Adaptive active cathodic protection

摘要

A device comprising an electrically conductive surface portion is provided for immersion in an electrically conductive liquid such as water. At least one load electrode is provided for supplying an electric load current into the electrically conductive liquid. Further, an electrode, e.g., one or more of the at least one load electrode acts as protection electrode. A protection current source, e.g., a resistor, is electrically coupled to the conductive surface portion and to the protection electrode for providing a protection current flowing between the electrically conductive surface portion and the electrode. Further, the protection current source is adapted for changing the protection current in response to a change in the load current.

主权项

1. A device for transmitting signals into a conductive liquid, the device comprising:
a signal source having a housing configured for immersion in the electrically conductive liquid, the housing protecting the signal source from contact with the electrically conductive liquid; an electrically conductive surface portion of the housing exposed to the electrically conductive liquid; a load electrode configured to supply an electric load current into the electrically conductive liquid; an antenna electrode configured for immersion in the electrically conductive liquid a distance from the electrically conductive surface to act as a protection electrode; and a load current source and a protection current source within the housing; wherein the load current source provides a load current to the load electrode; wherein the protection current source includes a resistor electrically coupled between the electrically conductive surface portion and the antenna electrode and is configured to provide a protection current flowing between the electrically conductive surface portion and the antenna electrode and to increase the protection current in response to an increase in the load current.