Probe for measuring electrical potential - of buried structure with or without cathodic protection

摘要

A probe is claimed for introduction into the earth in the neighbourhood of a buried structure to measure its electrical potential with respect to earth of such structure maintained or not maintained under cathodic protection. The probe comprises a measuring head (22) having a pointed end and elongated at its other end by a hollow insulated shaft. The measuring head (22) incorporates a copper electrode associated with a copper sulphate based electrolyte separated from the outside environment by a porous non-conducting wall (27), this electrolyte being in the form of a saturated gellified aqueous solution. The electrode is connected to one end of a conducting wire (28) that passes through the hollow shaft, with the other end of this wire being connected to a measuring circuit. The measuring circuit and its method of utilisation with this measuring probe is also claimed. USE/ADVANTAGE - The probe is used to measure the electrical potential of buried structures that may or may not be subjected to cathodic protection. It is of simple construction, easy to use and of increased reliability.