Ionically conductive agent, system for cathodic protection of galvanically active metals, and method and apparatus for using same

Abstract

An ionically conductive agent having means for reducing passivation of metal subject to anodic dissolution is disclosed. The ionically conductive agent is interposed between metal to be protected from corrosion and metal to be sacrificed to provide cathodic protection. An electrical connection between the two metals completes a galvanic circuit. The means for reducing passivation can be either a complexing agent for ions of the metal to be sacrificed or can be a membrane to inhibit flow of ions that would affect the ability of the ionically conductive medium to support continued anodic metal dissolution. The ionically conductive agent and a system for cathodic protection using the ionically conductive agent is particularly suitable for a galvanic circuit to cathodically protect reinforcement bars in concrete structures such as transportation bridges, transportation highways, parking facilities, and balconies exposed to corrosive environments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.