Method and apparatus for the electrochemical inspection of galvanized cable and method and apparatus for predicting the corrosion life of galvanized cable undergoing mechanical fatigue
US5945594A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/028
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for examining the electrochemical kinetics occurring at the surface of a galvanized steel cable undergoing fatigue in the presence of a corrosive environment allows the prediction of the corrosion life of the cable. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting localized corrosion in a cable is provided undergoing mechanical fatigue, comprising a weir cell containing an electrolyte and a reference electrode, one or more pulleys, and a motion control device. In other embodiments, methods for detecting and monitoring the electrochemical response of corrosion coupled to fatigue in a galvanized steel cable are provided wherein the potential between a reference electrode and a moveable cable under tension and undergoing fatigue are recorded and/or monitored. In further embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided for inspecting entire runs of cable for localized corrosion, zinc porosity, and corrosion inhibition efficiency. In still further embodiments, methods for the selective application of corrosion protectants to critical cable regions are provided which extend cable corrosion life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.