A probe for measuring a cathodic protection condition of a buried steel structure includes: a steel electrode; a reference electrode; and a coupon fabricated of a conductive material. The steel electrode, the reference electrode and the conductive coupon are positioned in an ionically conductive medium in proximity with each other and are isolated from direct electrical contact with each other.

A probe for measuring a cathodic protection condition of a buried steel structure includes: a steel electrode; a reference electrode; and a coupon fabricated of a conductive material. The steel electrode, the reference electrode and the conductive coupon are positioned in an ionically conductive medium in proximity with each other and are isolated from direct electrical contact with each other.

The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.

The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.

A device, system, and a method are provided for notifying a user to replace a sacrificial anode in a pool or spa system. The device is provided in the form of a body defining a cavity, a sacrificial anode, and a sensor. The sacrificial anode substantially surrounds the cavity when the sacrificial anode is coupled to the body. The sensor is at least partially received into the cavity and is in communication with a pool automation system. The sensor is designed to transmit a signal to the pool automation system when the sensor detects water within the cavity. The signal is processed by the pool automation system, and the pool automation system may then transmit a notification to a user that the sacrificial anode is depleted.

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 marine ICCP system includes an electrical circuit comprising a primary and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit comprises a first electrode connected to a positive terminal of a power source to act as an active anode; and a second electrode connected to a negative terminal of the power source. The secondary circuit comprises a passive electrode normally disconnected from the electrical circuit and arranged to act as back-up protection, wherein the second electrode connectable to the passive electrode. The passive electrode is arranged to be connected to the power source if a detected output voltage in the primary circuit reaches a maximum value and if a determined polarization potential for the cathode is insufficient. The control unit is operable to control the output voltage supplied to the primary and secondary circuits separately in order to supply an individual output voltage to each circuit.

A marine ICCP system includes an electrical circuit comprising a primary and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit comprises a first electrode connected to a positive terminal of a power source to act as an active anode; and a second electrode connected to a negative terminal of the power source. The secondary circuit comprises a passive electrode normally disconnected from the electrical circuit and arranged to act as back-up protection, wherein the second electrode connectable to the passive electrode. The passive electrode is arranged to be connected to the power source if a detected output voltage in the primary circuit reaches a maximum value and if a determined polarization potential for the cathode is insufficient. The control unit is operable to control the output voltage supplied to the primary and secondary circuits separately in order to supply an individual output voltage to each circuit.

A method for changing an activation state of an interruption module for selectively interrupting at least one passive cathodic protection unit from a metallic structure. The method includes enabling a global positioning system (GPS) receiver in data communication with a controller of the interruption module, receiving GPS time via the GPS receiver from at least one global positioning system satellite in data communication therewith, synchronizing a real-time clock time of a real-time clock in data communication with the controller to GPS time, disabling the GPS receiver and changing the activation state of the interruption module if a predetermined activation state change time of the interruption module is between the local real-time clock time and the GPS time.

An intelligent system is provided for monitoring a subsea structure and delivering appropriate cathodic protection to desired areas of the subsea structure. According to an embodiment, the technique involves monitoring a cathodic protection potential level at an important location or locations of the subsea structure. Based on the data acquired via monitoring, a controller is able to apply voltage levels to the subsea structure so as to attain and modulate a desired cathodic protection level, e.g. a cathodic protection level within a range of about −800 mV to −950 mV (SCE). Consequently, undesirable overprotection and under protection are avoided and the subsea structure is adequately protected from corrosion while reducing undesirable production of hydrogen.