Integrated probes and probe systems suitable for attachment to a robotic arm of a remotely operated vehicle are disclosed. The probes and probe systems serve to perform cleaning operations and both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. The cathodic protection measurement system includes one or more electrically conductive legs that extend outwardly from the probe. These legs are arranged about a cleaning tool and an ultrasonic sensor. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, at least one leg contacts the surface, thereby providing a desired distance between the probe and the underwater surface for efficient cleaning and UT inspection. The underwater surface can be cleaned and CP and UT measurements can all be performed using a single, integrated probed during a single operation, without having to reposition the probe.

Integrated probes and probe systems suitable for attachment to a robotic arm of a remotely operated vehicle are disclosed. The probes and probe systems serve to perform cleaning operations and both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. The cathodic protection measurement system includes one or more electrically conductive legs that extend outwardly from the probe. These legs are arranged about a cleaning tool and an ultrasonic sensor. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, at least one leg contacts the surface, thereby providing a desired distance between the probe and the underwater surface for efficient cleaning and UT inspection. The underwater surface can be cleaned and CP and UT measurements can all be performed using a single, integrated probed during a single operation, without having to reposition the probe.

A method for preventing corrosion of a spent nuclear fuel canister by using electrolytic corrosion protection, according to the present invention, has an effect of enabling a semi-permanent operation and, particularly, has effects of preventing oxidation and corrosion problems of a canister made of a metal material, in consideration of various environmental variables that may cause corrosion, and ensuring the structural stability of the canister so as to enable a semi-permanent operation.

A method for preventing corrosion of a spent nuclear fuel canister by using electrolytic corrosion protection, according to the present invention, has an effect of enabling a semi-permanent operation and, particularly, has effects of preventing oxidation and corrosion problems of a canister made of a metal material, in consideration of various environmental variables that may cause corrosion, and ensuring the structural stability of the canister so as to enable a semi-permanent operation.

A cathodic protection system comprising a short message system (SMS) transceiver. The SMS transceiver comprises a modem having a telephone number uniquely associated with it and a processor coupled to the modem. The processor is configured to retrieve sensor data from an input module of the cathodic protection system in response to an incoming SMS message from a remote telecommunication device when the incoming SMS message complies with a predetermined format. The processor is also configured to retrieve output voltage and current data from a rectifier monitor of the cathodic protection system in response to an incoming SMS message from the remote telecommunication device when the incoming SMS message complies with the predetermined format. The processor then sends the retrieved data to the remote telecommunication device via an outgoing SMS message.

A cathodic protection system comprising a short message system (SMS) transceiver. The SMS transceiver comprises a modem having a telephone number uniquely associated with it and a processor coupled to the modem. The processor is configured to retrieve sensor data from an input module of the cathodic protection system in response to an incoming SMS message from a remote telecommunication device when the incoming SMS message complies with a predetermined format. The processor is also configured to retrieve output voltage and current data from a rectifier monitor of the cathodic protection system in response to an incoming SMS message from the remote telecommunication device when the incoming SMS message complies with the predetermined format. The processor then sends the retrieved data to the remote telecommunication device via an outgoing SMS message.

Systems and methods for monitoring anodic protection are disclosed. The system can include a sacrificial anode having an anode body, at least one cavity within the anode body, a conductor disposed within the at least one cavity, and electronic circuitry in communication with the conductor. The sacrificial anode can be electrically connected to a component or structure that is subject to galvanic corrosion. The cavity can be positioned such that as the anode degrades to a certain point, the conductor will contact water. In response, an alert can be provided to inform a user that the sacrificial anode needs replacement. The alert can be provided by activating a light, siren, or other device. The alert can also be sent to a mobile device or website.

Systems and methods for monitoring anodic protection are disclosed. The system can include a sacrificial anode having an anode body, at least one cavity within the anode body, a conductor disposed within the at least one cavity, and electronic circuitry in communication with the conductor. The sacrificial anode can be electrically connected to a component or structure that is subject to galvanic corrosion. The cavity can be positioned such that as the anode degrades to a certain point, the conductor will contact water. In response, an alert can be provided to inform a user that the sacrificial anode needs replacement. The alert can be provided by activating a light, siren, or other device. The alert can also be sent to a mobile device or website.

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 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.