Michael K Baach

US Patent:

53404556, Aug 23, 1994

Filed:

Jan 22, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/007537

Inventors:

David H. Kroon - Spring TX
Michael K. Baach - Parma OH

Assignee:

Corrpro Companies, Inc. - Medina OH

International Classification:

C23F 1300

US Classification:

204196

Abstract:

The invention relates to a cathodic protection system for above-ground storage tanks having metal bottoms, either new or retrofitted bottoms. A leak containing dielectric safety membrane is spaced a short distance below and extends beneath the tank bottom generally parallel thereto forming a narrow envelope. Compacted electrolytic conductor material is positioned between the membrane and the tank bottom supporting the tank bottom embedding a horizontally disposed cathodic protection anode, the anode being in the form of a matrix, maze or grid of interconnected titanium wires, or wires and ribbons or bars. A reticulate or open dielectric insulator may be embedded in the electrolytic conductor and positioned directly above the anode and such insulator is operable to keep any portion of the anode from contacting the tank bottom and to maintain a generally uniform spacing between the anode and tank bottom. The wires may extend transversely of the bars or ribbon and are spot welded or mechanically connected on uniform centers to such bars or ribbons on diameters or major chords of a circular tank bottom. A low profile connection is provided between the bars or wires and power feeds to a rectifier, and for large tank bottoms a multiplicity of such connections strategically spaced are provided.

US Patent:

54116465, May 2, 1995

Filed:

May 3, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/056505

Inventors:

Robert M. Gossett - Akron OH
Michael K. Baach - Parma OH
Dennis F. Dong - Kingston, CA
Richard E. Loftfield - Jacksonville FL

Assignee:

Corrpro Companies, Inc. - Medina OH

International Classification:

C23F 1300

US Classification:

204147

Abstract:

A continuous length anode is formed of relatively small valve metal wire having a electrocatalytic coating braided into a highly flexible ribbon. The wire may be copper cored. The valve metal is preferably titanium, although tantalum or niobium are also preferred. The coating is preferably a mixed metal oxide coating. The braid is formed from wire sizes of from about 1/16 or less to about 1/8" in diameter and the braided ribbon may be about 0. 1 to about 6" inches wide. Four system applications are disclosed, two for steel reinforced concrete, one for a tank bottom, and one for a buried pipe. The braided anode may be used in combination with valve metal ribbon or bar and may readily be electrically connected to power feeds or to itself by spot weld or crimp connections. Power feeds may be connected at a butt end or anywhere along the length of the braid.