the first and second modes of operation.

A sensor (4) for monitoring cathodic protection (CP) levels, i.e. cathodic protection potential and current capacity, the sensor being arranged to perform measurements of galvanic current and polarized potential between, on one hand, a reference object and, on the other hand, one of: i) a sacrificial anode (2) and ii) a protected component (1). The sensor comprises a reference electrode (5) in electrical and electrochemical contact with a metal sensing element (6) which has a defined surface area (6′) exposed to an electrolyte, the sensing element electrically coupled to one of the sacrificial anode (2) or the protected component (1) via a resistor (15) and a switch (12).

A sensor (4) for monitoring cathodic protection (CP) levels, i.e. cathodic protection potential and current capacity, the sensor being arranged to perform measurements of galvanic current and polarized potential between, on one hand, a reference object and, on the other hand, one of: i) a sacrificial anode (2) and ii) a protected component (1). The sensor comprises a reference electrode (5) in electrical and electrochemical contact with a metal sensing element (6) which has a defined surface area (6′) exposed to an electrolyte, the sensing element electrically coupled to one of the sacrificial anode (2) or the protected component (1) via a resistor (15) and a switch (12).

A reference electrode assembly including an extension device having a first end opposite a second end and a fluid reservoir disposed between the first end and the second end, a reference electrode engageable with the extension device at the first end of the extension device, an end cap having an external electrical connector positioned at the second end of the extension device, a selectively actuatable spout fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a conductive wire extending through the fluid reservoir to electrically couple the reference electrode with the external electrical connector.

Assemblies and methods for monitoring the cathodic protection of underground or submerged structures may include a coupon assembly including a conductive test coupon and a reference electrode for determining the voltage potential difference of the protected structure without substantially interrupting surrounding current sources. The reference electrode may be at least partially covered with an electrolytic material in electrical contact with the surrounding environment via a plug including a porous material. A method of installation of the assembly may allow a single technician to install the coupon assembly using a probe rod without extensive on-site excavation. The coupon assembly may be configured to seat securely with the probe rod for stability during installation, and release from the probe rob when the probe rod is separated from the coupon assembly and withdrawn from the ground, leaving the coupon assembly at a preselected depth or preselected distance from the protected structure.

A method for predicting corrosion rates of a material during service conditions is provided, the method having the steps of determining a first phase composition of the material; exposing the material to service conditions chemical environment; applying an electrical potential to the exposed material to represent the solution redox; identifying ranges of the applied potential that correspond to different corrosion behaviors of the material; quantifying current and surface electrical properties during corrosion; and determining a second phase composition of the material to identify corroded phases. Also provided is a method for determining radionuclide source terms, the method having the steps of supplying a multiphase metallic waste containing the radionuclides; immersing the waste in a solution representing repository chemistry conditions; and oxidizing the immersed waste for a period of time and at particular imposed voltages representing solution redox values to establish a steady current representing corrosion rate of the waste.

A method for predicting corrosion rates of a material during service conditions is provided, the method having the steps of determining a first phase composition of the material; exposing the material to service conditions chemical environment; applying an electrical potential to the exposed material to represent the solution redox; identifying ranges of the applied potential that correspond to different corrosion behaviors of the material; quantifying current and surface electrical properties during corrosion; and determining a second phase composition of the material to identify corroded phases. Also provided is a method for determining radionuclide source terms, the method having the steps of supplying a multiphase metallic waste containing the radionuclides; immersing the waste in a solution representing repository chemistry conditions; and oxidizing the immersed waste for a period of time and at particular imposed voltages representing solution redox values to establish a steady current representing corrosion rate of the waste.

The present disclosure describes a computer-implemented method that includes: determining a category of a buried pipeline based on a compatibility with cathodic protection and a setup status of the buried pipeline, wherein the buried pipeline includes an external coating on an exterior surface of the buried pipeline; accessing input data from one or more inspection tools, wherein the one or more inspection tools are configured to monitor respective operating conditions of the buried pipeline; analyzing the input data from the one or more inspection tools in a manner specific to the determined category of the buried pipeline; and determining a prioritization schedule to maintain the external coating on the exterior surface of the buried pipeline.