Patent ID: 8030951
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: C23F,G08C

Abstract:
1. For a cathodic protection rectifier to be coupled to an underground pipe or a storage tank for providing an output current and an output voltage by which to prevent cathodic erosion of the pipe or tank, a method for monitoring the effectiveness of the rectifier during a test period, said method comprising the steps of: connecting an electronic switch to said cathodic protection rectifier; providing a timing signal to said electronic switch to cause said electronic switch to repeatedly open and close at successive switching cycles during said test period in response to said timing signal for causing said cathodic protection rectifier to be correspondingly turned on and turned off; and measuring the ground voltage around the underground pipe or storage tank when the cathodic protection rectifier is turned on and turned off during said test period and adjusting said rectifier depending upon the measurements of the ground voltage.