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 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.

A sacrificial anode for a water heater system is provided. The anode may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage running longitudinally between the distal and proximal end. A first current carrying lead and a first voltage lead may be connected to the distal end of the anode, while a second current carrying lead a second voltage lead may be connected to the proximal end of the anode. The first current carrying lead and first voltage lead may be connected to the distal end of the anode in such a manner that the leads may be fed through the passage of the anode and protrude from the proximal end of the anode. A method of determining the health of a sacrificial anode is further provided, which involves utilizing the resistance drop across the anode to determine the radius of the anode during use.

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.

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.

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.

This application discloses magnetically coupled integrated probes and probe systems, attachable to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. The integrated probe system can include a spring for coupling to an ROV end effector. An ultrasonic probe is disposed within and extends from the sleeve housing. A magnetic carrier, flux concentrator, and gimbal surround a portion of the ultrasonic probe, and one or more electrically conductive legs extend from the front surface of the gimbal to function as a CP probe. The legs are arranged about the ultrasonic probe, which has a flexible membrane exposed at the front surface of the gimbal, such that during inspection, at least one leg contacts the surface and the ultrasonic probe is sufficiently proximate to provide substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.