Patent ID: 7235961
Filing Date: 2007-06-26
Classification: C23F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing corrosion of an underground structure, the underground structure including a pipeline having an electrically conductive apparatus electrically connected to it, at least a portion of the electrically conductive apparatus being disposed in a container at least partially disposed below ground, the container including a wall and a removable cover for selectively covering and providing access to an interior of the container, the method comprising: removing the cover of the container; boring a hole through the wall of the container, the boring being initiated from the interior of the container; removing material from the ground proximate the container through the hole in the wall, thereby creating a hole of a certain depth in the ground adjacent the container without having to penetrate a top surface of the ground proximate the container; inserting at least partially into the hole of the certain depth a sacrificial anode for the pipeline, the anode being inserted into the hole of the certain depth from the interior of the container, thereby effecting placement of the anode in the ground adjacent the container without having to penetrate a top surface of the ground proximate the container; and electrically connecting the anode to the electrically conductive apparatus such that the anode provides corrosion protection for the pipeline.