A cathodic protection unit (12) utilizes a signal generated by a conducting wire (14) inserted into a clamp body (16) after the clamp (16) is attached to a pipe (P). The wire (14) wraps a complete number of turns around the clamp structure. When the clamp is attached to the exterior of the pipe (P), the conducting wire (14) makes contact with the pipe (P) via a slight clamping pressure. Analyzing two signals generated by separate conducting wires (14) are used for cathodic protection.

An apparatus may mount an in-stream, continuous contact, visible, sacrificial anode in a fluid passage for the electrolytic corrosion protection. The apparatus may function to protect heat exchangers and/or other metallically connected system components that share contact with electrolytically active fluids. The apparatus may consist of an in-line anode cartridge including a collar body and a viewing port. The apparatus may include a site glass and compression fittings which seals the device causing corrosive fluids to flow past a sacrificial anode. The apparatus may include a visual indicator and an elastically compressed member (e.g., spring) which facilitate continuous metallic/electrical contact and inspection of the anode through the viewing port without system shut down or disassembly. The elastically compressed member and gauge assembly fills the view-ports with a bright indicator as the anode dissolves and the elastically compressed member expands. The apparatus improves inspection, replacement and effectiveness of sacrificial anodes in electrolytically corrosive environments.

A method and system for testing a cathodic protection system that protects a metallic structure with one or more DC power sources electrically connected to the metallic structure and an associated reference electrode. A Cathodic Protection Waveform Monitoring Unit (CPWMU) operates independently from power cycling by the cathodic protection system to measure cathodic protection voltage levels by measuring, over one or more measurement time periods, a voltage differential between the metallic structure and its associated reference electrode, a plurality of times when power provided to the metallic structure is cycled on and off. The CPWMU includes digital storage to store values indicative of the measured voltage differentials over the measurement time period. A reader that may be remotely located from any CPWMU communicates with a number of CPWMU's within communication range to obtain the values stored in the CPWMUs.

A flange tab system includes a first member having a first-member-first-portion and a first-member-second-portion, a second member having a second-member-first portion and a second-member-second-portion, a third member, and a ring-like member. The flange tab system provides an electrical fitting for electrical current flow between pipelines or other structures. The flange tab system is configured to secure a wire to a pipeline for cathodic protection and various other applications.

Minimum Federal Safety Standards for corrosion control on buried oil and natural gas pipelines stipulate that metallic pipes should be properly coated and have impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems in place to control the electrical potential field around susceptible pipes. In certain examples described herein, electrically-conductive nanocomposites can be used and provide intrinsically-safe foam materials without the dielectric shielding issues of existing materials used to physically protect and stabilize buried pipelines. As cured or formed by customary spray applications, the nanocomposite foams described herein are directly compatible with ICCP functionality wherever foam contacts the metallic pipe. Various foam compositions and their use with underground pipelines are described.

Assemblies and methods for maintaining cathodic monitoring of underground structures may include an electrode watering assembly having a cap that includes a cap body of a rigid material defining one or more chambers adjacent to a proximal electrode end of a permanent reference electrode when installed thereon. The cap body may include a distal cap end defining a distal opening configured to be disposed around the proximal electrode end and a proximal cap end defining a proximal opening. The electrode watering assembly may include a conduit having a flexible material. The conduit may include a distal conduit end configured to be fluidly coupled to the proximal opening and a proximal conduit end configured to be positioned at a cathodic test station, such that fluid directed into the proximal conduit end is directed through the conduit and into the one or more chambers for watering at least the proximal electrode end.

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 is provided for examining the cathodic protection of a metallic and in particular ferromagnetic pipeline. An inspection device is also provided for examining the cathodic protection of a pipeline, in particular of a ferromagnetic pipeline. The inspection device is formed to be able to pass through the pipeline and in particular be driven by the medium, and includes a magnetizing device serving to create an alternating magnetic field. A magnet unit and a measuring device are provided, and includes at least one magnetic field sensor serving to measure a magnetic field formed on the inner side of the wall of the pipeline.

A sacrificial electrode attachment structure includes: a first pipe in which electrolyte flows; a second pipe which is formed of an insulating material and allows the electrolyte to flow; a cylindrical sacrificial electrode unit arranged between the first pipe and the second pipe so as to allow the electrolyte to flow, and including a sacrificial electrode that contacts the electrolyte; a first pipe joint adapted to liquid-tightly connect the first pipe to the sacrificial electrode unit in a detachable manner; and a second pipe joint adapted to liquid-tightly connect the second pipe to the sacrificial electrode unit in a detachable manner.

The present invention is a hydraulic excavation and delivery device capable of hydraulically removing soil overburden from a buried structure, like a pipeline, and delivering an article, such as an electro-mechanical connector for attachment to the buried structure. Hydraulic excavation is achieved by directing a stream of fluid at soil adjacent to and inside an open bottom region of the device to simultaneously dislodge adjacent soil, suspend dislodged soil in the accumulating fluid and form a pit that the device may fit within. Delivery of article is achieved by: (1) loading an article into the tool; (2) advancing the device toward the buried structure by deepening the pit without significant failure (slumping or sagging) of the pit walls until a portion of the buried structure is exposed and within the device; (3) landing the device on the exposed portion of the structure; (4) fixing the article to the exposed portion of the structure; and (5) releasing the article from the device.