US 11,891,705 B2
Reference electrode systems and methods for determining cathodic protection
Ahmed Al Eid, Udhailiyah (SA); and Abdullah Al Zahami, Udhailiyah (SA)
Assigned to Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Dhahran (SA)
Filed by Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Dhahran (SA)
Filed on Jan. 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/140,244.
Prior Publication US 2022/0213603 A1, Jul. 7, 2022
Int. Cl. C23F 13/22 (2006.01); G01R 29/00 (2006.01); C23F 13/10 (2006.01)
CPC C23F 13/22 (2013.01) [C23F 13/10 (2013.01); G01R 29/00 (2013.01)] 5 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
contacting at least a portion of a reference electrode of a reference electrode assembly with a ground surface at a test site, wherein the reference electrode assembly comprises:
an extension device comprising a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first end is engageable with the reference electrode and a fluid reservoir is disposed between the first end and the second end;
an end cap having an external electrical connector positioned at the second end of the extension device;
a selectively actuatable spout fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and
a conductive wire extending through the fluid reservoir to electrically couple the reference electrode with the external electrical connector;
actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct an amount of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at the test site;
electrically coupling the reference electrode to a first terminal of a voltmeter;
electrically coupling a first portion of a metal structure to a second terminal of the voltmeter;
determining the polarization of the first portion of the metal structure;
removing the reference electrode assembly from the ground surface at the test site;
contacting at least a portion of the reference electrode of the reference electrode assembly with the ground surface at a second test site;
actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct a second amount of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at the second test site;
electrically coupling the reference electrode to the first terminal of the voltmeter;
electrically coupling a second portion of the metal structure to the second terminal of the voltmeter; and
determining the polarization of the second portion of the metal structure.