System e.g. container for storing/transporting hydrocarbons, comprises external and internal metal structures with respective mediums, a power source, a wall separating the mediums, external and internal electrodes, and a binding element

摘要

The system (1) comprises an external metal structure (2a, 2b) contacting with an external medium (6) comprising a conductive electrolyte, an internal metal structure (3) contacting with an internal medium comprising a conductive electrolyte, a power source to circulate a continuous current in the external medium between the current source and the external metal structure, a wall (5) separating the external medium of the internal medium, an external electrode contacting with the external medium, an internal electrode contacting with the internal medium, and a binding element. The system (1) comprises an external metal structure (2a, 2b) contacting with an external medium (6) comprising a conductive electrolyte, an internal metal structure (3) contacting with an internal medium comprising a conductive electrolyte, a power source to circulate a continuous current in the external medium between the current source and the external metal structure, a wall (5) separating the external medium of the internal medium, an external electrode contacting with the external medium, an internal electrode contacting with the internal medium, and a binding element crossing through the wall and ensuring the power continuity between the external electrode and the internal electrode. The internal metal structure is in electrical continuity with the external metal structure. The internal electrode is arranged for providing an oxidation reaction at the interface with the internal medium. The external electrode is used for providing a reduction reaction at the interface with the external medium, when the current source provides a unidirectional current. The internal electrode consists of a metal or an insoluble alloy. The internal electrode and/or the external electrode have a plate shape. The binding element is a metal conductive thread. The external medium and/or the internal medium are an aqueous medium, in which the external medium is seawater or soil. The current source is a sacrificial anode or a continuous electric generator comprising an anode contacting with the external medium and a cathode connected electrically to the external metal surface. The external metal structure is a hydrocarbon pipe. The internal metal structure is a connector between two hydrocarbon pipes. The wall is a heat insulating device of the connector, or a container wall. The external metal structure is the outer surface of the wall. The internal metal structure is the inner surface of the wall. Electrical insulating elements are interposed between the electrodes, and between the bonding element and the wall. Independent claims are included for: (1) a thermal insulation element useful in a casing of connector connected between underwater pipes; and (2) a process for the protection of the system against corrosion.