Abstract:
Coatings and heatable coatings containing electrically conductive nanomaterial; methods for making such a coating; items with such a coating; and methods for applying such a coating. In one aspect, such a coating is a deicing coating. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field Of The Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to protective coatings, to heatable coatings, to deicing coatings containing electrically conductive nanomaterials, methods for making them, methods for heating such coatings, methods for deicing, items with such coatings and, in certain aspects, to such coatings with carbon nanotubes therein. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    There is a wide variety of known approaches to heating things and surfaces with heatable coatings and to dealing with ice formation on items and on surfaces, e.g., on of wings, propellers, turbine blades, ship hulls, paved areas, bridges, runways, train tracks, pipelines, refinery equipment and apparatuses, piping, petroleum and chemical plant apparatuses and flow conduits, and power towers; as well as ice formation on equipment and machines, including, but not limited to, equipment and machines used in the exploration for, drilling of and production from oil and gas wells and the processing of recovered gas and oil. 
         [0005]    Prior patents and applications disclose a variety of articles, substances, devices, apparatuses, and methods for dealing with icing problems, including, but not limited to, those in, and those referred to in or cited in, exemplary U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,832,742; 6,790,526; 6,773,877; 6,576,115; 6,427,946; 6,303,388; 6,027,075; 4,737,618; 4,732,351; 4,685,967; 3,825,371; and 3,204,084 (all said patents incorporated fully herein for all purposes). 
         [0006]    There have long been needs, recognized by the present inventors, for a durable and effective coating, for heatable coating; and for deicing material and methods of their use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses a heatable coating with conductive nanomaterial. In certain aspects, such a coating, when heated resistively by the application of an electric current (AC or DC), heats an item or surface to which it has been applied; and, in particular circumstances, melts ice on items and on surfaces to which the coating has been applied. Such coatings can be used, among other things, to remediate paraffin wax in oil pipelines; to remediate or prevent hydrate formation or hydrate build-up in oil pipelines; and for viscosity control of heavy crude oil in storage tanks. A coating according to the present invention, any disclosed herein, may be a protective coating, a heatable coating, or a deicing coating according to the present invention, and an electrical system may be used with an event sensor or sensors which sense an event related to the item with the coating. For example, the sensed event may be a temperature increase, the formation of ice, or a change in temperature. Upon such sensing occurring, the electrical system changes the temperature of the coating or heats the coating, e.g. to deice the item. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, such a coating has nanomaterials therein which are electrically conductive, for example, and not limited to, electrically conductive nanotubes, nanographene, nanographene ribbons, transformed nanomaterials (e.g., as in U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 12/657,244; 12/657,288; 12/657,289—all filed on Jan. 16, 2010 and co-owned with the present invention and all incorporated fully herein for all purposes) and carbon nanomaterials, e.g., but not limited to, carbon nanotubes. In certain aspects, such a coating is between 0.0001 and 1.0 inches thick. 
         [0009]    In one aspect, such a coating includes a resin material (e.g., but not limited to: any suitable known resin system; a one-part resin; a two-part resin; a one-component resin; and a two-component resin—any, optionally, with a catalyst and/or hardener). Sufficient nanomaterials are in the resin material so that upon the application of an electric current (DC or AC) to the coating, the coating is heated. In one aspect, the nanomaterial is mixed with the backing material, e.g., a resin material using suitable known mixing techniques, e.g., but not limited to, with a Banbury mixer or a Haake mixer or by known sonication mixing methods. In one aspect, the nanomaterial is nanotubes. 
         [0010]    In one particular embodiment, the resin material is a combination of a polyisocyanate resin and a polyester resin. 
         [0011]    In certain aspects, an item according to the present invention includes a base or backing, e.g., a backing made of any suitable material to which the coating can be applied; including, but not limited to, glass, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, metals, elastomer, wood, plastics, composites, polymers, thermoplastics, thermosets, and in one particular aspect is HDPE (high density polyethylene) and a coating according to the present invention which includes coating material and an amount of carbon nanomaterial (nanotubes, nanoribbons, etc.) dispersed through the coating material. Any base, backing, or surface of an item according to the present invention may be prepped or prepared in any suitable known manner as is appropriate prior to the application of a coating according to the present invention. It is within the scope of the present invention for any known suitable coating material to be used to which sufficient nanomaterial can be added so that a conductivity level is reached that enables heating of the coating material. In certain aspects, the resistivity of a coating according to the present invention ranges between 1 to 100 g*Ω/cm. In certain aspects, the amount of nanomaterial is less than 5% by weight of a coating. In certain aspects, the amount of nanomaterial is, by weight, 1% or 4%, and, in other aspects, the amount of nanomaterial ranges between 5% and 32% by weight. In other aspects, this amount is as low as 0.1% and can range between 0.1% and 5% by weight or between 0.1% and 32%. The base or backing may be a surface of a thing, including, but not limited to, a surface of a substrate. 
         [0012]    In certain aspects, a resin system, a base, a surface, and/or a backing are chosen from known engineered materials that provide moisture resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, acid resistance, and base resistance. These have low permeability, low surface energy, high durability and high flexibility. 
         [0013]    It is within the scope of the present invention for a coating according to the present invention to be applied in any suitable known manner of coating application, including, but not limited to, spraying, dipping, spreading, pouring, bonding, trowelling, application with a brush or roller, electrostatic coating, and fusion bonding. In multi-component coatings, it is within the scope of the present invention to mix together the components and then to apply the mixture; or to apply one, two, or more components separately in sequence or simultaneously, e.g., but not limited to, spraying different components with separate sprayers or spraying different components with a dual, triple, or more component feed system so that the mixture is sprayed from one exit port or nozzle. It is within the scope of the present invention to use any coating herein without the application of an electrical current to it and to provide any of the items and things disclosed herein with a coating according to the present invention without any voltage application apparatus or device. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance coating technology, heatable coating technology, and deicing technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present invention described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0015]    Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions of embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below and which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0016]    What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at least certain embodiments of the invention, other objects and purposes will be readily apparent to one of skill in this art who has the benefit of this invention&#39;s teachings and disclosures. It is, therefore, an object of at least certain embodiments of the present invention to provide the embodiments and aspects listed above and: 
         [0017]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious coatings, heatable coatings, and deicing coatings with electrically conductive nanomaterials therein and methods for making them and applying them. 
         [0018]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious deicing coatings with electrically conductive nanomaterials therein and method for making them and applying them. 
         [0019]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious heatable coatings that include a backing and carbon nanotubes within the backing; and 
         [0020]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious deicing coatings that include a backing and carbon nanotubes within the backing; and 
         [0021]    New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious items with such a coating and methods for making and applying such coatings. 
         [0022]    The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems and needs in this area and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention&#39;s realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, various purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent&#39;s object to claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt to disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further improvements. 
         [0023]    The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of phraseology to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection or review, the nature and general area of the disclosure of this invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention or of the claims in any way. 
         [0024]    It will be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed, described, and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention. 
         [0025]    Certain aspects, certain embodiments, and certain preferable features of the invention are set out herein. Any combination of aspects or features shown in any aspect or embodiment can be used except where such aspects or features are mutually exclusive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    A more particular description of embodiments of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic perspective view—not to scale—of a coating according to the present invention on an item or surface. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a graphic view of parameters of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a plane according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-section view of part of a wing of the plane of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a helicopter according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a boat motor and propeller according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a turbine blade according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7B  is a side cross-section view of a turbine blade according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8A  is a side view of a tower according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of a tower according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a propeller according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a wind power generator system according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic side view of a pipeline according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic side view of a pipeline according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a bridge according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a ship according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  is a schematic perspective view of a train according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a rail according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a side view of an automobile according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a tractor trailer rig according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a pick-up truck according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a recreation vehicle according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a travel trailer according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a utility trailer according to the present invention with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  is a schematic view of a drilling system according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  is a schematic view of a drilling system according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 24  is a schematic view of an offshore rig according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a blowout preventer system according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 26  is a cross-section view of a centrifuge according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a shale shaker according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 28  is a top view of a shale shaker screen according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 29  is a top view of a screen support according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 30  is a top view of a shale shaker screen according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 31  is a cross-section view of a shale shaker screen according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 33  is a side view of a heat exchanger tube according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0065]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a jet engine according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0066]      FIG. 35  is a cross-section view of a tubular according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIG. 36  is a cross-section view of a pipeline or conduit according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 37A  is a partial cross-section view of a storage tank system as shown in  FIG. 37B  according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0069]      FIG. 37B  is a top view partially cutaway of a storage tank system according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 38  is a side view partially in cross-section a pipeline pig according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 39  is a side cross-section view of fabric according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 40  is a side view of a blowout preventer according to the present invention with parts with coating according to the present invention. 
           [0073]      FIG. 41A  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 41B  is a cross-section view of the tubular of  FIG. 41A . 
           [0075]      FIG. 42  is a cross-section view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 45  is a cross-section view of a tubular according to the present invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an item according to the present invention. 
           [0080]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of an item according to the present invention. 
           [0081]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of an item according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0082]    Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. Various aspects and features of embodiments of the invention are described below and some are set out in the dependent claims. Any combination of aspects and/or features described below or shown in the dependent claims can be used except where such aspects and/or features are mutually exclusive. It should be understood that the appended drawings and description herein are of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention or the appended claims. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In showing and describing these embodiments, like or identical reference numerals are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0083]    As used herein and throughout all the various portions (and headings) of this patent, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof mean one or more embodiments, and are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular appended claim(s) or all of the appended claims. Accordingly, the subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or necessarily part of, or required by, any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference. So long as they are not mutually exclusive or contradictory any aspect or feature or combination of aspects or features of any embodiment disclosed herein may be used in any other embodiment disclosed herein. The drawing figures present the embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this patent. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0084]      FIG. 1A  shows a coating A according to the present invention (not to scale) which has a base B (e.g., 1.00 to 0.04 inches thick). Onto the base B is applied a conductive coating C with conductive nanomaterial N therein (e.g in a thin layer; e.g. between 0.005 inches thick to 0.030 inches thick). The base B may be any suitable item, surface, backing, or thing; and the conductive coating C may be any coating described or referred to herein. The nanomaterial N dispersed throughout (material N shown greatly exaggerated in size) may be any suitable nanomaterial whose use results in the effective heating of the coating; including, but not limited to, nanotubes and nanoribbons, and, in one aspect, carbon nanotubes and/or carbon nanoribbons. It is within the scope of the present invention for the base B and the coating C to be any desired thickness. In certain particular aspects, the base B is 0.06 inches thick and the coating C is between 0.010 and 0.020 inches thick. 
         [0085]      FIG. 1B  presents data for a coating according to the present invention to which seven different voltages were applied. The graph shows that as the voltage is increased (seven lines, one for each specific applied voltage, lines numbered  1 - 7 ), the temperature of the coating increases. Also, with a particular applied voltage, over time (x axis), the temperature (y axis) increases. The box with line labels  1 - 7  indicates the different applied voltages, from 75 VDC for line  1  to 600 VDC for line  7 . 
         [0086]    The coating of  FIG. 1B  includes two resins, an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a saturated polyester. These are commercially available. Fluorinated polyurethane was added (this is optional) which imparts characteristics such as low surface energy and chemical resistance for corrosive environments. This resin system (polyisocyanate, polyester, fluorinated polyurethane) was cured using an optional dibutyl tin catalyst additive. The nanomaterial used was multi-walled carbon nanotubes approximately 10 nm in diameter and with lengths ranging between 1 and 10 microns to achieve an electrical conductivity that enabled resistive heating of the coating. By weight percent, the coating components were: 
         [0087]    1. 37% Polyisocyanate 
         [0088]    2. 50% Polyester 
         [0089]    3. 10% Fluorinated Polyurethane 
         [0090]    4. 0.4% Dibutyl tin catalyst 
         [0091]    5. 4% SMW grade Multi-walled nanotubes 
         [0092]    The components were pre-mixed using sonication and then the resulting coating was diluted with a low-boiling-point solvent, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and sprayed onto the base. A high-shear homogenization mixing method may also be used (as is true with any embodiment herein). 
         [0093]    Although copper strip electrical contacts were used, any suitable electrical contacts (or leads) may be used. 
         [0094]      FIG. 2  shows a system  20  according to the present invention which includes a heatable coating  12  which, in one aspect, is a deicing coating  12  according to the present invention (any coating according to the present invention disclosed herein) to affect ice  24  that might adhere to an item  26 . The item  26  may be any item or surface subjected to icing (including, but not limited to, any item substrate, or surface disclosed herein); for example, and not by way of limitation, the item  26  may be an airplane wing, a helicopter blade, a turbine blade, a jet inlet, a heat exchanger for kitchen and industrial equipment, a refrigerator, a road sign, machines, oil filed apparatuses, oil field devices, oil field structures, a ship hull or superstructures, any item or surface disclosed herein, or other object or surface subjected to adverse, cold, wet and/or ice conditions. More specifically, the coating  22  is applied over the item  26  to protect it, e.g., but not limited to, to protect it from ice  24 . The coating  22 , in one aspect, is either sprayed-on or is flexible prior to application so that it physically conforms to the shape of item  26 . In operation, a voltage is applied to the coating  22  by a power supply  28  (AC or DC). In certain aspects, this voltage is between 2 volts and 1000 volts and, in one aspect, with higher voltages being applied for lower temperatures. Whether the coating  12  is a protective coating, a heatable coating, or a deicing coating according to the present invention, the electrical system  20  may be used with an event sensor  21  which senses an event related to the item with the coating. For example, the sensed event may be the formation of ice or a change in temperature. Upon such sensing occurring, the electrical system heats the coating, e.g. to change the temperature or to deice the item. 
         [0095]    When voltage is applied, the ice  24  is heated and then melts to water and flows from the surface. Further, gases from within the ice  24  and generate pressure bubbles that exfoliate ice  24  from the coating  22  (and hence from the item  26 ). Optionally, a voltage regulator subsystem  29  (optionally with a temperature sensors or sensors) is connected in feedback with a power supply  28 , and thereby with the circuit formed by the coating  22  and the ice  24 . The subsystem  29  increases or decreases DC voltage applied to the coating  22  as required. 
         [0096]      FIG. 3  shows a system  30  according to the present invention which has an electrical deicing coating  32  according to the present invention to affect ice  34  that might adhere to a conductive surface  36 . The conductive surface  36  may be on any item subjected to icing. The coating  32  is applied over the surface  36  to protect the surface  36  from the ice  34 . In one aspect, the coating  32  is flexible so as to physically conform to the shape of surface  36 . In operation, a voltage is applied between the coating  32  and the surface  36  by a power supply  38 . A bias voltage applied to the coating  32  may be equal and opposite to a bias voltage applied to the surface  36 . If desired, an insulator  35  may be disposed between the coating  32  and the surface  36 . The insulator  35  may be any known suitable insulator, insulating structure, or insulating material. 
         [0097]    If desired, a voltage regulator subsystem  39  is connected in feedback with a power supply  38 , and thereby with the circuit formed by the coating  32 , the surface  36 , and the ice  34 , so as to increase or decrease the DC voltage applied to the coating  32 . 
         [0098]    In the embodiments that follow, any item, thing, or surface may be coated with any coating according to the present invention and any system according to the present invention may be used to apply a voltage to the coating, including, but not limited to, the coatings and systems described above in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 4A  shows a plane  40  with a body  42 , a nose  42   a,  window  44 , wings  46 , engines  45 , and tail  48 . It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a coating according to the present invention and/or coating system according to the present invention to any part of a plane, including, and not limited to, the body, windows, wings, wing leading edge, engine inlets, engine housings, and tail, as well as any particular part, projection, or instrument which may be subjected to icing. Such parts, etc., may be entirely covered with the coating or only part thereof may be covered with the coating. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , a leading edge  46   a  of the wings and a horizontal tail portion  47  are coated with a coating  49  according to the present invention and a system  40   s  (like any system disclosed herein) provides the required voltage to heat the coating. Engine inlets  43  (which engines may be any kinds of engine; e.g., jet, turbine, piston, rocket, etc.) are coated with a coating  41  according to the present invention. 
         [0101]      FIG. 5  shows a helicopter  50  with a body  52 , a nose  51 , windows  54 , rotors  56 , engine  55 , tail  58 , and tail propeller  59 . It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a coating according to the present invention and/or coating system according to the present invention to any part of a helicopter, including, and not limited to, the body, windows, rotors, engine inlet, engine housing, tail, and tail propeller, as well as any particular part, projection, or instrument which may be subjected to icing. Such parts, etc., may be entirely covered with the coating or only part thereof may be covered with the coating. 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , a leading edge  56   a  of the rotors and of a horizontal tail portion  57  are coated with a coating  59  according to the present invention and a system  50   s  (like any system disclosed herein) provides the required voltage to heat the coating. An engine inlet  53  (which engines may be any kinds of engine; e.g., jet) is coated with a coating  53   a  according to the present invention. 
         [0103]      FIG. 6  shows a boat motor  60  with a body  62 , a nose  64 , a propeller  66 , and a motor housing  68 . It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a coating according to the present invention and/or coating system according to the present invention to any part of a boat motor, including, and not limited to, the body, nose, propeller, motor housing, and propeller, as well as any particular part, projection, or instrument which may be subjected to icing. Such parts, etc., may be entirely covered with the coating or only part thereof may be covered with the coating. Edges of the propeller  66  and the tip of the nose  64  are coated with a coating  69  according to the present invention and a system  60   s  is used to apply a voltage to the coating areas. 
         [0104]      FIG. 7A  shows a turbine blade  70  with a body  72  and vane portion  74 . A coating  76  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats the body and the vane portion. A control system  70   s  applies a voltage to the coating  76 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 7B  shows a turbine blade  71  with a body  73 , an inlet  75 , and inlets  77 . A coating  79  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats the body and the inlets. A control system  71   s  applies a voltage to the coating  79 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 8A  shows a power transmission tower  80  with a main structure  81 , arms  82 , insulators  82   a,  top structure  83 , and interior structure  84 . These parts are coated with a coating  85  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size on one of the arms  82 ) and a system  80   s  provides the voltage to be applied to the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the tower  80  or to coat only one of the parts. 
         [0107]      FIG. 8B  shows a power transmission tower  86  with a main structure  87  and interior structure  88 . These parts are coated with a coating  89  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size on part of the interior structure  89 ) and a system  86   s  provides the voltage to be applied to the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the tower  86  or to coat only one of the parts. 
         [0108]      FIG. 9  shows a propeller  90  according to the present invention with a coating  92  on blades  93  and on a hub  94  mounted to a support SP. A system  90   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  92  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the propeller  90 , to coat an edge of the blades  93 , to coat a leading edge of the blades  93 , or to coat one of the parts of the propeller, or only one of these parts. 
         [0109]      FIG. 10  shows a wind power generating system  100  according to the present invention with a rotatable propeller on a support  101 . The propeller  109  has blades  102  and a nose  106 . A power conversion system  108  converts the rotative force of the propeller into usable power. The blades  102  and/or the nose  106  are coated with a coating  103  according to the present invention (shown in exaggerated size) and a system  100   s  provides the voltage to heat the coating  103 . Optionally, there is a coating  105  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) on other parts of the system  100 . It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part or parts of the system  100 , to coat an edge of the blades  103 , to coat a leading edge of the blades  103 , to coat the nose  106 , and/or to coat one of the parts of the propeller, or only one of these parts. 
         [0110]      FIG. 11A  shows a pipeline  110  according to the present invention on supports ST above the earth ER with a coating  112  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) on its exterior. A system  110   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  112  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the pipeline  110 , to coat the bottom half of the pipeline, to coat substantially all of the exterior surface of the pipeline, or to coat a bottom strip along the entire pipeline or only along certain parts of the pipeline, or only one of these parts. 
         [0111]      FIG. 11B  shows a pipeline  114  according to the present invention within the earth ET with a coating  116  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) on its exterior. A system  114   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  116  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the pipeline  114 , to coat the bottom half of the pipeline, to coat substantially all of the exterior surface of the pipeline, or to coat a bottom strip along the entire pipeline or only along certain parts of the pipeline, or only one of these parts. 
         [0112]      FIG. 12  shows a bridge  120  according to the present invention with a deck  122 , supporting structure  124 , cables  126 , and towers  128 . A coating  129  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the bridge  120 . A system  120   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  129  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the bridge  120 , to coat the deck of the bridge, to coat the cables, and/or to coat the support structure, or only one of these parts. 
         [0113]      FIG. 13  shows a ship  130  according to the present invention with a deck  132 , superstructure  133 , masts  134 , hull  135 , cabin  136 , railing  137 , and drive propeller  138 . A coating  139  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the ship  130 . A system  130   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  139  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the ship  130 , to coat the deck, the hull, the superstructure, the cabin, the railing and/or the masts, the bow of the ship, and/or to coat the bottom of the hull, or only one of these parts. 
         [0114]      FIG. 14  shows a train  140  according to the present invention with a locomotive  142 , car  143 , and car  144 . A coating  149  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the train  140 . A system  140   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  149  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the train  140 , to coat only the front of the locomotive, the tops of the locomotive and/or car(s), and/or a part or parts of the locomotive and/or cars, or only one of these parts. 
         [0115]      FIG. 15  shows a rail  150  according to the present invention with a body  152 , a base  154 , and a top  156 . A coating  159  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the rail  150 . A system  150   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  159  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the rail  150 , to coat the base, the body, the top of the top, and/or the top of the rail, or only one of these parts. 
         [0116]      FIG. 16  shows an automobile  160  according to the present invention with a body  162 , doors  164 , windows  166 , tires  168 , and wheels  163 . A coating  169  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the automobile  160 . A system  160   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  169  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the automobile  160 , from the tires, the body, the top of the automobile, the front of the automobile, the wheels, the top of the top, the top of the hood, and/or the windows, or only one of these parts. 
         [0117]      FIG. 17  shows a tractor trailer rig  170  according to the present invention with a tractor  171  with a body  172 , doors  174 , windows  176 , tires  178 , and wheels  173 ; and with a trailer  171  with a body  171   a,  wheels  175 , and tires  177 . A coating  179  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the automobile tractor trailer rig  170 . A system  170   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  179  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the tractor trailer rig  170 , to coat the tires, the bodies, the top of the bodies, the front of the tractor, the wheels, only the top of the hood of the tractor, and/or the windows, or only one of these parts. 
         [0118]      FIG. 18  shows a pick-up truck  180  according to the present invention with a body  182 , doors  184 , windows  186 , tires  188 , a bed  187 , and wheels  183 . A coating  189  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the truck  180 . A system  180   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  189  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the truck  180 , to coat the tires, the body, the top of the vehicle, the front of the vehicle, the wheels, the top of the top, and/or the windows, or only one of these parts. 
         [0119]      FIG. 19  shows a recreational vehicle  190  according to the present invention with a body  192 , windows  196 , tires  198 , and wheels  193 . A coating  199  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the vehicle  190 . A system  190   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  199  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the vehicle  190 , to coat the tires, only the body, the top of the vehicle, the front of the vehicle, the wheels, and/or the windows or only one of these parts. 
         [0120]      FIG. 20  shows a travel trailer  200  according to the present invention with a body  202 , rear  201 , roof  203 , bottom  204 , front  205 , windows  206 , tires  207 , and wheels  208 . A coating  209  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the trailer  200 . A system  200   s  according to the present invention (shown schematically as are the similar systems in the figures described above) provides the voltage to the coating  209  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the trailer  200 , to coat the tires, the body, the top of the vehicle, the front or bottom or rear of the vehicle, the wheels, and/or the windows or only one of these parts. 
         [0121]      FIG. 21  shows a utility trailer  210  according to the present invention with a body  212 , tongue  211 , fenders  215 , tires  217 , and wheels  218 . A coating  219  according to the present invention (shown partially in exaggerated size) coats exterior surfaces of the parts of the trailer  210 . A system  200   s  according to the present invention (shown schematically as are the similar systems in the figures described above) provides the voltage to the coating  209  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the trailer  210 , to coat the tires, the body, the tongue, the fenders, the wheels, the front or bottom or rear of the trailer, or only one of these parts. As is true for any embodiment herein which has an electrical system designated with a numeral followed by a lower case “s,” the system  220   s  may be any suitable voltage applications system, apparatus, or device, including, but not limited to, those disclosed or referred to herein. 
         [0122]      FIG. 22  shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary drilling system  220  according to the present invention having a drilling assembly  221  shown conveyed in a borehole BH for drilling a wellbore. The drilling system  220  includes a conventional derrick DK having a floor FL which supports a typical rotary table RT that is rotated by a prime mover whose motor (not shown) is controlled by a motor controller (not shown). It is within the scope of the present invention to use the teachings of the present invention for known drilling methods and techniques, including, but not limited to, rotary drilling, top drive drilling, casing drilling, and coil tubing drilling. In one aspect, a drill string DR includes a drill pipe DE extending downward from the rotary table through a pressure control device PD (e.g., but not limited to, one or more BOP&#39;s) into the borehole. A drill bit  225 , attached to the drill string end, disintegrates the geological formations when it is rotated to drill the borehole. The drill string is coupled to a drawworks  223  via a kelly joint KJ, swivel SW and line LN through a pulley (not shown). This description is drawn to a land rig, but the invention as disclosed herein is also equally applicable to any offshore drilling rigs or systems. Alternatives to conventional drilling rigs, such as coiled tubing systems (shown schematically as CTS), can be used to drill boreholes, and the invention disclosed herein is equally applicable to such systems. Mud pump MU pumps drilling fluid into the drill string via the kelly joint KJ and the drilling fluid is discharged at the borehole bottom through an opening in the drill bit. The drilling fluid circulates uphole through an annular space between the drill string and the borehole and returns to a mud tank MT via a solids control system SY. The solids control system may include shale shakers, centrifuges, and other known solids control equipment. 
         [0123]    In one aspect, each, some, or substantially all of the exterior surfaces of the equipment, devices, conduits, and items described above for the system  220  is/are coated with a coating  229  according to the present invention (shown on some parts exaggerated in size) and a system  220   s  according to the present invention (shown schematically) provides the voltage to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to so coat only one of the pieces of equipment, etc. of the system  220  according to the present invention. 
         [0124]    Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a drilling rig  230  according to the present invention is depicted schematically as a land rig, but other rigs (e.g., offshore rigs, jack-up rigs, semisubmersibles, drill ships, and the like) are within the scope of the present invention (and this is true for the embodiments of rigs and wellbore operations described below also). In conjunction with an operator interface, e.g. an interface I, a control system CS controls certain operations of the rig. The rig  230  includes a derrick  231  that is supported on the ground above a rig floor RF. The rig  230  includes lifting gear, which includes a crown block CB mounted to the derrick  231  and a traveling block TB. The crown block and the traveling block are interconnected by a cable CL that is driven by drawworks  233  to control the upward and downward movement of the traveling block. The traveling block carries a hook H from which is suspended a top drive system  237  which includes a variable frequency drive controller VD, a motor M (or motors) and a drive shaft DS. The top drive system  237  rotates a drillstring DT to which the drive shaft is connected in a wellbore W. The drillstring is coupled to the top drive system through an instrumented sub IS which can include sensors that provide information, e.g., drillstring torque information. The drillstring may be any typical drillstring and, in one aspect, includes a plurality of interconnected sections of drill pipe DP a bottom hole assembly BHA, which includes appropriate stabilizers, drill collars, and/or an apparatus or device, in one aspect, a suite of measurement while drilling (MWD) instruments including a steering tool ST to provide bit face angle information. Optionally a bent sub BS is used with a downhole or mud motor MM and a bit BT, connected to the BHA. Drilling fluid is delivered to the drillstring by mud pumps MP through a mud hose MH. During rotary drilling, the drillstring is rotated within the bore hole by the top drive system. Fluid from the well and the cuttings produced as the bit drills into the earth are carried out of bore hole by the fluid supplied by the mud pumps. The fluid expelled from the well flows to solids control equipment SC which may include one or more shale shakers SS with one or more shale shaker screens SSS; one or more centrifuges C; and/or other fluid processing equipment X (e.g., but not limited to, degassers, desilters, desanders, and hydrocyclones). 
         [0125]    In one aspect, each, some, or substantially all of the exterior surfaces of the equipment, devices, conduits, and items described above for the rig  230  is/are coated with a coating  239  according to the present invention (shown on some parts exaggerated in size) and a system  230   s  according to the present invention (shown schematically) provides the voltage to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to so coat only one of the pieces of equipment, etc. of the rig  230  according to the present invention. It is also within the scope of the present invention (as is true for any part of any embodiment herein) to coat a part to heat it, for heating and/or for deicing; e.g., for heating to facilitate flow, to remediate wax build-up in a conduit or pipeline, to inhibit or reduce hydrate formation in a conduit or pipeline, to deice a well or wellbore which is cased or uncased, to control viscosity of the contents of a storage tank, to provide a conductive path or liner for a storage tank, and to improve gas permeation of a fabric. 
         [0126]      FIG. 24  shows an offshore rig  240  according to the present invention which has legs  241  that extend down to and beneath a seafloor SF. The legs  241  support a platform  242  that has a cabin  243 , a lifting apparatus  244 , a derrick  245 , a deck  247 , and the equipment, devices, conduits, items, and apparatuses (shown schematically and all designated by the box labeled  246 ) necessary for operations on the rig  240 . 
         [0127]    According to the present invention, one, some, or substantially all of the equipment, devices, conduits, apparatuses, and items of the rig  240  are coated with a coating  249  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size) and a system  240   s  provides the voltage for heating the coating. In certain aspects according to the present invention, only one item, etc., or only one part, etc. has this coating; and it is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the rig  240 . 
         [0128]      FIG. 25  shows a blowout preventer system  250  according to the present invention. According to the present invention, one, some, or substantially all of the equipment, devices, conduits, apparatuses, parts, and items of the BOP system  250  are coated with a coating  259  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  250   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  259  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the system  250  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0129]      FIG. 26  shows a centrifuge  260  according to the present invention which has the parts as labeled in  FIG. 26 . According to the present invention, one, some, or substantially all of the equipment, devices, conduits, apparatuses, parts, and items of the centrifuge  260  are coated with a coating  269  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  260   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  269  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the centrifuge  260  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0130]      FIG. 27  shows a shale shaker  270  according to the present invention which has a screen  272  (or screens) (with screen or screening cloth or mesh as desired) mounted on vibratable screen mounting apparatus or “basket”  273  with a screen support  275 . The screen(s)  272  may be any known screen or screens, but with a coating on some or all parts according to the present invention. The basket  273  is mounted on springs  274  which are supported from a frame  276 . The basket  273  is vibrated a vibrating apparatus  278  which is mounted on the basket  273  for vibrating the basket and the screens. Elevator apparatus  277  provides for raising and lowering of the basket end. According to the present invention, one, some, or substantially all of the equipment, devices, conduits, apparatuses, parts, and items of the shaker  270  are coated with a coating  279  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  270   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  279  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the shaker  270  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0131]      FIG. 28  shows a shale shaker screen  280  according to the present invention which has a frame  282  and screen mesh  284 . According to the present invention, the frame (top, sides and/or bottom) is coated with a coating  289  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size); and/or the screen mesh (top and/or bottom) is so coated. A system  280   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  289  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the screen  280  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0132]      FIG. 29  shows a shale shaker screen support  290  according to the present invention which has a sides  292 , cross members  296 , and mesh support grid  294 . According to the present invention, sides, cross members, and/or grid are coated with a coating  299  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  290   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  299  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the screen support  290  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0133]      FIG. 30  shows a shale shaker screen  300  according to the present invention which has a sides  302 , screening material  306 , and grid  304  (made, e.g., of metal or of epoxy). According to the present invention, the sides, screening material (top and/or bottom), and/or grid are coated with a coating  309  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  300   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  309  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the screen  300  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0134]      FIG. 31  shows a shale shaker screen  310  according to the present invention which has a support  312  and three-dimensional screening material  314  (with raised portions or “hills” between lower portions or “valleys”) on the support  312 . Optionally, end of the 3-D material are closed off with screening material  316  (or with a solid material). According to the present invention, the sides, screening material (top and/or bottom), and/or grid are coated with a coating  319  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  310   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  319  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the screen  310  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0135]      FIG. 32  shows a heat exchanger  320  according to the present invention which has fin plates  322  and tubes  323  extending through the plates  322 . According to the present invention, the plates, and/or the tubes are coated with a coating  329  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  320   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  309  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the exchanger  320  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0136]      FIG. 33  shows a finned tube  330  according to the present invention for a heat exchange. The tube  330  has a hollow tubular body  332  with a plurality of spaced-apart fins  334 . According to the present invention, the body (inside and/or outside), and/or the fins (either or both sides) are coated with a coating  339  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  330   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  339  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the tube  330  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0137]      FIG. 34  shows a jet engine  340  according to the present invention, e.g., for a plane. The engine  340  has a housing  342  with an inlet  344 . According to the present invention, the housing (inside and/or outside), and/or the inlet (inside and/or outside) are coated with a coating  349  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  340   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  349  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the engine  340  or to coat only one of these parts. 
         [0138]      FIG. 35  shows a tubular  350  according to the present invention. The tubular  350  has a channel  351  therethrough from one end to the other. Optionally, the tubular  350  has a pin end  354  with threading  356  and a box end  357  with threading  358 . According to the present invention, the tubular  350  (inside and/or outside), and/or either end (inside and/or outside), and/or the pin end, and/or the box end, and/or the threading on either or both ends are coated with a coating  359  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). A system  350   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating  359  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the tubular  350  or to coat only one of its parts. In certain aspects, and not by way of limitation, the tubular is tubing, casing, pipe, drill pipe, drill collar, riser, or oil country tubular goods. 
         [0139]      FIG. 36  shows a conduit  360  according to the present invention (which, in one aspect, is a pipeline for the transport of fluid, e.g., but not limited to, steam, gas, chemicals, oil, or hydrocarbons). The conduit  360  has an interior  361  coated with a coating  362  according to the present invention and/or an exterior  363  coated with a coating  364  according to the presenting invention. A system  360   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating(s) to heat the coating(s). Such heating can inhibit or reduce the formation of hydrates (and/or condensation)  365  within the conduit  360  and/or can inhibit or assist in removing deposits on the conduit, e.g., but not limited to, the treatment of paraffin wax  366  on the interior  361  of the conduit  360 . The coatings are not shown to scale (as is true of all the drawings herein). 
         [0140]      FIGS. 37A and 37B  show a storage tank system  370  according to the present invention which has tank walls  371 , bottom  371   b,  with coatings  372  and/or  373  according to the present invention. Optional movement apparatus  374  within the tank has coating  375  on its parts. Piping  376  has coating  377  according to the present invention which includes valves  378  and exit pipe  379 -any and all of which may be coated according to the present invention. A system  370   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating(s) to heat the coating(s). The coatings are not shown to scale (as is true of all the drawings herein). The coating(s) may be used to control the viscosity of the contents CT of the tank. In certain aspects, the exterior coating and/or the interior coating, in contact with the earth, serve as a ground for the tank system, providing a flow path for electrons impressed on the tank to the ground. Any coating disclosed herein may be used for such grounding. 
         [0141]      FIG. 38  shows a pipeline pig  380  according to the present invention which has a body  381 , internal passageways  382 ,  383 , and a removable disc (or discs)  384 . Any or all of these parts may have a coating  385  according to the present invention partially or totally covering the part. A system  380   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating(s) to heat the coating(s). Suitable conductors may be provided within a pipeline, e.g., but not limited to the conductor CD shown in  FIG. 36 , for transmitting electricity to the pig  380 , The coatings are not shown to scale (as is true of all the drawings herein). 
         [0142]      FIG. 39  shows a fabric  390  according to the present invention which has a fabric layer (woven or unwoven)  391 , an optional backing  392 , and an optional wear layer  393 . The fabric  390  is coated with a coating  395  according to the present invention partially or totally. A system  390   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating to heat the coating. The coatings are not shown to scale (as is true of all of the drawings herein). 
         [0143]    It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a coating according to the present invention on a blowout preventer and to its internal and/or external parts and/or surfaces, including, but not limited to, its rams, actuators, seals, seal recesses, seal mount structures, and internal and external surfaces. The present invention is applicable to closing BOP&#39;s and to tubular-severing BOP&#39;s. As with other items, apparatuses, machines, and things described above according to the present invention, the provision of such a coating according to the present invention provides for, among other things, the selective heating and/or deicing of part or all of an item, etc. 
         [0144]      FIG. 40  shows a blowout preventer  400  according to the present invention which has a body  402  with a plurality of spaced-apart rams  403  and  404  which are moved by actuators  405 . According to the present invention, the body (inside and/or outside), parts, seal(s), and/or the rams are coated with a coating  339  or  340  according to the present invention (shown on some parts in exaggerated size). Any seal of any part of a blowout preventer according to the present invention may have a seal in a respective recess or mount with the seal and/or the recess coated with a coating (shown partially in exaggerated size) according to the present invention (see. e.g., the seals SS shown schematically in recesses RS to represent all seals and/or any seal of the preventer  400 , seal of a ram, and/or seal of an actuator). A system  400   s  according to the present invention provides the voltage to the coating(s) of the blowout preventer  400  to heat the coating. It is within the scope of the present invention to delete the coating from any part of the blowout preventer  400  or to coat only one of the parts or surfaces. 
         [0145]      FIGS. 41A and 41B  show a tubular  410  according to the present invention which has a coating  412  (not to scale) on its exterior (any coating according to the present invention) and leads  414  to which a voltage is applied by a system  416   s.  Any desired number of leads may be used, one or more. In one particular aspect, the tubular  410  is pipe which, in one aspect is rubber, PVC, or plastic “PEX” or crosslinked polyethylene and the leads are copper (e.g., copper wires or pieces of copper stock cut to size and glued to the surface of a pipe; e.g., but not limited to, a plastic pipe three-quarters of an inch in OD). The system  416   s  may be any system disclosed or referred to herein for applying a voltage. Any tubular according to the present invention may have its interior, exterior, or both coated with PTFE or with some other non-stick material. 
         [0146]    In certain embodiments with copper wire leads as described above on PVC pipes and on rubber pipes, coated exteriorly with a coating having five percent multi-walled nanotubes by weight, electrical resistances of 0.632 kΩ and 1.25 kΩ were measured for PCV pipes (three quarters of an inch OD); and electrical resistances of 0.895 kΩ and 1.155 kΩ were measured for rubber pipes (three quarters of an inch OD). The temperature of these pipes increased with heating time as current was applied to the pipe&#39;s leads. For the PVC pipes the temperature over about fifteen minutes increased from about sixty-two degrees F. to about one hundred eighteen degrees F. (pipe with resistance of 0.632 kΩ) and from about sixty-two degrees F. to about one hundred degrees F. (pipe with resistance of 1.25 kΩ). For the rubber pipes the temperature over about fifteen minutes increased from about sixty-two degrees F. to about seventy eighteen degrees F. (pipe with resistance of 0.895 kΩ and from about sixty-two degrees F. to about seventy degrees F. (pipe with resistance of 1.15 kΩ). 
         [0147]    As shown in  FIGS. 42-45 , it is within the scope of the present invention to use one, two, three, four or more leads or electrical contacts with an embodiment of the present invention (and with any embodiment disclosed herein) and, with tubulars (e.g., pipe, tubing, casing, risers, drill collars, drill pipe) the leads may be non-straight with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular. Also, it is within the scope of the present invention to coat the inside of a tubular, the outside of a tubular, or both. Contacts (any leads or contacts disclosed herein) may be on top of a coating or they may be coated by the coating. 
         [0148]      FIG. 42  shows a tubular  420  according to the present invention with an exterior coating  422  which coats a plurality of leads  424  (not to scale) which are on the exterior of the tubular  420  and are in contact with the coating  422 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 43  shows a tubular  430  according to the present invention with an exterior coating  432  (not to scale) which coats a plurality of leads  434  which are in contact with the coating  432 . The leads  434  wrap partially around the tubular  430  in a helical pattern. A system  430   s  applies voltage to the tubular&#39;s leads. 
         [0150]      FIG. 44  shows a tubular  440  according to the present invention with an exterior coating  442  (not to scale) which coats a plurality of leads  444  which are in contact with the coating  442 . The leads  444  are slanted with respect to the tubular  440  and wrap partially around the tubular  430 . A system  440   s  applies voltage to the leads  444 . 
         [0151]      FIG. 45  shows a tubular  450  according to the present invention with an exterior coating  452  on top of which are a plurality of leads  454  which are in contact with the coating  452  and an interior coating  456  on top of which are a plurality of leads  458 . As is true for any embodiment herein in which there are multiple leads, either or both of the leads  454 ,  458  may be under their respective coatings; or alternating leads for one coating may be coated or on top of a coating. 
         [0152]      FIG. 46  shows an item  460  according to the present invention with a top coating  462  which also coats leads  464  which are in contact with the coating  462 . In one aspect the item  460  was a glass slide, one inch by three inches, and the leads were aluminum with the coating containing four percent by weight multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This coating, in one aspect, due to the inclusion of the nanomaterial, was relatively viscous and was spread on the slide using a spatula, mechanical draw down film cutting device, or putty knife. This item had an electrical resistivity of about one hundred kΩ and was heated from seventy degrees F. to about one hundred and ten degrees F. with five minutes of applied current at six hundred volts. 
         [0153]      FIG. 47  shows an item  470  according to the present invention with a top coating  472  which also coats leads  474  which are in contact with the coating  472 . In one aspect, an item  470  was a six-inch by six-inch piece of HDPE, about one eighth of an inch think, spray coated with a coating four to six mils thick. The coating was sprayed to a thickness of about 0.04 inches and was a three part resin system with four percent multi-walled carbon nanotubes by weight. The coating three part resin system was polyisocyanate with a fluorinated polyol additive and cured with a dibutyl tin catalyst. Optionally any suitable conventional polyol, fluorinated or not, may be used. Such an embodiment heated sufficiently upon the application of an electrical current to its leads to provide de-icing. In a larger embodiment, with a piece of HDPE about twelve inches by twelve inches, the weight percent of nanotubes in the coating was five percent and similar heating was achieved. 
         [0154]      FIG. 48  shows a protector  480  according to the present invention which has a body  486  and an exterior coating  482 . Leads  484  extend from opposite ends of the body  486 . In one aspect, the body  486  operates as an anode which efficiently enables impressed current cathodic protection due to the conductivity of the conductive nanomaterial coating. The body may, according to the present invention, of any desired shape, configuration and dimensions. In certain aspects, the coating  482  is applied to a thickness of about ten mils. In one particular aspect, the coating is as the coating described above with 5% carbon nanotubes by weight. For example, a body of metal, metal alloy(s), mixed metal oxide, copper, and/or graphite may be used (and/or of any known metal used for cathodic protection). By applying electrical current (e.g., referred to as an “impressed current” or “impressed electrons”) to the leads of the body, the underlying metal is protected from corrosion due to water exposure and/or chlorine gas generation (typical byproducts of impressed current cathodic protection) which can result in prior systems in the sacrificial corrosion of unprotected metal or graphite anodes. Any coating according to the present invention may be used for the coating  482 . Any coating depicted in the drawings hereof with non-straight squiggly lines and/or with a dark mass are not to scale and are understood to cover an entire surface or part unless stated otherwise. Any embodiment not shown with a current application device or apparatus may have any such device or apparatus as disclosed or referred to herein; and any coating herein, without a current application device, may be used as a protective coating. 
         [0155]    The present invention, therefore, in at least some embodiments, provides methods for heating including: applying a heatable coating onto at least part of an item; applying electric current to the heatable coating thereby producing heat in the heatable coating and heating at least part of the item; the heatable coating having base material, nanomaterial dispersed in the base material, the nanomaterial comprising electrically conductive nanomaterial so that when the electric current is applied, if flows through and heats the nanomaterial. Such methods may include, in any possible combination, one or some (any possible number) of the following: wherein the nanomaterial is one of or a combination of two of nanotubes, nanoribbons, nanographene, transformed nanomaterial, carbon nanomaterial, and carbon nanotubes; wherein the coating on all or on at least part of the item is between 0.0001 and 1 inch thick; wherein the nanomaterial, by weight, is at least 1% of the coating; wherein the nanomaterial, by weight, is at least between 0.1 and 32% of the coating; wherein the coating has an electrical resistivity due to the nanomaterial which is in a range which is one of between 10 to 100 g*Ω/cm and between 0.001 to 100 g*Ω/cm; wherein the base material is one of or a combination of two or more of glass, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, metal, elastomer, wood, plastic, composite, polymer, thermoplastic material, thermoset material, and high density polyethylene; wherein the coating is applied by one of dipping, spraying, spreading, trowelling, brushing, pouring, bonding, fusion bonding, and electrostatic coating; wherein the electrical current is one of direct current and alternating current; wherein the coating includes a resin material; wherein the item has a body with an outer surface and the at least part of the item is the outer surface of the body; wherein the coating further comprises two or at least two spaced-apart electrical contacts to which the electrical current is applied; wherein the nanomaterial is dispersed in the coating prior to application of the coating to the item by a method which is one of stirring, blending, mixing and sonication; wherein the item has ice thereon and the coating is heated sufficiently to melt the ice; wherein the coating (e.g., an exterior coating connected the item and to ground or an interior coating connected to the item and to ground) provides an electrical ground for the item; wherein the coating includes one of resin system, film, paint, and adhesive; wherein an electrical system provides the electrical current to the coating; wherein the electrical system includes a power supply and a voltage regulator; wherein the electrical system includes a sensor for sensing an event and a current source to apply electrical current in response to a sensed event, the event being one of ice formation and a predetermined state of temperature change; the base material is a cathodic protection material; and/or wherein the item is all or at least a portion of an airplane, an airplane part, wing, edge of a wing, propeller, part of a propeller, turbine blade, turbine blade edge, tower, wind power generator, pipeline, pipeline interior, pipeline exterior, bridge, part of a bridge, bridge deck, cable, support structure, ship, ship hull, boat, boat motor, vehicle, rail, automobile, truck, trailer, recreational vehicle, drilling system, pipe, tubular, casing, blowout preventer, seal, drilling equipment, drilling structure, drilling rig, conduit, offshore rig, centrifuge, shale shaker, screen, screen support, heat exchanger, finned tube, jet engine, tank, fabric, and cathodic protection structure. 
         [0156]    The present invention, therefore, in at least some embodiments, provides heatable coatings for application to an item, such a heatable coating including: base material, nanomaterial dispersed in the base material, and the nanomaterial including electrically conductive nanomaterial. Such methods may include, in any possible combination, one or some (any possible number) of the following: wherein the nanomaterial is one of or a combination of two of nanotubes, nanoribbons, nanographene, transformed nanomaterial, carbon nanomaterial, and carbon nanotubes, wherein the coating is between 0.0001 and 1 inch thick, wherein the nanomaterial, by weight, comprises at least 1% of the coating, wherein the coating further comprises at least two or two spaced-apart electrical contacts to which the electrical current is applied, and/or wherein the coating includes one of resin system, film, paint, and adhesive, wherein the coating has an electrical resistivity due to the nanomaterial which is in a range which is one of a range between 10 to 100 g*Ω/cm and a range between 0.001 to 100 g*Ω/cm, wherein the base material is one of or a combination of two of glass, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, metal, elastomer, wood, plastic, composite, polymer, thermoplastic material, thermoset material, and high density polyethylene, and/or wherein the coating is applied by one of dipping, spraying, spreading, trowelling, brushing, pouring, bonding, fusion bonding, and electrostatic coating, and/or wherein the coating includes a resin material, film paint or adhesive. 
         [0157]    The present invention, therefore, in at least some embodiments, provides an item coated at least partially with a heatable coating including: base material, nanomaterial dispersed in the base material, and the nanomaterial including electrically conductive nanomaterial. Such an item may be one of or a portion of an airplane, an airplane part, wing, edge of a wing, propeller, turbine blade, turbine blade edge, tower, wind power generator, pipeline, pipeline interior, pipeline exterior, bridge, bridge deck, cable, support structure, ship, ship hull, boat, boat motor, vehicle, rail, automobile, truck, part trailer, recreational vehicle, drilling system, pipe, tubular, casing, blowout preventer, seal, drilling equipment, drilling structure, drilling rig, conduit, offshore rig, centrifuge, shale shaker, screen, screen support, heat exchanger, finned tube, jet engine, tank, fabric, and cathodic protection structure. 
         [0158]    In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §103. This specification and the claims that follow are in accordance with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112. The inventors may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of their invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to apparatus and/or methods not materially departing from, but outside of, the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All patents and applications identified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.