UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE CATHODE PROTECTION MODULAR APPARATUS Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C23F13/04 

FIELD: equipment for electrochemical protection of underground metallic structures against corrosion, possibly protection of elongated pipeline, metallic reservoirs and also as electric current sources in different branches of technology.

SUBSTANCE: apparatus includes conversion module, anode grounding and reference electrode. Conversion module includes power source, power amplifier whose positive outlet terminal is connected with anode grounding and whose power terminals are connected with outlets of power source. Module also includes electric current pickup whose first outlet is connected with negative outlet of power amplifier and whose second outlet is connected with protected structure; control unit having modulator whose outlet is connected with inlet of power amplifier; first source of reference voltage; first comparing circuit whose first inlet is connected with outlet of first source of reference voltage. Apparatus includes in addition potential pickup and at least second conversion module identical to first one and connected with it by similar inlets and outlets. Control unit of each conversion module includes in addition second source of reference voltage, second comparing circuit whose first inlet is connected with outlet of second source of reference voltage, second inlet - with outlet of current pickup and third inlet - with outlet of first comparing circuit. Outlet of second comparing circuit is connected with inlet of modulator. Control unit also includes switching circuit and storage whose first terminal is connected with second inlet of first comparing circuit and with protected structure. Second terminal of switching circuit is connected with third inlet of first comparing circuit and with outlet of switching circuit whose first inlet is connected with protected structure and second inlet - with potential pickup.

EFFECT: enhanced reliability of structure protection against corrosion, lowered electric energy consumption of protection apparatus.

2 cl, 1 dwg