Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to anodic devices and methods for the protection of objects subject to corrosion. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Commercial and residential HVAC systems, air conditioning systems, PTAC Units, chiller systems, systems utilizing liquid refrigerant, systems utilizing cooling solution, and other related systems, typically contain internal and external metallic components, comprised of, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy and other metals and metal alloys. The function of such systems and the environments in which such systems are used will often create a situation where water from the air and environment will condense on and/or coat the surface of the internal and external metallic components. 
     In HVAC systems, for example, extremely cold refrigerants typically travel through metal piping or “lines” internal and external to a given system making the piping cold as well. The difference between the temperature of the piping and the ambient temperature will often cause water to collect on the surface of the piping through condensation. Similarly, flat metal “fins,” for example, used for heat transfer in such systems are often comprised of aluminum or aluminum alloys. The fins of such systems can also be colder than ambient temperature, thereby also collecting condensation on their surfaces. The collection of water on the surface of metal piping, fins and other internal and external metal components of a given system, along with other factors, can greatly increase the risk of corrosion of such metallic components. 
     Substances other than water can cause corrosion as well, including formicary corrosion caused by volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) contained in building materials. For example, VOCs can emit from building materials and enter into and circulate through HVAC systems, then come into contact with and corrode essential metal components of HVAC systems. 
     In many cases, corrosion of internal and external metal components can cause premature replacement of entire systems due to failure of critical components. Moreover, corrosion of critical metal components, such as piping carrying Freon, Ammonia or other refrigerants, can cause a risk of failure of a given system and potential environmentally hazardous issues as well. 
     The purpose of the present invention is to reduce corrosion from occurring on metallic components of HVAC systems, air conditioning systems, PTAC Units, chiller systems, systems utilizing liquid refrigerant, systems utilizing cooling solution, and other related systems and related equipment as described herein. 
     Galvanic anodes have been used within cathodic systems designed to protect metal objects from corrosion. Such galvanic anodes are typically comprised of metals and metal alloys including, but not limited to, zinc alloys, with an electrochemical potential that is more negative than the electrochemical potential of the object subject to corrosion, such objects being typically comprised of metals and metal alloys as well, including, but not limited to, steel, copper, and aluminum. As a result of the difference in electrochemical potential, current flows between the dissimilar metals when the dissimilar metals are in physical contact with each other. Due to the corrosive current flow, corrosion that may otherwise occur on the surface of the object subject to corrosion instead may occur on the galvanic anode, thereby protecting, to some degree, the object subject to corrosion from corrosion. 
     The anodic objects in the prior art typically take the form of solid spheres, or other solid generic shapes, only providing the source of sacrificial material, when placed in contact with an object subject to corrosion. Such prior art anodic devices can protect an object subject to corrosion to a limited extent. However, the amount of corrosion reduction is minimal and unsatisfactory, and such prior art anodic devices are not designed to maximize in any way the reduction in corrosion in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 
     As described herein, the anodic devices and methods of reducing corrosion of the present invention constitute a substantial departure from conventional anodic devices. Such prior art devices, as distinguished from the devices and methods of the present invention, are not configured in a manner to, for example, capture condensation and metallic solution to maximize current flow to the sacrificial anode to synergistically reduce corrosion of objects subject to corrosion. Instead, the prior art objects perform the basic function disclosed above, but are inefficient for their purpose particularly since such prior art objects are not designed to utilize condensation and metallic solution or to maximize corrosion current flow, which the devices of the present invention are configured to do. 
     As described herein, the present invention is therefore a significant advancement in the field of anodic protection because of its unique configurations, including increase in surface area, use of fluid reservoirs, use of protrusions, and use of holes or vertical capillaries, to collect and store condensation from ambient air to maximize the current flow to the sacrificial anodic device and thereby reduce corrosion of objects subject to corrosion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Particular embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for protecting objects subject to corrosion. In one aspect, a particular anodic device for reducing corrosion adapted to reduce corrosion of an object subject to corrosion is provided. The anodic device has a base. The base has a thickness and a surface area. The device also has a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base. Each of the protrusions has a thickness and a surface area. The device is configured to allow a current to flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the surface area of the base and the surface area of the protrusions result in the collection of condensation on the surface areas to cause an increase in the current flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is comprised of an anodic material, zinc or zinc alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy, or aluminum or aluminum alloy. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the condensation covering the surface area of the device comprises one or more metals to form a metallic solution. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured for attachment to an HVAC system, air conditioning system, PTAC Unit, a chiller system, a system utilizing liquid refrigerant or a system utilizing cooling solution. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured to reduce corrosion caused by water or by volatile organic compounds. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, another anodic device for reducing corrosion adapted to reduce corrosion of an object subject to corrosion is provided. The anodic device has a base. The base has a thickness and a surface area. The device also has a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base. Each of the protrusions has a thickness and a surface area. The device also has a plurality of holes extending through the device. Each of the holes is defined by a surface area of the device. The device is configured to allow a current to flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the surface area of the base, the surface area of the protrusions and the hole surface area result in the collection of condensation on the surface areas and within the reservoir to cause an increase in the current flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is comprised of an anodic material, zinc or zinc alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy, or aluminum or aluminum alloy. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured to collect and store water. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the condensation collected on the surface areas and within the reservoir of the device comprises one or more metals to form a metallic solution. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured to collect and store the metallic solution. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is comprised of one or more vertical capillaries. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured for attachment to an HVAC system. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured for attachment to an air conditioning system. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured for attachment to a PTAC Unit, a chiller system, a system utilizing liquid refrigerant or a system utilizing cooling solution. 
     In other embodiments of the device, the device is configured to reduce corrosion caused by water or by volatile organic compounds. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing corrosion of an object subject to corrosion is provided. First, an anodic device with a surface having one or more protrusions is provided; second, the anodic device is placed in electrical communication with an object subject to corrosion; third, collection of water on the surface of the anodic device is facilitated; fourth, flow of current between the object subject to corrosion and the anodic object is facilitated such that the anodic object corrodes more than the object subject to corrosion corrodes. 
     In other embodiments of the method, the method further comprises facilitating the addition of metal to the water. 
     In other embodiments of the method, the method further comprises facilitating the creation of a metallic solution contained on the anodic device. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing corrosion of an object subject to corrosion is provided. First, an anodic device with a surface having one or more protrusions is provided; second, the anodic device is placed in electrical communication with an object subject to corrosion; third, collection of water on the surface of and within the anodic device is facilitated; fourth, flow of current between the object subject to corrosion and the anodic object is facilitated such that the anodic object corrodes more than the object subject to corrosion corrodes. 
     In other embodiments of the method, the method further comprises facilitating the collection of the water in one or more holes or in one or more reservoirs. 
     In other embodiments of the method, the method further comprises facilitating the addition of metal to the water. 
     In other embodiments of the method, the method further comprises facilitating the creation of a metallic solution contained on or in the anodic device. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, one or more methods for reducing corrosion of an object subject to corrosion are provided. In these methods, any or all of the anodic devices described herein are placed in electrical communication with an object subject to corrosion. 
     Further advantages, characteristic features and the modes of use of embodiments of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, provided solely by way of non-limiting examples. It is also to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes all the possible combinations of the embodiments mentioned above and those described with reference to the following detailed description. 
     The above and other aspects and embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, help illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the embodiments disclosed herein. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an anodic device for reducing corrosion in an object subject to corrosion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the anodic device of  FIG. 1  used in conjunction with an HVAC system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the anodic device of  FIG. 1  used in conjunction with, and in another location on, an HVAC system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an anodic device for reducing corrosion in an object subject to corrosion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an anodic device for reducing corrosion in an object subject to corrosion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an anodic device for reducing corrosion used in conjunction with an A-Coil or evaporator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing corrosion in an object subject to corrosion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing corrosion in an object subject to corrosion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, several embodiments and examples of anodic devices for reducing corrosion of objects subject to corrosion are provided. The devices can be formed of the following materials, including metals and/or metal alloys, such as, for example, zinc or zinc alloy (for use to reduce corrosion of, for example, internal or external metal components of an HVAC system made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper and/or copper alloy and subject to corrosion), magnesium or magnesium alloy (for use to reduce corrosion of, for example, internal or external metal components of an HVAC system made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper and/or copper alloy and subject to corrosion), and/or aluminum or aluminum alloy (for use to reduce corrosion of, for example, internal or external metal components of an HVAC system made of steel or steel alloy and subject to corrosion). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the anodic devices disclosed herein can be comprised of numerous other anodic materials, and that the selection of the proper dissimilar anodic materials for the anodic devices would depend on the material or materials that the objects subject to corrosion are made of, such that there is an appropriate difference in electrochemical potential between the anodic devices and the objects subject to corrosion causing the anodic devices to corrode and the corrosion of the objects subject to corrosion to be reduced. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a device  100  for reducing corrosion of objects subject to corrosion is shown. The device  100  has a base portion  102  that is configured to connect to a metallic pipe or “line”  124  on, for example, the suction side of a compressor of an HVAC system. It will be understood that, in this example, the compressor line  124  could be carrying refrigerant and in that case would be very cold as compared to the ambient temperature. It will be further understood that connecting the device  100  to the line  124  would make the device  100  cold as well as a result of conduction with the line  124 . 
     The base  102  of the device  100  has a thickness  104 , length  106 , width  108 , and surface area  110 . In this embodiment, the base portion is comprised of a flat portion  112  and an arched portion  114  configured to surround a metallic line  124 . The device  100  also has a plurality of protrusions  116  that extend from the base  102 . Each of the protrusions  116  has a height  118 , thickness or width  120 , length  122  and surface area  126 . The protrusions  116  on the device  100  greatly enhance the overall surface area and volume of the device  100  in combination with the surface area  110  and volume of the base  102 . The increased surface area of the device  128  will cause an overall increase in the ability of condensation to form on the surface of the device  100  in a given application, particularly in the example where the device  100  is placed in contact with a very cold line  124  as compared to the ambient temperature. The protrusions  108  can be elongated or otherwise shaped to increase the surface area available for condensation. 
     The object subject to corrosion could be the metallic line  124  itself but could also be other internal or external components, or multiple internal or external components, of the HVAC system, and in electrical communication with the device  100  and/or line  124 . That is, the device  100 , while attached to or otherwise in electrical communication with the exterior line  124 , could also be in electrical communication with internal components of the HVAC system that are also in electrical communication with the line  124 . 
     By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  100  can connect with another virtually identical device  100 A to fully surround the metallic line  124  in a collar-like fashion. The devices  100  and  100 A may be connected to each other and the line  124  in a multitude of ways, including, but not limited to, with nut and bolt assemblies  130  and  132 . 
     As the device  100  (which is comprised of a metal that is dissimilar to the object or objects subject to corrosion) is placed in electrical communication with the surface of the metallic line  124 , a potential difference is created between the dissimilar metals, causing corrosive current to flow to the device  100  from the line  124  and/or objects subject to corrosion within the HVAC system, for example. Due to the unique configuration of the device  100 , including its protrusions  116 , and the increase in surface area of the overall device  100 , condensation collected on the surface of the device  100  is increased, particularly in the event the device is mounted on a line  124  or other surface that is colder than ambient temperature. The increase in condensation causes an increase in the ability of current to flow to the device  100  from the line  124  and/or objects subject to corrosion such that the device  100  corrodes and corrosion of the objects subject to corrosion is reduced. As corrosion of the device  100  continues, metal atoms release from the device  100  and enter the condensation located on the surface of the device  100  and between the device  100  and surface of the line  124 , creating a metallic solution that becomes increasingly conductive as the corrosion process continues. This increasingly enhances the current flow to the device  100  from the line  124  and/or objects subject to corrosion, creating a sponge-like effect at the location of the device, thereby maximizing the current flow to the device  100  and overall protection of the objects subject to corrosion. 
     The configuration of the base  102 , base thickness  104 , base length  106 , base surface area  110 , base flat portion  112 , base arched portion  114 , protrusions  116 , protrusion thickness  120 , protrusion length  122 , protrusion surface area  126  and overall shape and configuration of the entire device  100 , and materials used, may be selected according to numerous parameters including, but not limited to, what type of metal the device  100  is being attached to, what type of metal the objects subject to corrosion are made of, the location of the device  100  in relation to the location of the objects subject to corrosion, the environmental conditions, the overall parameters of a given application, the desired life of the device  100 , and so forth. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , the anodic device  100  is shown connected to an HVAC system  102 A. The device  100  is secured, through nut and bolt assemblies (not shown), onto the suction line  102 B of a compressor contained within the HVAC system  102 A. Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the anodic device  100  can be connected to other or additional components within a given system for more precise protection. It will be appreciated that the device  100  can be secured onto other types of HVAC systems, including, but not limited to, air conditioning systems, PTAC Units, chiller systems, cooling towers, systems utilizing liquid refrigerant, systems utilizing cooling solution, marine chiller systems, saltwater flush systems, on-board live holding systems on ships, ship hulls and general marine-based applications, land-based aquaculture applications (including chill systems and grow out tank filtration systems), and other related systems comprising metal components subject to corrosion. 
     Set forth below are specific examples of configurations of devices  100  according to the present invention. As indicated above, the devices  100  in the following examples could be made of metal or metal alloy, such as zinc, zinc alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and/or aluminum alloy. Such materials could include, but are not limited to, MIL-A-19001K ASTM B418 Type I, MIL-A-24779 ASTM B418 Type II, Magnesium ASTM B-843, Zamak 2 ASTM AC43A, Zamak 3 ASTM AG40A, Zamak 4, Zamak 5 ASTM AC41A, Zamak 6 and Zamak 7 ASTM AG40B. Selection of the proper dissimilar anodic metal for the anodic devices would depend on what the objects subject to corrosion are made of, such that there is an appropriate difference in electrochemical potential between the anodic devices and the objects subject to corrosion causing the anodic devices to corrode and the corrosion of the objects subject to corrosion to be reduced. 
     Examples 1-5 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Base 
                 Base 
                 Base 
                 Arch 
                 Protrusion 
                 Protrusion 
                 Protrusion 
                 Surface 
               
               
                   
                 Thickness 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Diameter 
                 Height 
                 Thickness 
                 Length 
                 Area 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 1 
                 .30″ 
                 1.6″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .375″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .125″ 
                 1.00″ 
                 23.4 inch 2   
               
               
                 Example 2 
                 .25″ 
                 1.6″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .50″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .125″ 
                 1.10″ 
                 23.6 inch 2   
               
               
                 Example 3 
                 .20″ 
                 1.6″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .625″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .125″ 
                 1.10″ 
                 23.5 inch 2   
               
               
                 Example 4 
                 .33″ 
                 2.04″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .75″ 
                 .81″ 
                 .22″ 
                 1.2″ 
                 28.2 inch 2   
               
               
                 Example 5 
                 .33″ 
                 2.04″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .875″ 
                 .81″ 
                 .22″ 
                 1.2″ 
                 28.2 inch 2   
               
               
                 Example 6 
                 .25″ 
                 2.04″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 1.125″ 
                 .81″ 
                 .22″ 
                 1.2″ 
                 28.2 inch 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , another anodic device  200  for reducing corrosion of objects subject to corrosion is shown. This anodic device  200  is designed with an “arch”-like or “bridge”-like configuration. The device  200  has a base portion  202  that is configured to surround a metallic line  230  on the suction side of a compressor on an HVAC system for example, similar to what is discussed herein in connection with device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 1A . In this embodiment, the base  202  of the device  200  has a thickness  204 , length  206 , and surface area  208 . The device  200  also has a plurality of protrusions  210  that protrude from the base  202 . Each of the protrusions  210  has a height  212 , thickness  214 , length  216  and surface area  218 . The device  200  also has four walls  220  that create a “tub” or reservoir  222  for collecting fluid, such as water or metallic solution. The walls  220  have a thickness  224 , length  226  and surface area  228 . The base  202 , protrusions  210  and walls  220  also have a plurality of holes  232  extending through the device  200 . Each of the holes  232  has a hole surface area  234  and hole volume  236 . When the holes  232  are positioned in the vertical direction, the holes  232  can form vertical capillaries  232 A to hold and/or channel fluid. The protrusions  210 , holes  232  or vertical capillaries  232 A, and reservoir  222  of the anodic device  200  greatly enhance the overall surface area  238  and volume of the device  200  in combination with the volume and surface area of the base  208 . The protrusions  210  can be elongated or otherwise shaped to increase the available surface area for condensation. The larger surface area of the device  238  will cause an overall increase in condensation on the surface of the device  200  in a given application particularly in the event the device  200  is placed in contact with a metallic line  230  or other surface that is colder than ambient temperature. 
     The objects subject to corrosion could be the metallic line  230  itself but could also be other internal or external components, or multiple internal or external components, of the HVAC system in electrical communication with the device  200  and/or line  230 . That is, the device  200 , while attached to or otherwise in electrical communication with the exterior line  230 , could also be in electrical communication with internal components of the HVAC system that are also in electrical communication with the line  230 . 
     By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , and similar to what is shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  200  can connect with another virtually identical device  200 A to fully surround the metallic line  230  in a collar-like fashion. The devices  200  and  200 A may be connected to each other and to the line  230  in a multitude of ways, including, but not limited to, with nut and bolt assemblies. 
     As the device  200  (which is comprised of a metal that is dissimilar to the object or objects subject to corrosion) is placed in electrical communication with the surface of the metallic line  230 , a potential difference is created between the dissimilar metals, causing corrosive current to flow to the device  200  from the line  230  and/or object subject to corrosion within the HVAC system, for example. Due to the unique configuration of the device  200 , including the protrusions  210 , increase in surface area of the device  200 , holes  232  and reservoir  222 , condensation on the surface of the device  200  is increased and promoted particularly in the event the device is mounted on a line  230  that is colder than ambient temperature. In this embodiment, condensation on the device  200  continuously accumulates on the surface of the device  200 , including the protrusions  210 , and drips down or is otherwise channeled into and stored in, at the least, the holes  232  and reservoir  222  of the device  200 . This creates an active and continuous hydration system for the anodic device  200 , and promotes water collection and storage while concomitantly providing multiple conduits for water to travel to the interface between the anodic device  200  and line  230 , for example. 
     The perpetual supply of condensation and perpetual corrosion process synergistically enhances the overall effectiveness of the device  200 . That is, the increase in condensation causes an increase in the ability of current to flow to the device  200  from the line  230  and/or object subject to corrosion such that the device  200  more readily corrodes than the object subject to corrosion. As corrosion of the device  200  continues metal atoms release from the device  200  and enter the condensation located on the surface of the device  200  and between the device  200  and surface of the line  230 , creating a metallic solution that is increasingly conductive as the corrosion process continues. This increasingly enhances the current flow to the device  200  from the objects subject to corrosion, creating an enhanced sponge-like effect at the location of the device  200 , thereby maximizing the protection of the objects subject to corrosion. 
     The configuration of the base  202 , base thickness  204 , base length  206 , base surface area  208 , protrusions  210 , protrusion thickness  214 , protrusion length  216 , protrusion surface area  218 , walls  220 , wall thickness  224 , wall length  226 , wall surface area  228 , reservoir  222 , holes  232  and overall shape and configuration of the entire device  200 , and materials used, may be selected according to numerous parameters including, but not limited to, what type of metal the device  200  is being attached to, what types of metal the objects subject to corrosion are made of, the location of the device  200  in relation to the location of the objects subject to corrosion, the environmental conditions, the overall parameters of a given application, and the desired life of the device  200 , and so forth. 
     The anodic device  200  can be connected in the same fashion and used in the same way as device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Set forth below are specific examples of configurations of devices  200  according to the present invention. As indicated above, the devices  200  in the following examples could be made of metal or metal alloy, such as zinc, zinc alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and/or aluminum alloy. Such materials could include, but are not limited to, MIL-A-19001K ASTM B418 Type I, MIL-A-24779 ASTM B418 Type II, Magnesium ASTM B-843, Zamak 2 ASTM AC43A, Zamak 3 ASTM AG40A, Zamak 4, Zamak 5 ASTM AC41A, Zamak 6 and Zamak 7 ASTM AG40B. Selection of the proper dissimilar anodic metal for the anodic devices would depend on what the objects subject to corrosion are made of, such that there is an appropriate difference in electrochemical potential between the anodic devices and the objects subject to corrosion causing the anodic devices to corrode and the corrosion of the objects subject to corrosion to be reduced. 
     Examples 6-10 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Base 
                 Base 
                 Base 
                 Arch 
                 Protrusion 
                 Protrusion 
                 Protrusion 
                 Surface 
                 Hole 
                 Wall 
                 Wall 
                 Wall 
               
               
                   
                 Thickness 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Diameter 
                 Height 
                 Thickness 
                 Length 
                 Area 
                 Diameter 
                 Thickness 
                 Height 
                 Length 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 7 
                 .30 
                 1.8″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .375″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .20″ 
                 1.3″ 
                 35.75 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .11″ 
                 .25″ 
                 1.3″ 
               
               
                 Example 8 
                 .35″ 
                 1.8″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .50″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .20″ 
                 1.3″ 
                 35.90 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .11″ 
                 .25″ 
                 1.3″ 
               
               
                 Example 9 
                 .18″ 
                 1.8″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .625″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .20″ 
                 1.3″ 
                 36.00 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .11″ 
                 .25″ 
                 1.3″ 
               
               
                 Example 10 
                 .25″ 
                 2.2″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .75″ 
                 .81″ 
                 .25″ 
                 1.4″ 
                  40.2 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .18″ 
                 .32″ 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                 Example 11 
                 .25″ 
                 2.2″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .875″ 
                 .81″ 
                 25″ 
                 1.4″ 
                  40.2 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .18″ 
                 .32″ 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                 Example 12 
                 .30″ 
                 2.2″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 1.125″ 
                 .81″ 
                 25″ 
                 1.4″ 
                  40.2 inch 2   
                 .08″ 
                 .18″ 
                 .32″ 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another anodic device  300  is shown. The device  300  has a substantially similar configuration, or could possibly have the same configuration, as the devices described above, but can also have a substantially flat base  302  (i.e. no “arch”) and/or capable of being connected to a flat surface (rather than connected to a line as described above). Such an application may include, but not be limited to, bolting or screwing the device  300  to the flat side of an A-Coil  302 A or evaporator of an HVAC unit, as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Set forth below is a specific example of a configuration of a device  300  according to the present invention. As indicated above, the device  300  in the following example can be made of metal or metal alloy, such as zinc, zinc alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and/or aluminum alloy. Such materials could include, but are not limited to, MIL-A-19001K ASTM B418 Type I, MIL-A-24779 ASTM B418 Type II, Magnesium ASTM B-843, Zamak 2 ASTM AC43A, Zamak 3 ASTM AG40A, Zamak 4, Zamak 5 ASTM AC41A, Zamak 6 and Zamak 7 ASTM AG40B. Selection of the proper dissimilar anodic metal for the anodic device would depend on what the objects subject to corrosion are made of, such that there is an appropriate difference in electrochemical potential between the anodic device and the objects subject to corrosion causing the anodic device to corrode and the corrosion of the objects subject to corrosion to be reduced. 
     Example 11 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Pro- 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Base 
                   
                   
                 Pro- 
                 trusion 
                 Pro- 
                 Sur- 
               
               
                   
                 Thick- 
                 Base 
                 Base 
                 trusion 
                 Thick- 
                 trusion 
                 face 
               
               
                   
                 ness 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Height 
                 ness 
                 Length 
                 Area 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ex- 
                 .48″ 
                 2.0″ 
                 3.0″ 
                 .56″ 
                 .14″ 
                 1.1″ 
                 23 inch 2   
               
               
                 am- 
               
               
                 ple 
               
               
                 11 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It will be appreciated that numerous other configurations of anodic devices are contemplated herein. Other configurations can be readily contemplated by the skilled artisan to most appropriately apply to the location where the anodic device  200  is to be placed on or within a given system. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flow chart  400  illustrating a method for reducing corrosion is shown. In the first step  402  of the method  400 , an anodic device with one or more protrusions is provided. In step  404 , the anodic device is placed in electrical communication with an object subject to corrosion. In step  406 , the collection of condensation on the surface of the anodic device is facilitated. In step  408 , the flow of current between the object subject to corrosion and the anodic device is facilitated such that the anodic device corrodes and reduces the corrosion of the object subject to corrosion. In step  410 , the addition of metal to the water is facilitated. In step  412 , the creation of a metallic solution contained on the anodic device is facilitated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flow chart  500  illustrating a method for reducing corrosion is shown. In the first step  502  of the method  500 , an anodic device with one or more protrusions is provided  502 . In step  504 , the anodic device is placed in electrical communication with an object subject to corrosion. In step  506 , the collection of condensation on the surface of and within the anodic device is facilitated. In step  508 , the flow of current between the object subject to corrosion and the anodic device is facilitated such that the anodic device corrodes and reduces the corrosion of the object subject to corrosion. In step  510 , the collection of water in one or more holes is facilitated. In step  512 , the collection of water in one or more reservoirs is facilitated. In step  514 , the addition of metal to the water is facilitated. In step  516 , the creation of a metallic solution contained on or in the anodic device is facilitated. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     Additionally, while the methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are shown as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, and some steps may be performed in parallel.

Technology Category: 2