US 12,221,708 B2
Self-cleaning anode for cathodic protection systems, cathodic protection systems including the same, and methods of use
Theodore Andrew Huck, Berwyn, PA (US); and Kevin Groll, Lansdale, PA (US)
Assigned to Matcor, Inc., Chalfont, PA (US)
Filed by Matcor, Inc., Chalfont, PA (US)
Filed on Oct. 26, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/510,628.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/107,756, filed on Oct. 30, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0136114 A1, May 5, 2022
Int. Cl. C23F 13/16 (2006.01); B08B 7/02 (2006.01)
CPC C23F 13/16 (2013.01) [B08B 7/028 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A self-cleaning anode for cathodic protection of equipment including a tank or other structure in which a liquid to be processed is located, said self-cleaning anode comprising:
a body formed of titanium and comprising a box-like housing having a top wall, a flanged bottom wall, and an interior chamber, said flanged bottom wall being configured to mount said self-cleaning anode directly to an interior surface of the tank or other structure, said top wall having an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is configured to be immersed in the liquid to be processed and is subject to fouling by fouling deposits accumulating thereon when said at least a portion of said body is immersed in the liquid to be processed, said body being configured to be connected to an electrical conductor configured to conduct electrical current to said self-cleaning anode to discharge electrical current off of said at least a portion of said self-cleaning anode for processing the liquid in the tank or the other structure;
a catalytic coating disposed on said at least a portion of said exterior surface; and
at least one piezoelectric transducer located within said interior chamber and coupled to said top wall and configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical circuit for receipt of electrical energy to cause said at least one piezoelectric transducer to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency to apply ultrasonic vibrations to said catalytic coating, whereupon said ultrasonic vibrations displace the fouling oil deposits from said catalytic coating.