Connector for use in cathodic protection and method of use
AssigneeFoseco International Limited
InventorsNigel Davison, Christopher D. Gorrill
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cathodic protection of concrete-reinforcing steel reinforcing elements is accomplished utilizing an anode of a metal (e.g. zinc) having a more negative electrical potential than the steel reinforcing element, and connecting at least one wire made of a ductile metal to the anode. The anode may be cast around the wire, or a twisted portion of two or more wires. The wires are wrapped around one or more of the reinforcing elements and electrically and physically connect the anode to the reinforcing elements. The cathodic protection is maintained over a sustained period of time by casting a cementitious material around the anode, e.g. a mortar containing an electrolyte solution having a pH of at least about 14 when the anode is zinc.
Claims18
An assembly for use in the cathodic protection of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete said assembly comprising:
- (i) an anode of a metal having a more negative electrode potential than steel;
- and
- (ii) an elongated electrical connector physically and electrically connected to said anode and made of a ductile metal;
- and
- wherein said anode is in the form of a block formed around a portion of the length of said elongated connector.
An assembly for use in the cathodic protection of concrete-reinforcing steel reinforcing elements, said assembly comprising:
- at least first and second wires twisted together at a position intermediate their ends to form a twisted portion;
- a block of anode material cast around said twisted portion, so that at least four wire arms extend outwardly from said block;
- and
- wherein said wires are of ductile metal.
A method of making an assembly for use in the cathodic protection of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete using an anode of a metal having a more negative electrode potential than steel, and an elongated electrical connector made of a ductile metal, said method comprising:
- (a) melting the metal for the anode, so that it is in liquid form;
- (b) placing a part of the length of the connector in a mold;
- and
- (c) casting the anode from the liquid metal in the mold to form a block of metal around a portion of the length of the elongated electrical connector.
A method of installing a sacrificial anode to protect the steel reinforcement of reinforced concrete which method comprises in any order:
- (a) making an electrical connection between the sacrificial anode and an elongated connector made of a ductile metal;
- (b) making electrical contact between the elongated connector and the steel reinforcement by winding the elongated connector around the steel reinforcement;
- and after (b)
- (c) tightening the electrical connector around the reinforcement by twisting the ends of the elongated connector together using a twisting tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.