EP0771889B1 - Device for cathodically protecting a water heater and water heater featuring such a device - Google Patents

Device for cathodically protecting a water heater and water heater featuring such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0771889B1
EP0771889B1 EP96402233A EP96402233A EP0771889B1 EP 0771889 B1 EP0771889 B1 EP 0771889B1 EP 96402233 A EP96402233 A EP 96402233A EP 96402233 A EP96402233 A EP 96402233A EP 0771889 B1 EP0771889 B1 EP 0771889B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
water heater
electronic circuit
anode
insulating element
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EP96402233A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0771889A1 (en
Inventor
Yves Lepelletier
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Atlantic - Francaise De Developpement Thermique Ste
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Atlantic - Francaise De Developpement Thermique Ste
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
    • C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
    • C23F13/06—Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
    • C23F13/08—Electrodes specially adapted for inhibiting corrosion by cathodic protection; Manufacture thereof; Conducting electric current thereto

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for cathodic protection of water heater tanks, as well as water heater fitted with such a protection device cathodic.
  • water heater any tank capable of holding hot water equipped or not a permanent heating means.
  • Cathodic protection is a technique of protection of a metal structure against oxidation, consisting in carrying the metallic structure to be protected to a electrochemical potential determined so that the structure does not release metal ions even on contact with agents oxidants.
  • Cathodic protection can be protection so-called “passive" cathode, in which an electrode consumable acting as anode corrodes gradually and the metal structure to be protected plays the role of cathode not releasing metal ions.
  • a second protection technique called by "impressed current” specialists can protect the metallic structure by imposing an electrical potential between the metal structure to be protected and a non-anode consumable in noble metal or resistant to corrosion.
  • Document DE 26 21962 describes a device for cathodic protection of a hot water tank, in which the anode is in the form of an elongated tube attached to its two ends by insulating supports.
  • the object of the invention is to improve the cathodic protection systems for water heaters, providing a new simple manufacturing device and economical, easily adaptable to type water heaters known without cathodic protection.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for cathodic protection of water heaters of the type comprising a tank closed by a sealing flange, characterized in the device has a tubular thermowell carrying at its end an insulating support element of a non-consumable anode, in that said insulating element is crossed by said non-consumable anode, so that a electronic circuit is connected to the non-consumable anode by an insulated conductor inside said thermowell.
  • the invention also relates to a water heater comprising a metal tank closed by a cover carrying a device according to the invention.
  • a device has a flange 1 intended to close off the lower end of the tank of a water heater to which it is screwed by screws 2 with possibly interposition of a seal.
  • the flange 1 carries a sheath 3 intended to receive an element heating, for example a soapstone set with resistors, comprising at least one metal winding mounted on a insulating ceramic.
  • the disc-shaped flange 1 door also a thermowell 4 containing a first bulb 5 safety and a second regulation bulb 6 connected to a set 7 and forming a thermostat for supplying the heating element or a heating resistor of the water heater.
  • Thermostat 7 is mounted outside the tank of the water heater on the flange 1 by means of a bracket 8 in folded sheet.
  • thermowell 4 carries a assembly comprising an insulating support element 9 of a noble metal anode 10, with possible interposition a washer (34) made of synthetic material.
  • a metallic material usable for anode 10 we can for example choose a material in the group comprising ferritic stainless steels externally passivated by electrochemical passivation, passivated austenitic stainless steels externally by electrochemical passivation, aluminum, ferrosilicon, platinum titanium, platinized niobium, platinum tantalum and coated titanium a coating layer of metal oxides.
  • the anode 10 of metallic material is connected to a current generator 11 via a insulated conductor 12, to which it is connected by through an insulated connector 13.
  • the generator electrochemical 11 is also connected to the flange shutter 1 by an insulated conductor 14, preferably by a contact tightened by a flange fixing screw 2 1 on the tank of the water heater.
  • the electrical contact is established by the mechanical pressure resulting from the screwing of the screw 2 in a corresponding thread on the water heater, this which establishes a permanent electrical connection between the flange 1 and the tank of the water heater and ensures that the casing of the water heater including the tank and the flange 1 is constantly subjected to the same electrical potential fixed by the generator 11.
  • the invention described with reference to a resistance mounted in a sheath is applicable to any variant in which the heating resistance would be constituted by an immersion heater or any other equivalent heating element, the main thing being that the outer sheath of the immersion heater or element equivalent heating either in material continuity with the flange 1 directly or via a resistor of compensation, so as to be constantly at the same electrical potential than the flange 1 and the tank of the water heater.
  • thermostat 7 and the generator 11 are powered through a common terminal 15 usable for a power supply three-phase three-phase L1, L2, L3, or for a two-phase L and N single-phase supply.
  • Thermostat 7 in turn supplies a set of resistors 16, 17, 18, connected in a star and located at inside the sheath 3 to heat the the water in the water heater.
  • the generator 11 is connected on the one hand to the tank of the water heater which acts as a cathode and on the other hand to non-consumable anode providing protection cathode of the tank of the water heater.
  • Anode 10 is by example of a titanium material coated with a protective coating.
  • Bulbs 5 and 6 are expansion bulbs of which are connected to thermostat 7 by capillaries: this arrangement in one piece is of the type known per se and generally gives satisfaction.
  • an electronic circuit cathodic protection for device includes a power supply 20 capable of providing a rectified and filtered voltage of the order of 7.5 volts, a polarization block 21 of anode 10, a recharging block 22 of an accumulator 23, a polarization block 24 discharging the accumulator 23 to maintain the tank C at a cathodic protection potential and a block of signaling 25 indicating that the cathodic protection of the tank is provided by the rechargeable battery 23.
  • the block 20 comprises in a manner known per se a 20a surge protection varistor and two Zener 20b diodes mounted across the primary of a voltage lowering transformer 20c.
  • the secondary of the transformer is connected via a PTC resistor 20d to a 20th bridge of diodes for rectify the voltage delivered by the secondary of the transformer.
  • a filter capacitor 20f is arranged at the exit of the aforementioned mixed rectifier bridge.
  • the block of bias 21 includes a transistor 21a, two resistors 21b and 21c and two diodes 21d, so that polarize the tank C relative to the anode 10 to obtain electrochemical potential providing protection efficient of tank C.
  • the charging unit 22 of the accumulator 23 comprises a load transistor 22a, two resistors 22b and 22c, two diodes 22d and two resistors 22e and 22f mounted at the base of a tilting transistor 22g.
  • the bias circuit 24 using the discharge of the battery 23 comprises a transistor 24a of tilting, three resistors 24b, 24c, 24d limitation current, three 24th current limiting diodes battery discharge and two light emitting diodes 24f limiting battery charge 23.
  • the signaling block 25 includes a diode light-emitting 26 powered by an oscillating mounting at three transistors 26a, 26b, 26c, two capacitors 26d, 26e and six resistors 26f to 26k to define time constants allowing the diode to light up light emitting 26 every 800 milliseconds about.
  • the envelope of the water heater including tank, flange 1 and any part metallic in contact with the water contained in the water heater is constantly protected even in the absence of heating some water.
  • the battery or batteries 23 are of determined preferences for continued protection for at least 72 hours from the jacket of the water heater in providing a bias current of less than 5 milliamps and able to impose a protection potential cathodic at least equal to 1.2 Volts, whatever the characteristics of the sanitary water contained in the water heater.
  • a support member non-consumable anode insulator 10 is preferably consisting of a cap in one or more elastomeric material (s) resistant to heat and chlorinated agents and compatible with agro-food uses.
  • the cap 9 makes it possible to adapt a cathodic protection to a known type of water heater, in cutting the end of the thermowell containing the bulbs 5 and 6 and by covering it with a cap 9 equipped with an anode 10 forcibly inserted into a channel 30 of diameter provided for tightly enclose the metal anode tightly 10.
  • the cap 9 advantageously comprises a recess lower 31 provided with clamping grooves intended for grip a tubular thermowell 4.
  • the end upper of the recess 31 is preferably adapted to inner and outer diameters of the tubular thermowell 4, so that after having fitted the plug 9 on the tubular thermowell 4, the inside diameter of the finger of tubular glove 4 is centered on a wall 32 of the blanking plug 9.
  • a plastic washer 34 may easily inserted between the upper end of the tube 4 and the internal face 33 of the cap 9.
  • the invention thus allows rapid modification and easy existing water heaters by adding a new device or by simple modification of a water heater existing.

Abstract

The protection assembly consists of a sleeve (4) with its end covered by an insulating element (9) which acts as a support for a non-consumable anode (10). The anode passes through the cover and is connected to an electronic circuit (11) by a conductor (12) passing through the inside of the sleeve. The circuit (11) is connected to the heater tank by a screw (2) and a bracket (1) which ensures a constant electrical contact with the tank. The circuit (11) incorporates a feeder, a polariser and a battery recharger. The insulating cover (9) comprises a pierced cap (30) which surrounds the anode and fits onto the end of the sleeve, with a plastic insulating seal (34) between them. The cap is made from a resilient material, such as an elastomer which is resistant to heat and chlorinating agents.

Description

L'invention est relative à un dispositif de protection cathodique de cuve de chauffe-eau, ainsi qu'à un chauffe-eau équipé d'un tel dispositif de protection cathodique.The invention relates to a device for cathodic protection of water heater tanks, as well as water heater fitted with such a protection device cathodic.

On désigne dans la présente demande par "chauffe-eau" tout réservoir apte à contenir de l'eau chaude équipé ou non d'un moyen de chauffage permanent.In this application, the term "water heater" is used. any tank capable of holding hot water equipped or not a permanent heating means.

La protection cathodique est une technique de protection d'une structure métallique contre l'oxydation, consistant à porter la structure métallique à protéger à un potentiel électrochimique déterminé pour que la structure ne libère pas d'ions métalliques même au contact d'agents oxydants. La protection cathodique peut être une protection cathodique dite "passive", dans laquelle une électrode consommable jouant le rôle d'anode se corrode progressivement et la structure métallique à protéger joue le rôle de cathode ne libérant pas d'ions métalliques. Une deuxième technique de protection appelée par les spécialistes "à courant imposé" permet de protéger la structure métallique en imposant un potentiel électrique entre la structure métallique à protéger et une anode non consommable en métal noble ou résistant à la corrosion.Cathodic protection is a technique of protection of a metal structure against oxidation, consisting in carrying the metallic structure to be protected to a electrochemical potential determined so that the structure does not release metal ions even on contact with agents oxidants. Cathodic protection can be protection so-called "passive" cathode, in which an electrode consumable acting as anode corrodes gradually and the metal structure to be protected plays the role of cathode not releasing metal ions. A second protection technique called by "impressed current" specialists can protect the metallic structure by imposing an electrical potential between the metal structure to be protected and a non-anode consumable in noble metal or resistant to corrosion.

Le document US 4 407 711 donne un exemple de système de protection pour réservoir d'eau chaude, dans lequel un élément d'anode résistant à la corrosion est conformé en ruban s'étendant tout le long d'un tube de support ou, alternativement, sous forme d'un fil de métal noble fixé à l'extérieur d'un tube d'admission d'eau, entourant celui-ci en hélice et le traversant pour être raccordé à l'intérieur de celui-ci.Document US 4,407,711 gives an example of protection system for hot water tank, in which a corrosion resistant anode element is shaped ribbon extending along a tube of support or, alternatively, in the form of a metal wire noble attached to the outside of a water intake tube, surrounding it in a helix and crossing it to be connected inside of it.

Le document US 4 975 560 décrit un appareil d'alimentation d'un système de protection contre la corrosion dans un chauffe-eau électrique, dans lequel l'anode de protection est une anode de type consommable. Document US 4,975,560 describes an apparatus of a protection system against corrosion in an electric water heater, in which the protection anode is a consumable type anode.

Le document DE 26 21962 décrit un dispositif pour la protection cathodique d'un réservoir d'eau chaude, dans lequel l'anode est en forme de tube allongé fixé à ses deux extrémités par des supports isolants.Document DE 26 21962 describes a device for cathodic protection of a hot water tank, in which the anode is in the form of an elongated tube attached to its two ends by insulating supports.

L'invention a pour but de perfectionner les systèmes de protection cathodique de chauffe-eau, en fournissant un nouveau dispositif de fabrication simple et économique, facilement adaptable à des chauffe-eau de type connu ne comportant pas de protection cathodique.The object of the invention is to improve the cathodic protection systems for water heaters, providing a new simple manufacturing device and economical, easily adaptable to type water heaters known without cathodic protection.

L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de protection cathodique de chauffe-eau du type comportant une cuve obturée par une bride d'obturation, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif comporte un doigt de gant tubulaire portant à son extrémité un élément isolant de support d'une anode non consommable, en ce que ledit élément isolant est traversé par ladite anode non consommable, de manière qu'un circuit électronique soit relié à l'anode non consommable par un conducteur isolé intérieur audit doigt de gant.The subject of the invention is a device for cathodic protection of water heaters of the type comprising a tank closed by a sealing flange, characterized in the device has a tubular thermowell carrying at its end an insulating support element of a non-consumable anode, in that said insulating element is crossed by said non-consumable anode, so that a electronic circuit is connected to the non-consumable anode by an insulated conductor inside said thermowell.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • le dispositif comporte un circuit électronique relié à la cuve par l'intermédiaire d'une vis de fixation de la bride d'obturation, de manière à assurer une contrainte mécanique produisant un contact électrique permanent entre la cuve du chauffe-eau et ladite bride d'obturation.
  • le dispositif comporte un circuit électronique relié à une patte soudée à la cuve, de manière à produire un contact électrique permanent entre la cuve et le circuit électronique.
  • le dispositif comporte un circuit électronique comportant un bloc d'alimentation, un bloc de polarisation en service en cours de chauffage, un bloc de recharge de batterie, un bloc de polarisation à l'aide de la batterie en service en l'absence de chauffage.
  • le circuit électronique comporte en outre un bloc de signalisation.
  • l'élément isolant de support est en forme de capuchon percé enserrant d'une part ladite anode non consommable et d'autre part l'extrémité du doigt de gant.
  • l'élément isolant de support est associé à une rondelle plastique d'isolation.
  • le capuchon est en matériau résilient, par exemple un ou plusieurs matériau(x) élastomère(s) résistant à la chaleur et aux agents chlorés et présentant une compatibilité agro-alimentaire.
According to other characteristics of the invention:
  • the device comprises an electronic circuit connected to the tank by means of a screw for fixing the closure flange, so as to ensure mechanical stress producing permanent electrical contact between the tank of the water heater and said flange d shutter.
  • the device comprises an electronic circuit connected to a lug welded to the tank, so as to produce a permanent electrical contact between the tank and the electronic circuit.
  • the device comprises an electronic circuit comprising a power supply unit, a polarization block in service during heating, a battery recharging block, a polarization block using the battery in service in the absence of heating .
  • the electronic circuit also includes a signaling block.
  • the insulating support element is in the form of a pierced cap enclosing on the one hand said non-consumable anode and on the other hand the end of the glove finger.
  • the insulating support element is associated with a plastic insulation washer.
  • the cap is made of a resilient material, for example one or more elastomeric material (s) resistant to heat and to chlorinated agents and having agrifood compatibility.

L'invention a également pour objet un chauffe-eau comportant une cuve métallique obturée par un couvercle portant un dispositif selon l'invention.The invention also relates to a water heater comprising a metal tank closed by a cover carrying a device according to the invention.

L'invention sera mieux comprise grâce à la description qui va suivre donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue en élévation latérale avec coupes diamétrales partielles d'un dispositif selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 représente schématiquement un circuit d'alimentation pour dispositif selon l'invention.
  • La figure 3 représente schématiquement un diagramme d'un circuit électronique de dispositif selon l'invention.
  • La figure 4 représente schématiquement un élément de support d'anode pour dispositif selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood thanks to the description which follows given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a side elevational view with partial diametrical sections of a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically represents a supply circuit for a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 schematically represents a diagram of an electronic circuit of a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 schematically represents an anode support element for a device according to the invention.

En référence à la figure 1, un dispositif selon l'invention présente une bride 1 destinée à obturer l'extrémité inférieure de la cuve d'un chauffe-eau électrique à laquelle elle est vissée par des vis 2 avec éventuellement interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité. La bride 1 porte un fourreau 3 destiné à recevoir un élément chauffant, par exemple un ensemble stéatite à résistances, comportant au moins un enroulement métallique monté sur une céramique isolante. La bride en forme de disque 1 porte également un doigt de gant 4 contenant un premier bulbe 5 de sécurité et un deuxième bulbe 6 de régulation reliés à un ensemble 7 et formant thermostat pour alimenter l'élément chauffant ou une résistance de chauffage du chauffe-eau. Le thermostat 7 est monté à l'extérieur de la cuve du chauffe-eau sur la bride 1 au moyen d'une équerre 8 en tôle pliée.Referring to Figure 1, a device according to the invention has a flange 1 intended to close off the lower end of the tank of a water heater to which it is screwed by screws 2 with possibly interposition of a seal. The flange 1 carries a sheath 3 intended to receive an element heating, for example a soapstone set with resistors, comprising at least one metal winding mounted on a insulating ceramic. The disc-shaped flange 1 door also a thermowell 4 containing a first bulb 5 safety and a second regulation bulb 6 connected to a set 7 and forming a thermostat for supplying the heating element or a heating resistor of the water heater. Thermostat 7 is mounted outside the tank of the water heater on the flange 1 by means of a bracket 8 in folded sheet.

Selon l'invention, le doigt de gant 4 porte un ensemble comportant un élément de support isolant 9 d'une anode 10 en métal noble, avec interposition éventuelle d'une rondelle (34) en matière synthétique.According to the invention, the thermowell 4 carries a assembly comprising an insulating support element 9 of a noble metal anode 10, with possible interposition a washer (34) made of synthetic material.

A titre de matériau métallique utilisable pour l'anode 10, on peut par exemple choisir un matériau dans le groupe comportant les aciers inoxydables ferritiques passivés extérieurement par passivation électrochimique, les aciers inoxydables austénitiques passivés extérieurement par passivation électrochimique, l'aluminium, le ferrosilicium, le titane platiné, le niobium platiné, le tantale platiné et le titane revêtu d'une couche de revêtement d'oxydes métalliques.As a metallic material usable for anode 10, we can for example choose a material in the group comprising ferritic stainless steels externally passivated by electrochemical passivation, passivated austenitic stainless steels externally by electrochemical passivation, aluminum, ferrosilicon, platinum titanium, platinized niobium, platinum tantalum and coated titanium a coating layer of metal oxides.

L'anode 10 en matériau métallique est reliée à un générateur de courant 11 par l'intermédiaire d'un conducteur isolé 12, auquel elle est reliée par l'intermédiaire d'un connecteur isolé 13. Le générateur électrochimique 11 est également relié à la bride d'obturation 1 par un conducteur isolé 14, de préférence par un contact serré par une vis 2 de fixation de la bride 1 sur la cuve du chauffe-eau.The anode 10 of metallic material is connected to a current generator 11 via a insulated conductor 12, to which it is connected by through an insulated connector 13. The generator electrochemical 11 is also connected to the flange shutter 1 by an insulated conductor 14, preferably by a contact tightened by a flange fixing screw 2 1 on the tank of the water heater.

Ainsi, en vissant les vis 2 de fixation de la bride 1 sur la cuve du chauffe-eau, le contact électrique est établi par la pression mécanique résultant du vissage de la vis 2 dans un taraudage correspondant du chauffe-eau, ce qui établit une connexion électrique permanente entre la bride 1 et la cuve du chauffe-eau et assure que l'enveloppe du chauffe-eau comprenant la cuve et la bride 1 est constamment soumise à un même potentiel électrique fixé par le générateur 11.Thus, by screwing the screws 2 for fixing the flange 1 on the tank of the water heater, the electrical contact is established by the mechanical pressure resulting from the screwing of the screw 2 in a corresponding thread on the water heater, this which establishes a permanent electrical connection between the flange 1 and the tank of the water heater and ensures that the casing of the water heater including the tank and the flange 1 is constantly subjected to the same electrical potential fixed by the generator 11.

Bien entendu, l'invention décrite en référence à une résistance montée dans un fourreau est applicable à toute variante dans laquelle la résistance de chauffage serait constituée par un thermoplongeur ou tout autre élément chauffant équivalent, l'essentiel étant que la gaine extérieure du thermoplongeur ou de l'élément chauffant équivalent soit en continuité de matière avec la bride 1 directement ou par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance de compensation, de manière à être constamment au même potentiel électrique que la bride 1 et que la cuve du chauffe-eau.Of course, the invention described with reference to a resistance mounted in a sheath is applicable to any variant in which the heating resistance would be constituted by an immersion heater or any other equivalent heating element, the main thing being that the outer sheath of the immersion heater or element equivalent heating either in material continuity with the flange 1 directly or via a resistor of compensation, so as to be constantly at the same electrical potential than the flange 1 and the tank of the water heater.

En référence à la figure 2, le thermostat 7 et le générateur 11 sont alimentés par l'intermédiaire d'un bornier commun 15 utilisable pour une alimentation en triphasé à trois phases L1, L2, L3, ou pour une alimentation en monophasé à deux phases L et N.Referring to Figure 2, thermostat 7 and the generator 11 are powered through a common terminal 15 usable for a power supply three-phase three-phase L1, L2, L3, or for a two-phase L and N single-phase supply.

Le thermostat 7 alimente à son tour un ensemble de résistances 16, 17, 18, branchées en étoile et situées à l'intérieur du fourreau 3 pour assurer le chauffage de l'eau contenue dans le chauffe-eau.Thermostat 7 in turn supplies a set of resistors 16, 17, 18, connected in a star and located at inside the sheath 3 to heat the the water in the water heater.

Le générateur 11 est relié d'une part à la cuve du chauffe-eau qui fait fonction de cathode et d'autre part à l'anode 10 non consommable assurant la protection cathodique de la cuve du chauffe-eau. L'anode 10 est par exemple en un matériau du genre titane revêtu d'un revêtement de protection.The generator 11 is connected on the one hand to the tank of the water heater which acts as a cathode and on the other hand to non-consumable anode providing protection cathode of the tank of the water heater. Anode 10 is by example of a titanium material coated with a protective coating.

Les bulbes 5 et 6 sont des bulbes à expansion de liquide qui sont reliés au thermostat 7 par des capillaires: cette disposition d'un seul tenant est de type connu en soi et donne généralement satisfaction.Bulbs 5 and 6 are expansion bulbs of which are connected to thermostat 7 by capillaries: this arrangement in one piece is of the type known per se and generally gives satisfaction.

En référence à la figure 3, un circuit électronique de protection cathodique pour dispositif selon l'invention comporte un bloc d'alimentation 20 apte à fournir une tension redressée et filtrée de l'ordre de 7,5 volts, un bloc de polarisation 21 de l'anode 10, un bloc de recharge 22 d'un accumulateur 23, un bloc de polarisation 24 déchargeant l'accumulateur 23 pour maintenir la cuve C à un potentiel de protection cathodique et un bloc de signalisation 25 indiquant que la protection cathodique de la cuve est assurée par la batterie rechargeable 23.Referring to Figure 3, an electronic circuit cathodic protection for device according to the invention includes a power supply 20 capable of providing a rectified and filtered voltage of the order of 7.5 volts, a polarization block 21 of anode 10, a recharging block 22 of an accumulator 23, a polarization block 24 discharging the accumulator 23 to maintain the tank C at a cathodic protection potential and a block of signaling 25 indicating that the cathodic protection of the tank is provided by the rechargeable battery 23.

Le bloc 20 comporte de manière connue en soi une varistance 20a de protection contre les surtensions et deux diodes Zéner 20b montées aux bornes du primaire d'un transformateur 20c d'abaissement de tension. Le secondaire du transformateur est relié par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance CTP 20d à un pont mixte 20e de diodes pour redresser la tension délivrée par le secondaire du transformateur. Un condensateur de filtrage 20f est disposé à la sortie du pont redresseur mixte précité. Le bloc de polarisation 21 comporte un transistor 21a, deux résistances 21b et 21c et deux diodes 21d, de manière à polariser la cuve C par rapport à l'anode 10 pour obtenir un potentiel électrochimique assurant une protection efficace de la cuve C.The block 20 comprises in a manner known per se a 20a surge protection varistor and two Zener 20b diodes mounted across the primary of a voltage lowering transformer 20c. The secondary of the transformer is connected via a PTC resistor 20d to a 20th bridge of diodes for rectify the voltage delivered by the secondary of the transformer. A filter capacitor 20f is arranged at the exit of the aforementioned mixed rectifier bridge. The block of bias 21 includes a transistor 21a, two resistors 21b and 21c and two diodes 21d, so that polarize the tank C relative to the anode 10 to obtain electrochemical potential providing protection efficient of tank C.

Le bloc 22 de charge de l'accumulateur 23 comporte un transistor 22a de charge, deux résistances 22b et 22c, deux diodes 22d et deux résistances 22e et 22f montées à la base d'un transistor 22g de basculement.The charging unit 22 of the accumulator 23 comprises a load transistor 22a, two resistors 22b and 22c, two diodes 22d and two resistors 22e and 22f mounted at the base of a tilting transistor 22g.

Le circuit de polarisation 24 utilisant la décharge de la batterie 23 comporte un transistor 24a de basculement, trois résistances 24b, 24c, 24d de limitation du courant, trois diodes 24e de limitation du courant de décharge de la batterie et deux diodes électroluminescentes 24f de limitation de la charge de la batterie 23.The bias circuit 24 using the discharge of the battery 23 comprises a transistor 24a of tilting, three resistors 24b, 24c, 24d limitation current, three 24th current limiting diodes battery discharge and two light emitting diodes 24f limiting battery charge 23.

Le bloc de signalisation 25 comporte une diode électroluminescente 26 alimentée par un montage oscillant à trois transistors 26a, 26b, 26c, deux condensateurs 26d, 26e et six résistances 26f à 26k pour définir des constantes de temps permettant un allumage de la diode électroluminescente 26 toutes les 800 millisecondes environ.The signaling block 25 includes a diode light-emitting 26 powered by an oscillating mounting at three transistors 26a, 26b, 26c, two capacitors 26d, 26e and six resistors 26f to 26k to define time constants allowing the diode to light up light emitting 26 every 800 milliseconds about.

Ainsi, grâce au circuit électronique pour protection cathodique selon l'invention, l'enveloppe du chauffe-eau comprenant la cuve, la bride 1 et toute partie métallique en contact avec l'eau contenue dans le chauffe-eau est constamment protégée même en l'absence de chauffage de l'eau. La batterie ou les batteries 23 sont de préférence déterminées pour obtenir une protection continue pendant au moins 72 heures de l'enveloppe du chauffe-eau en fournissant un courant de polarisation inférieur à 5 milliampères et apte à imposer un potentiel de protection cathodique au moins égal à 1,2 Volt, quelles que soient les caractéristiques de l'eau sanitaire contenue dans le chauffe-eau.So, thanks to the electronic circuit for cathodic protection according to the invention, the envelope of the water heater including tank, flange 1 and any part metallic in contact with the water contained in the water heater is constantly protected even in the absence of heating some water. The battery or batteries 23 are of determined preferences for continued protection for at least 72 hours from the jacket of the water heater in providing a bias current of less than 5 milliamps and able to impose a protection potential cathodic at least equal to 1.2 Volts, whatever the characteristics of the sanitary water contained in the water heater.

En référence à la figure 4, un élément de support isolant d'anode non consommable 10 est de préférence constitué sous forme d'un capuchon en un ou plusieurs matériau(x) élastomère(s) résistant à la chaleur et aux agents chlorés et compatible avec des utilisation agro-alimentaires. Le capuchon 9 permet d'adapter une protection cathodique à un chauffe-eau de type connu, en coupant l'extrémité du doigt de gant contenant les bulbes 5 et 6 et en le coiffant d'un capuchon 9 équipé d'une anode 10 insérée à force dans un canal 30 de diamètre prévu pour enserrer étroitement de manière étanche l'anode métallique 10. Le capuchon 9 comporte avantageusement un évidement inférieur 31 muni de cannelures de serrage destinées à enserrer un doigt de gant tubulaire 4. L'extrémité supérieure de l'évidement 31 est de préférence adaptée aux diamètres intérieur et extérieur du doigt de gant tubulaire 4, de sorte qu'après avoir emmanché le bouchon 9 sur le doigt de gant tubulaire 4, le diamètre intérieur du doigt de gant tubulaire 4 se trouve centré sur une paroi 32 du bouchon d'obturation 9. Pour parfaire l'isolation électrique de l'anode 10, une rondelle plastique 34 pourra aisément être insérée entre l'extrémité supérieure du tube 4 et la face interne 33 du capuchon 9.Referring to Figure 4, a support member non-consumable anode insulator 10 is preferably consisting of a cap in one or more elastomeric material (s) resistant to heat and chlorinated agents and compatible with agro-food uses. The cap 9 makes it possible to adapt a cathodic protection to a known type of water heater, in cutting the end of the thermowell containing the bulbs 5 and 6 and by covering it with a cap 9 equipped with an anode 10 forcibly inserted into a channel 30 of diameter provided for tightly enclose the metal anode tightly 10. The cap 9 advantageously comprises a recess lower 31 provided with clamping grooves intended for grip a tubular thermowell 4. The end upper of the recess 31 is preferably adapted to inner and outer diameters of the tubular thermowell 4, so that after having fitted the plug 9 on the tubular thermowell 4, the inside diameter of the finger of tubular glove 4 is centered on a wall 32 of the blanking plug 9. To perfect the insulation anode 10, a plastic washer 34 may easily inserted between the upper end of the tube 4 and the internal face 33 of the cap 9.

L'invention permet ainsi la modification rapide et aisée des chauffe-eau existants par adjonction d'un dispositif neuf ou par modification simple d'un chauffe-eau existant.The invention thus allows rapid modification and easy existing water heaters by adding a new device or by simple modification of a water heater existing.

L'invention décrite en référence à un mode de réalisation particulier n'y est nullement limitée mais couvre au contraire toute modification de forme et toute variante de réalisation dans le cadre de l'invention.The invention described with reference to a mode of particular achievement is by no means limited to it but on the contrary covers any modification of form and any variant in the context of the invention.

Claims (9)

  1. Device for cathodically protecting a water heater of the type comprising a tank blanked off by a blank flange, characterized in that the device comprises a tubular glove finger (4) carrying at its end an insulating element (9) for supporting a non-sacrificial anode (10), in that the said insulating element (9) has passing through it the said non-sacrificial anode (10), so that an electronic circuit (11) is connected to the non-sacrificial anode (10) by an insulated conductor (12) inside the said glove finger (4).
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an electronic circuit (11) connected to the tank by way of a screw (2) for fixing the blank flange (1), so as to ensure a mechanical stress which produces a permanent electrical contact between the water-heater tank and the said blank flange (1).
  3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an electronic circuit (11) connected to a lug welded to the tank, so as to produce a permanent electrical contact between the tank and the electronic circuit (11).
  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises an electronic circuit (11) comprising a supply unit (20), a polarizing unit (21) which is in operation during heating, a unit (22) for recharging a battery (23), a unit (24) for polarizing with the aid of the battery (23), which is in operation in the absence of heating.
  5. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the electronic circuit additionally comprises a signalling unit (25).
  6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting insulating element (9) is in the form of a pierced cap (30) embracing, on the one hand, the said non-sacrificial anode (10) and, on the other hand, the end of the glove finger (4).
  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting insulating element (9) is associated with a plastic insulating washer (34).
  8. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cap (9) is made of resilient material, for example one or more elastomer material(s) resistant to heat and to chlorinated agents and possessing agro-food compatibility.
  9. Water heater comprising a cathodic protection device according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP96402233A 1995-11-02 1996-10-21 Device for cathodically protecting a water heater and water heater featuring such a device Expired - Lifetime EP0771889B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9512920A FR2740784B1 (en) 1995-11-02 1995-11-02 DEVICE FOR THE CATHODIC PROTECTION OF A WATER HEATER TANK AND A WATER HEATER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
FR9512920 1995-11-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0771889A1 EP0771889A1 (en) 1997-05-07
EP0771889B1 true EP0771889B1 (en) 1999-07-28

Family

ID=9484148

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96402233A Expired - Lifetime EP0771889B1 (en) 1995-11-02 1996-10-21 Device for cathodically protecting a water heater and water heater featuring such a device

Country Status (6)

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EP (1) EP0771889B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE182634T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69603439T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2137644T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2740784B1 (en)
GR (1) GR3031524T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2777573B1 (en) * 1998-04-20 2000-06-23 Atlantic Soc Fr Dev Thermique DEVICE FOR THE CATHODE PROTECTION OF A WATER HEATER TANK
FR2792654B1 (en) * 1999-04-23 2001-08-03 Atlantic Soc Fr De Dev Thermiq DEVICE FOR THE CATHODIC PROTECTION OF A WATER HEATER TANK, A HOT WATER PREPARER OR THE LIKE
IT1315637B1 (en) * 2000-06-08 2003-03-14 Thermowatt Spa DEVICE FOR THE ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION OF METAL TANKS IN PARTICULAR WATER HEATERS.
EP1174529A1 (en) * 2000-07-19 2002-01-23 MERLONI TERMOSANITARI S.p.A. Device for the protection from corrosion of metal tank
RU2613803C1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2017-03-21 Открытое акционерное общество "МАГНИТ" Anode grounding (versions)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE382833B (en) 1975-05-30 1976-02-16 Ctc Ab CATODIC PROTECTION DEVICE FOR HOT WATER TANK
US4407711A (en) 1979-11-02 1983-10-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Corrosion protection system for hot water tanks
US4434039A (en) * 1982-12-17 1984-02-28 Texas Instruments Incorporated Corrosion protection system for hot water tanks
AT396175B (en) * 1987-12-11 1993-06-25 Vaillant Gmbh PROTECTIVE ANODE PROJECTED INTO THE WALL OF A HOT WATER TANK
US4975560A (en) 1989-09-06 1990-12-04 A.O. Smith Corporation Apparatus for powering the corrosion protection system in an electric water heater

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GR3031524T3 (en) 2000-01-31
FR2740784B1 (en) 1998-01-02
ES2137644T3 (en) 1999-12-16
DE69603439D1 (en) 1999-09-02
DE69603439T2 (en) 2000-03-23
ATE182634T1 (en) 1999-08-15
FR2740784A1 (en) 1997-05-09
EP0771889A1 (en) 1997-05-07

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