Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ELECTRODE WATERING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR
MAINTAINING CATHODIC MONITORING OF STRUCTURES
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to assemblies and methods for
maintaining cathodic
monitoring of underground structures and, more particularly, to assemblies and
methods including
an electrode watering assembly for maintaining permanent reference electrodes
employed to
monitor the cathodic protection of underground structures.
Background
[0002] Cathodic protection of metallic structures covered in an electrolyte
associated with soil or
a fluid is an established technique for reducing the rate of corrosion of the
structure. Such cathodic
protection may be facilitated by a cathodic protection system, which may use
an electrical energy
source to provide a cathodic current distributed over the surface of the
structure, which may take
the form of sacrificial anodes, AC-to-DC rectifiers, and/or direct DC sources
(such as batteries,
solar panels, and so forth). Once the cathodic protection system has been
implemented, the
effectiveness of the protection resulting from operation of the cathodic
protection system may be
assessed by measuring the potential difference between the structure and a
reference electrode
associated with an assembly used to assess the effectiveness. The reference
electrode may
therefore be used to monitor cathodic protection criteria or conditions of
cathodic protection
provided to the structure from adjacent to its underground or otherwise
submerged position.
[0003] Compared to portable reference electrodes, permanent reference
electrodes for cathodic
protection may enable technicians to take more accurate measurements of
electrolyte potential of
an underground working electrode. For example, the measurements may be
improved based on
the reduced distance between the permanent reference electrode and the working
electrode
disposed underground, thus generating less IR-error compared to a portable
reference electrode
held by a technician. In certain cases, an industry-standard permanent
reference electrode is
provided that uses a solid electrolyte compound, which may face minimal
degradation over time
and generally includes a longer life span than alternatives.
[0004] However, the solid electrolyte compound may dry out over time in some
cases and, thus,
diminish in its ability to provide accurate electrolyte potential
measurements. Moreover, based on
the positioning underground or underneath a structure equipped with cathodic
protection, these
Page 1 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
permanent reference electrodes are not easily maintained via replenishing
moisture in the solid
electrolyte compound or a surrounding sand backfill. As such, the useful life
of the permanent
reference electrodes can be cut much shorter than their intended design life.
Accordingly,
Applicant has recognized that there may be a desire to provide improved
assemblies and methods
for maintaining operation of permanent reference electrodes associated with
cathodically protected
structures to ensure the continuous, reliable operation thereof. The present
disclosure may address
one or more of the above-referenced considerations, as well as possibly
others.
Summary
[0005] As referenced above, it may be desirable to provide improved assemblies
and methods for
providing in-situ maintenance of permanent reference electrodes of a
cathodically protected
structure that is at least partially buried or submerged. The assemblies and
methods disclosed
herein may be more efficient, more effective, and less costly than other
permanent reference
electrode maintenance operations known to date. In some embodiments, the
assemblies and
methods may facilitate maintenance of cathodic protection monitoring for a
variety of at least
partially buried or submerged structures such as, for example, pipelines,
storage tanks, offshore
platforms, well casings, and more.
[0006] For example, certain embodiments include an electrode watering assembly
having a
conduit or tubing that may be fluidly coupled to a cap provided for a
permanent reference
electrode. The conduit is connected to an embedded water reservoir or cap that
is inserted over an
end of an existing permanent reference electrode, which may include an
electrical conductor or
test lead wire extending therefrom. A length of the conduit may extend along a
length of the
electrical conductor, in certain embodiments, to improve installation
procedures. Moreover, the
cap of the watering assembly may be constructed to retrofit over an existing
permanent reference
electrode. To align with the permanent reference electrode, the cap may be
designed with a
cylindrical bottom portion and a conical top portion. The inner diameter of
the bottom portion
may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the reference electrode,
thereby providing a close
fit. A rubber or silicone 0-ring or gasket may be added to the bottom portion
to fill any gap or
space formed when installing the cap, thus making the connection therebetween
waterproof. The
inner cavity of the cap may be hollow and may be utilized as a water storage
reservoir. An opening
may be formed through the top portion of the cap to receive the electrical
conductor from the
Page 2 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
permanent reference electrode, as well as the conduit. A piece of shrink wrap
tape or tubing or
another suitable waterproof connector may be used to seal the connection of
the electrical
conductor and conduit to the top portion of the cap. The electrical conductor
and conduit are then
directed together to a cathodic protection test station for termination at a
convenient, above-ground
location.
[0007] In certain embodiments, fluid may therefore be injected into the
embedded water reservoir
or cap through the conduit at an above-ground test station to flow downward to
the generally
otherwise inaccessible permanent reference electrode. Based on the reservoir
retained against the
permanent reference electrode, water may be directed to resupply solid or gel
electrolyte
compound (and the surrounding backfill) with moisture long after installation,
thus ensuring
accurate measurements may be obtained for the full life of the permanent
reference electrode and
its corresponding submerged structure. When needed, such as at regular
intervals or when a
decline in testing accuracy is noted, water may be injected into the plastic
tubing at the test station
to flow downward through the tubing and into the cap. Based on diffusion,
osmosis, and/or gravity
forces, water may then impregnate the dry porous membrane of the permanent
reference electrode
and surrounding backfill, allowing for accurate measurements to be taken once
again from the
electrical conductor for improved monitoring of cathodic protection.
[0008] In some embodiments, an electrode watering system is provided to
maintain cathodic
monitoring of a structure at least partially underground. The electrode
watering system may
include a permanent reference electrode configured to monitor cathodic
protection of the structure.
The permanent reference electrode may include a proximal electrode end, a
distal electrode end,
and an electrode therebetween. The electrode watering system may include a cap
that includes a
cap body defining a reservoir adjacent to the proximal electrode end. The cap
body may include
a distal cap end defining a distal opening disposed around the proximal
electrode end and a
proximal cap end defining a proximal opening. The electrode watering system
further may include
an electrical conductor electrically coupled to the electrode, where the
electrical conductor extends
from the proximal electrode end and through the distal opening, the reservoir,
and the proximal
opening. The electrode watering system may also include a conduit having a
distal conduit end
fluidly coupled to the proximal opening and a proximal conduit end configured
to be positioned at
a cathodic test station. As such, fluid directed into the proximal conduit end
may be directed
through the conduit and into the reservoir for watering the proximal electrode
end.
Page 3 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0009] In some embodiments, an electrode watering assembly is provided to
maintain operation
of a permanent reference electrode for monitoring cathodic protection of a
structure. The electrode
watering assembly may include a cap that includes a cap body of a rigid
material that defines one
or more chambers adjacent to a proximal electrode end of the permanent
reference electrode when
installed thereon. The cap body may include a distal cap end defining a distal
opening configured
to be disposed around the proximal electrode end and a proximal cap end
defining a proximal
opening. The electrode watering assembly may also include a conduit including
a flexible
material. The conduit may include a distal conduit end configured to be
fluidly coupled to the
proximal opening and a proximal conduit end configured to be positioned at a
cathodic test station,
such that fluid directed into the proximal conduit end is directed through the
conduit and into the
one or more chambers for watering at least the proximal electrode end.
[0010] In some embodiments, a method is provided for installing an electrode
watering assembly
to maintain cathodic monitoring of a structure at least partially underground.
The method may
include passing a cap, having a reservoir defined within a cap body and
between a proximal cap
end and a distal cap end of the cap body, over an electrical conductor to
position the distal cap end
around a proximal electrode end of a permanent reference electrode. As such,
the electrical
conductor extends from the permanent reference electrode and through the
distal cap end, the
reservoir, and the proximal cap end. The method may further include fluidly
coupling a distal
conduit end of a conduit to the proximal cap end. Additionally, the method may
include
positioning a proximal conduit end of the conduit at a cathodic test station.
Therefore, fluid
directed into the proximal conduit end is directed through the conduit and
into the reservoir for
watering the proximal electrode end.
[0011] In some embodiments, a method is provided for using an electrode
watering assembly to
maintain cathodic monitoring of a structure at least partially underground.
The method may
include supplying a flow of fluid into a proximal conduit end of a conduit
from an above-ground
test station, thereby to direct the fluid to a distal conduit end of the
conduit and to a reservoir within
a cap disposed around a permanent reference electrode. The method may also
include wetting an
electrolyte compound within the permanent reference electrode with the fluid
in the reservoir of
the cap. Moreover, the method may include performing one or more tests with
the permanent
reference electrode to monitor cathodic protection of the structure from the
above-ground test
station.
Page 4 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0012] In some embodiments, a kit is provided that includes a container. The
kit may also include
one or more caps positioned in the container. Each cap of the one or more caps
may include a cap
body that defines a reservoir adjacent to a proximal electrode end of a
respective permanent
reference electrode when installed thereon. The cap body may have a distal cap
end defining a
distal opening configured to be disposed around the proximal electrode end and
a proximal cap
end defining a proximal opening. The kit may include one or more conduits
positioned in the
container. Each conduit of the one or more conduits may include a flexible
material. Each conduit
may include a distal conduit end configured to be fluidly coupled to the
proximal opening and a
proximal conduit end configured to be positioned at a cathodic test station,
such that fluid directed
into the proximal conduit end is directed through the conduit and into the
reservoir for watering at
least the proximal electrode end.
[0013] Still other aspects and advantages of these exemplary embodiments and
other embodiments
are discussed in detail herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the
foregoing information
and the following detailed description provide merely illustrative examples of
various aspects and
embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for
understanding the nature
and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and
other objects,
along with advantages and features of the present disclosure, will become
apparent through
reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Furthermore, it is to be
understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are
not mutually
exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the
embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together
with the detailed
description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments discussed herein.
No attempt is made
to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than can be
necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in
which they may be
practiced. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings
discussed below
are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and
elements in the drawings
may be expanded or reduced to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure more
clearly.
Page 5 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example electrode watering
system including an
example electrode watering assembly for maintaining operation of a permanent
reference
electrode, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic partially exploded cross-sectional view of an
example electrode
watering assembly for an example permanent reference electrode, according to
embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a schematic partially exploded side view of the example
electrode watering
assembly and example permanent reference electrode shown in FIG. 2A, according
to
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2C is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the
example electrode
watering assembly and example permanent reference electrode shown in FIG. 2A,
according to
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example cap of the
example electrode
watering assembly shown in FIG. 2A, according to embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the example cap shown in FIG. 3A,
according to
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3C is a schematic perspective view of the example cap shown in
FIG. 3A, according
to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an example cap assembly having a
cap and a gasket,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the example cap assembly of
FIG. 4A, according
to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an example electrode watering
assembly installed on
an example permanent reference electrode and including an empty reservoir,
according to
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5B is a side perspective view of the example electrode watering
assembly of FIG. 5A
having the reservoir filled with fluid, according to embodiments of the
disclosure.
Page 6 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example electrode
watering assembly
installed on an example permanent reference electrode and having a dual
chambered cap,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example dual
chambered cap of the
example electrode watering assembly shown in FIG. 6, according to embodiments
of the
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a schematic side view of the example dual chambered cap
shown in FIG. 7A,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 7C is a schematic perspective view of the example dual chambered
cap shown in FIG.
7A, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of an example dual chambered cap,
according to
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 8B is a side cutaway view of the example dual chambered cap of
FIG. 8A, according
to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an example kit to facilitate
installation of an electrode
watering assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of another example kit to facilitate
installation of an
electrode watering assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of another example kit to facilitate
installation of an
electrode watering assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example method for installing an
electrode watering
assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example method for installation and
use of an electrode
watering assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example method for controlling an
electrode watering
system, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an example control system for an
electrode watering
system, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
Page 7 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
Detailed Description
[0039] The drawings include like numerals to indicate like parts throughout
the several views.
The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of exemplary
embodiments, and
those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes may be made
to the embodiments
described. It also will be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the
embodiments described
may be obtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments without
utilizing other
features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many
modifications and
adaptations to the embodiments described are possible and may even be
desirable in certain
circumstances. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of
the principles of the
embodiments and not in limitation thereof.
[0040] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should
not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to
two or more items or
components. The terms "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having,"
"containing," and
"involving," whether in the written description or the claims and the like,
are open-ended terms,
in particular, to mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise
stated. Thus, the use of such
terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents
thereof, as well as
additional items. The transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting
essentially of," are
closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to any
claims. Use of ordinal
terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like in the claims to modify
a claim element does
not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element
over another or the
temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as
labels to distinguish
one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same
name (but for use
of the ordinal term) to distinguish claim elements. Similarly, the term
"proximal" is understood
to mean closer to, or in the direction of, a technician or operator.
Accordingly, "distal" is
understood to mean a location or direction distant to or directed away from
the technician or
operator.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example electrode watering
system 10 including an
example electrode watering assembly 20 for maintaining operation of a
permanent reference
electrode 22, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1,
a cathodic
protection system 24 is provided to provide cathodic protection for a
structure 26 (not to scale)
Page 8 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
that is at least partially buried in the ground 30. For example, the structure
26 may be electrically
connected to a sacrificial anode 32 via an electrical conductor 34 or, in
embodiments, the sacrificial
anode 32 may be placed in direct contact with a surface of the structure 26.
Another electrical
conductor 36 may extend from the sacrificial anode 32 to an electrical system
38 of a test station
40 or cathodic test station, in certain embodiments. Additionally, the
permanent reference
electrode 22 of the cathodic protection system 24 may be installed in a
subterranean position within
soil or suitable filler in the ground 30. The permanent reference electrode 22
of certain
embodiments includes an electrode element that is in contact with electrolyte
compound and
retained within a housing or body 42, as will be discussed in more detail with
reference to later
figures. In embodiments, an electrical conductor 44 may be extended from a
first or proximal
electrode end 46 of the permanent reference electrode 22 to the electrical
system 38 of the test
station 40. The electrical system 38 may include a voltage measuring device
that facilitates
monitoring of the cathodic protection provided to the structure 26, such as
based at least in part on
a voltage or other cathodic criteria associated with the permanent reference
electrode 22. In
embodiments, the test station 40 provides a convenient, above ground location
from which
technicians may evaluate the operation of the cathodic protection system 24.
[0042] As presently recognized, the electrode watering assembly 20 is provided
within the
electrode watering system 10 to facilitate long-term, convenient maintenance
and/or monitoring
of the cathodic protection system 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the
electrode watering
assembly 20 includes a cap 50 that is coupled to the body 42 of the permanent
reference electrode
22, as well as a conduit 52 that extends from the cap 50 to a watering hub 54
of the test station 40.
In more detail, a second or distal cap end 60 of the cap 50 is fitted over the
proximal electrode end
46 of the permanent reference electrode 22, which may include the electrical
conductor 44
electrically coupled thereto and protruding therefrom. The electrical
conductor 44 may therefore
extend through the distal cap end 60, through a reservoir within the cap 50,
through a first or
proximal cap end 62 of the cap 50, and to the electrical system 38 of the test
station 40. The cap
50 may be constructed from a water-resistant and/or rigid material, such as a
plastic, a resin, and/or
a polymer. As will be fully understood with reference to later figures, the
material of the cap 50
defines one or more reservoirs or chambers therein that receive fluid from the
conduit 52 and
precisely direct the fluid to targeted components of the permanent reference
electrode 22.
Page 9 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0043] In embodiments, the conduit 52 includes a second or distal conduit end
64 that is coupled
to the proximal cap end 62 of the cap 50 and a first or proximal conduit end
66 that is coupled to
the watering hub 54 of the test station 40. In certain embodiments, the
conduit 52 is a flexible tube
made of a flexible material, such as plastic, polymer, or rubber material that
may traverse through
the ground 30 in a similar manner as the electrical conductor 44 of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. That is, the conduit 52 may be positioned to extend generally
parallel with the
electrical conductor 44 throughout all or a majority of an underground
distance covered by the
conduit 52. This close positioning may desirably reduce an installation
difficulty or effort used
for installing the electrode watering assembly 20, compared to arrangements in
which different
paths through the ground 30 are provided for an electrical conductor and a
conduit.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the watering hub 54 may include an inlet port
70 that is readily
accessible to a technician that is at the test station 40. For example, the
inlet port 70 may include
a funnel, basin, or other water-directing component for receiving fluid and
directing the fluid into
the proximal conduit end 66 of the conduit 52. In certain embodiments, a
technician may direct a
flow of water to the proximal conduit end 66 via a pressurized water source,
such as a spraying
assembly having a vessel pressurized with a pump or trigger. In such cases,
the spraying assembly
may include a fitting, such as a nozzle that directs water into the proximal
conduit end 66 or an
inlet port 70 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the spraying assembly may
include a
retainment cap having an opening therethrough for retain an interconnecting
conduit that may be
positioned within the proximal conduit end 66. The technician may therefore
pressurize the vessel
and efficiently direct a flow of water through the interconnecting conduit,
into the conduit 52, and
to the cap 50.
[0045] In embodiments, multiple permanent reference electrodes 22 may be
maintained with the
present techniques. Such embodiments may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
or more permanent
reference electrodes 22. A respective cap 50 may be provided on each permanent
reference
electrode 22 and coupled to a respective conduit 52 having a proximal conduit
end 66 positioned
near the test station 40. The proximal conduit end 66 of the multiple conduits
52 may be coupled
to a manifold of the watering hub 54, in certain embodiments. In embodiments,
the proximal
conduit ends 66 may not be coupled with a manifold and instead be arranged
within close
proximity to one another, thus enabling a technician to direct fluid within
one or multiple inlet
ends as desired, in parallel to one another.
Page 10 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0046] In certain embodiments, the electrode watering system 10 and/or
electrode watering
assembly 20 may also include a controller 80 to manage operation of all or a
portion of the
electrode watering system 10. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes
the controller 80
positioned at the test station 40. Certain embodiments may additionally or
alternatively include
one or more control components at a location that is remote to the test
station 40, such as at a
service center. The controller 80 may be in signal communication with various
other components
associated with the electrode watering system 10. For example, the controller
80 may be in signal
communication with one or more components of the electrical system 38, one or
more components
of the watering hub 54, or a combination thereof. Certain embodiments may also
include the
controller 80 being in signal communication with one or more user devices
associated with a
technician or a service center.
[0047] The controller 80 may be provided to perform or coordinate various
actions within the
electrode watering system 10, such as performing tests via the electrical
system 38, detecting a
current status of the permanent reference electrode 22, instructing an
actuator to supply fluid from
a fluid source and into the conduit 52, providing an alert to a user device
indicative of a request
for a technician to provide fluid into the conduit 52, and so forth. Further
examples of operation
of the controller are provided with reference to later figures.
[0048] The controller 80 may include one or more processors 82 and one or more
memories 84,
such as a machine-readable storage medium. As used herein, a "machine-readable
storage
medium" may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage
apparatus to contain
or store information such as executable instructions, data, and the like. For
example, any machine-
readable storage medium described herein may be any of random access memory
(RAM), volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, a storage drive (such as a hard
drive), a solid state
drive, any type of storage disc, and the like, or a combination thereof. The
memory 306 may store
or include instructions executable by the processor 304. As used herein, a
"processor" may
include, for example one processor or multiple processors included in a single
device or distributed
across multiple computing devices. The processor 304 may be at least one of a
central processing
unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processing unit
(GPU), a field-
programmable gate array (FPGA) to retrieve and execute instructions, a real
time processor (RTP),
other electronic circuitry suitable for the retrieval and execution
instructions stored on a machine-
readable storage medium, or a combination thereof.
Page 11 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0049] As used herein, "signal communication" refers to electric communication
such as hard
wiring two components together or wireless communication, as understood by
those skilled in the
art. For example, wireless communication may be Wi-FiO, Bluetooth0, ZigBee, or
forms of near
field communications. In addition, signal communication may include one or
more intermediate
controllers or relays disposed between elements that are in signal
communication with one another.
In the drawings and specification, several embodiments of electrode watering
systems 10 and
electrode watering assemblies 20 and methods of operating the same are
disclosed. The controller
80 may include instructions, software programs, and/or algorithms to
facilitate performance of
these methods.
[0050] In an embodiment, various sensors, meters, and/or transmitters may be
disposed through
the electrode watering system 10. These sensing components may be in signal
communication
with the controller 80 and may provide data or feedback to the controller 80
to determine various
sensor data associated with the operation, status, and maintenance of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. The sensors may measure or detect any suitable operating
parameters to enable the
controller 80 and/or a technician to monitor operation of the electrode
watering system 10, such as
voltage or other cathodic criteria or parameters associated with the permanent
reference electrode
22, chemical properties, temperature, pressure, moisture content, and/or other
properties, as will
be understood by a person skilled in the art.
[0051] Moreover, certain embodiments include one or more actuators to perform
actions in
response to receiving instructions from the controller 80, a user device,
and/or a technician. In an
embodiment, an actuator is operatively coupled to a fluid source of the test
station 40, and may
receive instructions from the controller 80 to provide fluid into the conduit
52. In response to the
instructions, the actuator may open a valve or otherwise fluidly connect the
fluid source to the
conduit 52 to provide the fluid to the conduit 52, the cap 50, and the
permanent reference electrode
22. In embodiments, any suitable actuators may be provided in the electrode
watering system 10
to initiate changes for improved operation and maintenance of the permanent
reference electrode
22.
[0052] The electrode watering assembly 20, in at least some embodiments, may
be used for a
variety of structures positioned in a variety of different environments. For
example, on land the
cathodically protected structure 26 may be a transmission pipeline or storage
tank that is at least
Page 12 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
partially buried in the surrounding environment, such as the ground 30. One of
skill in the art will
appreciate that the design of an electrode watering assembly 20 may be at
least partially influenced
by characteristics associated with the intended surrounding environment, which
are not meant to
be limiting. Although most often referred to herein in the context of a
structure 26 buried in soil
or the ground 30, as shown in FIG. 1, the disclosed examples and methods may
be used for any
environment containing a structure that is subject to cathodic protection.
Additionally, the
examples discussed herein may refer primarily to permanent reference
electrodes 22 and electrode
watering assemblies 20 having generally circular shapes or cross-sections.
However, the present
techniques may be extended to embodiments having various cross-sections,
including triangular,
rectangular, or hexagonal, for example. Certain embodiments herein discuss the
electrode
watering assembly 20 with reference to receiving and directing water, though
it should be
understood that any suitable fluid for maintaining the operation of the
permanent reference
electrode 22 may be implemented, such as a solution, and electrolyte solution,
a solvent, and/or a
fluid.
[0053] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively illustrate schematic partially
exploded cross-sectional,
side, and perspective views of an example of an electrode watering assembly 20
for enhancing the
usable lifetime of an example permanent reference electrode 22. As introduced
above, the
electrode watering assembly 20 may include a cap 50 having a distal cap end 60
for coupling to a
proximal electrode end 46 of the permanent reference electrode 22, a proximal
cap end 62 for
receiving a distal conduit end 64 of the conduit 52, and a reservoir 100
defined between the distal
cap end 60 and the proximal cap end 62. The distal cap end 60 includes a
distal opening 102,
which may be suitably sized and shaped for providing a close fit over the
proximal electrode end
46 of the permanent reference electrode 22.
[0054] The electrode watering assembly 20 may further include one or more
waterproof
connectors or sealing elements to fluidly seal the distal cap end 60 and/or
the proximal cap end 62
of the cap 50. For example, the sealing elements may include sealing elements
such as a gasket
110, annular ring, or 0-ring that is retained during operation within a
recessed or receiving groove
112 defined within an inner surface 114 of the distal cap end 60. In some
embodiments, the gasket
110 may be added to or retained within the receiving groove 112 prior to
installation of the cap 50
on the permanent reference electrode 22, such as based on an interference fit
or a suitable adhesive.
The gasket 110 may be constructed of any suitably deformable material, such as
silicone or rubber,
Page 13 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
to enable the formation of a waterproof seal between the cap 50 and the
permanent reference
electrode 22. The gasket 110 may include a thickness 116 (FIG. 2C) that is at
least as large as an
annular gap that may otherwise be formed based on a difference between
diameters of the inner
surface 114 of the cap 50 and an outer surface 120 of the permanent reference
electrode 22. In
certain embodiments, the sealing elements may additionally or alternatively
include a heat shrink
tape or material applied across outer surfaces of the cap 50 and the permanent
reference electrode
22 at the junction therebetween. In some embodiments, the sealing elements may
additionally or
alternatively include epoxy, foam, and/or another suitable waterproof
substance or sealant that is
applied between the cap 50 and the permanent reference electrode 22 for
fluidic sealing or
formation of a waterproof seal.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the permanent reference electrode 22
includes a body 42
having a plug 124 at a second or distal electrode end 126, opposite the
proximal electrode end 46.
The body 42 may include or be formed from one or more layers of suitable
porous materials, such
as ceramic and/or plastic materials. The permanent reference electrode 22 may
also include a
coiled electrode 128 that is in contact with an electrolyte compound 130
retained within the body
42. Certain embodiments may include a seal, such as epoxy, to facilitate
retention of the coiled
electrode 128 in the body 42. In some embodiments, the electrolyte compound
130 is provided
with a solid-state form, a semi-solid form, and/or a gel-like form. In some
embodiments, the
electrolyte compound 130 may include copper sulfate, water, a solid filler,
mixtures thereof, and/or
similar materials or materials having similar electrolytic and/or gel-like
characteristics, although
other electrolytic materials are contemplated. Indeed, any suitable solid
electrolyte compound or
gel electrolyte compound may be provided as the electrolyte compound 130 of
the permanent
reference electrode 22. An electrical conductor 44 (FIG. 2B) may extend from
the coiled electrode
128, through the distal opening 102, the reservoir 100, and a proximal opening
132 of the cap 50,
and be coupled to the electrical system 38 at the test station 40.
Accordingly, after the permanent
reference electrode 22 is equipped with the electrode watering assembly 20 and
positioned within
the ground, water or fluid may be added through the conduit 52 and into the
reservoir 100 of the
cap 50 to efficiently rewet or moisten the electrolyte compound 130 of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. As such, the cap 50 is ideally positioned to retain or trap
water within the reservoir
100 and against the proximal electrode end 46 and/or a proximal surface 134
(FIG. 2A) of the
permanent reference electrode 22. In embodiments, the electrode watering
assembly 20 also
Page 14 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
includes a sealing element provided around the proximal cap end 62 to fluidly
seal any space
between the cap 50, the electrical conductor 44, and the conduit 52 as the
electrical conductor 44
and the conduit 52 traverse the proximal opening 132. The sealing element of
the proximal cap
end 62 may include a heat shrink tape or other suitable waterproof material,
substance, or sealant,
in certain embodiments.
[0056] As presently recognized, embodiments of the electrode watering assembly
20 disclosed
herein provide a dual component water potential, or tendency of water
movement, toward watering
the electrolyte compound 130. For example, water may be driven into the
electrolyte solution
based on (i) diffusion moving water particles from a higher concentration
within the reservoir 100
to a lower concentration within the electrolyte compound 130, and (ii) gravity
applying downward
force on water within the reservoir 100. These driving forces may cooperate to
efficiently maintain
a target moisture content within the electrolyte compound 130 for improved
maintenance and
operation of the permanent reference electrode 22.
[0057] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C respectively illustrate schematic cross-sectional,
side, and
perspective views of an example cap 50 of the example electrode watering
assembly 20 that
provides enhanced maintenance for permanent reference electrodes. The
illustrated embodiment
of the cap 50 includes a cap body 200 with three main sections defined in
sequence along a
longitudinal axis 202: a distal tubular section 210, a shoulder section 212,
and a proximal tubular
section 214. In embodiments, the distal tubular section 210 includes a first
inner diameter 216,
the proximal tubular section 214 includes a second inner diameter 218, and the
shoulder section
212 includes a varied diameter that slopes between the first inner diameter
216 and the second
inner diameter 218. Although illustrated with the shoulder section 212 having
a generally
uniformly sloped wall, other embodiments of the shoulder section 212 may
include a non-constant
slope that forms a curved wall. The cap body 200 of the cap 50 may be formed
from a resilient,
waterproof material, such as plastic or resin, via a corresponding
manufacturing process that may
include injection molding and/or 3D printing, in certain embodiments.
[0058] The cap body 200 is shown as a hollow part having an open volume
therein that defines a
reservoir 100 for receiving water from the conduit, in certain embodiments.
The reservoir 100 is
sized to retain a desired amount of water suitable for rewetting the
electrolyte compound and
improving operation of an associated permanent reference electrode. In certain
embodiments, a
Page 15 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
volume of the reservoir 100 may be calculated and constructed based on the
physical dimensions
and/or chemical components of the permanent reference electrode. For example,
the reservoir 100
may be provided with a volume of 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL,
500 mL, and
so forth. In some embodiments, the reservoir 100 may include a volume for
providing a suitable
store of water for at least partially persisting atop the permanent reference
electrode for a
predetermined threshold time, such as 1 hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 1
month, and so forth.
The reservoir 100 may significantly improve maintenance operations for the
permanent reference
electrode, compared to any other rewetting process, by providing in-situ,
targeted rewetting of the
electrolyte compound for a prolonged period of time, based on a single
application of water to the
conduit at an above-ground test station.
[0059] Looking to more details of the cap body 200, the distal tubular section
210 thereof is
generally sized and shaped to couple to, and retain water against, the
proximal electrode end of the
permanent reference electrode discussed above. As such, the distal tubular
section 210 includes a
distal opening 102, such as the illustrated distal opening 102 having a
circular shape, defined
therethrough. An inner surface 114 of the distal tubular section 210 may
further include a receiving
groove 112 defined therein to facilitate positioning of a sealing element
within the cap 50, as
discussed above. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 114 of the distal
tubular section 210
may snap-fit over the permanent reference electrode, such as based on the
receiving groove 112
and a gasket thereof providing a restricted diameter into which a
circumferential lip of the proximal
electrode end may be snapped through and retained.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the inner surface 114 of the distal tubular
section 210 may also
include one or more positioning protrusions 230 or guides having a suitable
shape for guiding
manual or automated placement of the cap 50 over the permanent reference
electrode. For
example, an assembler may push the cap 50 over the permanent reference
electrode 22 until a
distal surface 232 of the one or more positioning protrusions 230 engages with
or abuts a proximal
surface of the permanent reference electrode. The one or more positioning
protrusions 230 may
be separated from a distal surface 234 of the distal tubular section 210 by a
predetermined distance
236 along the longitudinal axis 202, in certain embodiments, thus ensuring the
permanent reference
electrode may be reliably guided into the cap 50 by a distance generally equal
to the predetermined
distance 236.
Page 16 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0061] Additionally, the illustrated embodiment of the cap 50 includes six
discrete positioning
protrusions 230 or guides that are equally distributed along the circumference
of the inner surface
114, which may be defined along a circumferential axis 240. In embodiments,
any suitable number
of positioning protrusions 230 may be provided in any suitable arrangement,
including equal or
unequal distributions along the circumference of the inner surface 114.
Additionally, when
constructed as discrete elements separated by circumferential spaces, the
positioning protrusions
230 may occupy less volume within the cap 50 than continuous protrusions
extending across a
longer portion of the inner circumference of the distal tubular section 210.
As such, for a given
size of the cap 50, the increased open volume provided by the tapered and/or
discrete positioning
protrusions 230 may contribute to an increased capacity for the reservoir 100
therein to retain
water, while further providing a reliable assembly guide for uniform, accurate
placement of the
cap 50.
[0062] Moreover, the proximal surface of certain permanent reference
electrodes may be sealed
with epoxy or another suitable material, which may reduce or prevent fluid
flow into the proximal
surface. In some embodiments, one or more circumferential gaps, which are
defined between the
discrete or circumferentially spaced positioning protrusions 230, thus provide
one or more flow
paths for efficient direction of fluid past the sealed proximal surface and
into a side surface of the
permanent reference electrode for rewetting. In some embodiments, the distal
tubular section 210
may include a single positioning protrusion 230 that extends around all or a
portion of the
circumference of the inner surface 114, provided that an opening or gap is
defined through the
single positioning protrusion 230 to enable fluid flow to access an unsealed
surface of the
permanent reference electrode 22, such as a side surface.
[0063] In certain embodiments, the positioning protrusions 230 may include an
angled or tapered
shape or cross-section, such as the cross-section of a right triangle or an
irregular quadrilateral
with one or more right angles. An amount of open space within the cap 50 may
be increased based
on the tapering of the positioning protrusions 230, compared to non-tapered
protrusions. In some
embodiments, the angled or tapered shape improves an ease of manufacturing the
cap 50, such as
via 3D printing or injection molding.
[0064] Moving along the cap body 200, the shoulder section 212 may be
integrally formed
between the distal tubular section 210 and the proximal tubular section 214 to
transition between
Page 17 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
the respective inner diameters 216, 218 thereof. The shoulder section 212 of
the illustrated
embodiment also includes an overflow port 250 that traverses the cap body 200,
thereby providing
an outlet for excess fluid directed into the reservoir 100 to flow therefrom.
For example, the
electrode watering assembly 20 may be generally waterproof or sealed at every
point distal to or
downstream of the proximal conduit end of the conduit. As such, the overflow
port 250 of certain
embodiments enables the electrode watering assembly 20 to release an amount of
water or
overflow fluid, in excess of an expected amount usable for electrolyte
rewetting, that may
otherwise stagnate within the cap 50 or the conduit coupled thereto. In
certain embodiments, the
overflow port 250 may desirably direct a portion of water to the soil or
filler surrounding the
permanent reference electrode. Moreover, the overflow port 250 of certain
embodiments may
facilitate venting of gases produced during operation of the permanent
reference electrode. Other
embodiments for wetting the ground and/or venting gasses are discussed below.
In embodiments,
the proximal tubular section 214 may include an overflow port 250 in addition
or in alternative to
the shoulder section 212.
[0065] Further, the proximal tubular section 214 includes the proximal opening
132 for directing
the electrical conductor from the permanent reference electrode and for
receiving the distal conduit
end of the conduit. As such, the inner diameter 216 of the proximal tubular
section 214 may be
smaller than the inner diameter 218 of the distal tubular section 210 to
approach the cumulative
size of the electrical conductor and the conduit more closely. That is,
certain embodiments of the
proximal opening 132 include a smaller open area than the distal opening 102
of the cap 50. In
the illustrated embodiment, the proximal opening 132 has an elliptical shape
or an oval shape that
may be specifically suitable for receiving two tubular components. For
example, the elliptical
shape of the proximal opening 132 may include two, adjacent focal points for
receiving the
electrical conductor and the conduit, respectively. As another example, the
proximal opening 132
may include an open width and an open length that is larger than the open
width. This construction
may improve the ability of the proximal tubular section 214 to be sealed with
a sealing element
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, such as heat shrink tape.
[0066] FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of
an example cap
assembly 270 having a cap 50 and a gasket 110. In the illustrated embodiment,
the cap 50 is
formed of a translucent plastic material, which may provide visibility to a
reservoir 100 and any
water therein. This visibility may be leveraged during testing procedures in
which water is added
Page 18 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
to the reservoir 100 and an associated electrode watering assembly is tested
for leaks and/or
performance. The gasket 110 may be placed within the cap 50 before
installation of the cap 50
onto the permanent reference electrode, in certain embodiments. The cap 50
also includes a distal
opening 102 and a proximal opening 132, having a circular shape and an
elliptical shape,
respectively.
[0067] FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an example electrode watering
assembly 280 installed
on an example permanent reference electrode 22 and including an empty
reservoir 100. FIG. 5B
is a side perspective view of the example electrode watering assembly 280
having the reservoir
100 filled with fluid 282. As shown, the electrode watering assembly 280
includes a cap 50
positioned on the permanent reference electrode 22, a conduit 52 coupled to
the cap 50, and an
electrical conductor 44 extending from the permanent reference electrode 22,
through the cap 50,
and then adjacent to the conduit 52. A gasket 110 is illustrated within the
cap 50 to provide a
waterproof seal between the cap 50 and the permanent reference electrode 22.
Additionally, a
sealing element 284 is provided around a junction between the cap 50, the
electrical conductor 44,
and the conduit 52. The fluid 282 added to a reservoir 100 within the cap 50
may therefore persist
for a time period above and in contact with the permanent reference electrode
22 to maintain
operation of the electrolyte compound therein.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example electrode
watering assembly 20
installed on an example permanent reference electrode 22. The electrode
watering assembly 20 is
illustrated as including a conduit 52, a gasket 110, and a dual chambered cap
300, each within a
respective installed position. In certain embodiments, the dual chambered cap
300 includes all or
a portion of the functionality of the cap 50 discussed above. For example, an
outer wall 302 of the
dual chambered cap 300 may include a distal tubular section 210, a shoulder
section 212, and a
proximal tubular section 214. The gasket 110 may be retained within a
receiving groove 112 of
the distal tubular section 210 to enhancing sealing between the dual chambered
cap 300 and a
proximal electrode end 46 of the permanent reference electrode 22.
Additionally, certain
embodiments include the positioning protrusions 230 defined on an inner
surface 114 of the distal
tubular section 210. In the illustrated installed position, a distal surface
232 of the positioning
protrusions 230 is in physical contact or abuts a proximal surface 134 of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. A predetermined distance 236 along a longitudinal axis 202
between the distal
surface 232 of the positioning protrusions 230 and a distal surface 234 of the
distal tubular section
Page 19 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
210 may therefore be utilized to reliably establish a target insertion depth
of the permanent
reference electrode 22 into the dual chambered cap 300, in certain
embodiments. Moreover,
certain embodiments include snap-fit fasteners on the inner surface 114 of the
distal tubular section
210 and the permanent reference electrode 22, such as a restricted diameter
310 of the dual
chambered cap 300 that snaps overs a circumferential lip 312 of the permanent
reference electrode
22.
[0069] Similar to the above discussion, the dual chambered cap 300 may include
a reservoir 100
that retains a volume of water against the proximal surface 134 of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. Additionally, the present embodiment of the dual chambered cap
300 includes an
annular channel 320 that is at least partially overlapped with the reservoir
100 along a radial axis
322 and a longitudinal axis 202. In embodiments, the annular channel 320 may
overlap with the
reservoir 100 along the radial axis 322, the longitudinal axis 202, or both.
The overlapping may
provide a more compact form factor to the electrode watering assembly 20,
compared to
assemblies with less overlapping. Additionally, the annular channel 320 of
certain embodiments
may be at least partially offset from the reservoir 100 along the radial axis
322, such that the
reservoir 100 occupies a centermost space within the dual chambered cap 300. A
divider wall 330,
baffle, or internal barrier extends from the inner surface of the distal
tubular section 210 and to the
proximal tubular section 214 of the cap body 200, in certain embodiments. The
divider wall 330
may include any suitable shape for channeling water, such as the illustrated
shape having a constant
slope portion 332 that transitions into an upright neck portion 334.
[0070] In embodiments, one or more inner apertures 340 may be formed through
the divider wall
330 to fluidly connect an upstream portion of the reservoir 100 to the annular
channel 320. In
certain embodiments, the inner aperture 340 is positioned at a proximal
portion of the divider wall
330 relative to the longitudinal axis 202 to provide a sufficient volume to
the reservoir 100.
Additionally, certain embodiments include one or more outer apertures 342
formed through the
outer wall 302 of the dual chambered cap 300. The outer aperture 342 may be
positioned at a
distalmost position of the annular channel 320 relative to the longitudinal
axis 202, thus reducing
an opportunity for stagnation within the annular channel 320. In other words,
certain embodiments
of the annular channel 320 do not retain water therein, instead directing the
water through the outer
aperture 342 via gravity. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the outer aperture
342 may release
Page 20 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
vented gasses from the reservoir 100 by permitting venting and displacement of
air to allow for
water flow.
[0071] Looking now to water flow paths through the electrode watering assembly
20, water may
be initially provided into the electrode watering assembly 20 through the
conduit 52 and travel into
the reservoir 100 that is fluidly coupled to the conduit 52. As discussed
above, water within the
reservoir 100 may therefore rewet the electrolyte compound 130 of the
permanent reference
electrode 22. In embodiments, in response to a threshold volume of water
filling the reservoir 100,
water may flow through the inner aperture 340 of the divider wall 330 and into
the annular channel
320. This overflow of water may further travel to the outer aperture 342 of
the outer wall 302 and
into a surrounding environment 350 of soil or filler. Accordingly, the dual
chambered cap 300
may provide moisture to the surrounding environment 350 for improving or
maintaining a
reliability of measurements taken via the permanent reference electrode 22
installed in the
surrounding environment 350, while simultaneously rewetting the electrolyte
compound 130
fluidly connected to the reservoir 100. Indeed, the dual chambered cap 300
including
embodiments of the reservoir 100 and the annular channel 320 described herein
may provide two,
partially overlapped water flow paths: a first flow path from the conduit 52,
into the reservoir 100,
and into the electrolyte compound 130, and a second flow path from the conduit
52, into the
reservoir 100, into the annular channel 320, and into the surrounding
environment 350.
[0072] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C respectively illustrate schematic cross-sectional,
side, and
perspective views of an example dual chambered cap 300 of the example
electrode watering
assembly 20. As discussed above, the dual chambered cap 300 may include the
reservoir 100 and
the annular channel 320 for receiving and directing fluid to the permanent
reference electrode and
its surrounding environment. The dual chambered cap 300 includes the outer
wall 302 having the
distal tubular section 210, the shoulder section 212, and the proximal tubular
section 214. The
distal tubular section 210 includes the distal opening 102 therethrough for
receiving and coupling
to the permanent reference electrode and the proximal tubular section 214
includes the proximal
opening 132 therethrough for receiving and coupling to the electrical
conductor and/or the conduit.
The proximal opening 132 of certain embodiments includes an oval shape (FIG.
7C) to reduce an
open space between the dual chambered cap 300, the electrical conductor, and
the conduit.
Page 21 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0073] The dual chambered cap 300 also includes the divider wall 330
positioned to separate the
reservoir 100 from the annular channel 320. The divider wall 330 of certain
embodiments includes
an upright neck portion 334 and a constant slope portion 332, though other
suitable shapes may be
provided. In some embodiments, a slope or angle of the divider wall 330 may be
substantially
similar to a slope or angle of the shoulder section 212. As discussed above,
the divider wall 330
may include one or more inner apertures 340 formed therethrough to fluidly
connect an upstream
portion of the reservoir 100 to the annular channel 320. Moreover, the outer
wall 302 may include
one or more outer apertures 342 formed therethrough to fluidly connect a
downstream portion of
the annular channel 320 to the environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the
dual chambered
cap 300 includes three inner apertures 340 and six outer apertures 342 (FIG.
7C) evenly distributed
across respective circumferences of the upright neck portion 334 of the
divider wall 330 and the
distal tubular section 210 of the outer wall 302. By evenly distributing the
apertures 340, 342, the
dual chambered cap 300 may provide reliable flow of fluid to the annular
channel 320 and thus
the surrounding environment. In embodiments, any suitable number of apertures
may be provided
in any shape or configuration that enables sufficient fluid flow.
[0074] Accordingly, the dual chambered cap 300 desirably includes two,
partially overlapped
water flow paths: a first flow path from the conduit 52, into the reservoir
100, and to the permanent
reference electrode, and a second flow path from the conduit 52, into the
reservoir 100, into the
annular channel 320, and into material surrounding the permanent reference
electrode. In
embodiments, the dual chambered cap 300 also includes the receiving groove 112
for receiving
the gasket discussed above, as well as the positioning protrusions 230 to
facilitate positioning of
the dual chambered cap 300 in a target position over the permanent reference
electrode.
[0075] FIGS. 8A and 8B further illustrate additional views of an example dual
chambered cap
300, such as a side perspective view and a side cutaway view, respectively. In
the illustrated
embodiment, the dual chambered cap 300 includes the reservoir 100 and the
annular channel 320
positioned longitudinally between the distal opening 102 and the proximal
opening 132, which
respectively include a circular shape and an elliptical shape. The divider
wall 330 includes inner
apertures 340 to provide a flow path between the reservoir 100 and the annular
channel 320.
Additionally, the outer wall 302 includes the outer apertures 342 to provide a
flow path between
the annular channel 320 and the surrounding environment. Certain embodiments
of the dual
Page 22 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
chambered cap 300 also include the receiving groove 112 and the positioning
protrusions 230
discussed above.
[0076] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate certain embodiments of kits 600 that may be used
for the installation
of the electrode watering assembly 20. For example, in some embodiments, one
or more
components of the electrode watering assembly 20 may be transported to and
about a worksite
(such as the site associated with the structure 26 of FIG. 1) in a container
602 as a single kit 600
or assembly. In some embodiments, the kit 600 may facilitate providing at
least a target moisture
content within and/or around permanent reference electrodes for improved
permanent reference
electrode maintenance, operation, and reliability.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, the kit 600 may include one
or more
components of an electrode watering assembly 20. As such, the kit 600 may be
used for installing
or retrofitting a permanent reference electrode with the capabilities of the
electrode watering
assembly 20 described herein, including in-situ watering or remoistening of
electrolyte material
within the permanent reference electrode and/or surrounding material external
to the permanent
reference electrode. Thus, in some embodiments, the kit 600 may include one or
more components
of the electrode watering assembly 20, including caps 50, 300, conduits 52,
sealing elements 110,
284, permanent reference electrodes 22, and inlet ports 70. For example, the
kit 600 may include
one or more single chambered caps 50, one or more dual chambered caps 300, or
a combination
of both, in certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the caps 50, 300 may be
provided in
multiple sizes or diameters to suit installation on permanent reference
electrodes 22 of varying
size. The kit 600 of some embodiments includes one or more conduits 52 to be
fluidly coupled to
the caps 50, 300. The one or more conduits 52 may be provided in a single
length that is readily
segmented or cut to pieces having individualized target lengths, in some
embodiments. In some
embodiments, the kit 600 includes multiple, pre-cut conduits 52 in one or more
commonly utilized
lengths.
[0078] The kit 600 may also include sealing elements, such as one or more
gaskets 110, one or
more sealing elements 284, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, the
sealing elements
284 include the heat shrink material or tape discussed above. The gaskets 110
and/or the sealing
elements 284 may facilitate fluidic sealing of various junctions associated
with the electrode
watering assembly 20, including between the permanent reference electrode and
the associated
Page 23 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
cap, between the cap and the conduit and/or electrical conductor, and/or
between the conduit and
any above-ground component to which the conduit may be coupled. In
embodiments, the kit 600
includes one or more gaskets 110 for each cap 50, 300 of the kit. The gasket
110 of certain
embodiments may be provided in a pre-installed configuration within the
receiving groove of
corresponding caps. In embodiments, the sealing elements 284 may be provided
as individual,
heat shrink tubes, as a roll of heat shrink tape that may be cut to desired
sizes, or in another suitable
format. Additionally, the kit 600 of certain embodiments may include one or
more permanent
reference electrodes 22, which may have electrical conductors, as discussed
above.
[0079] The kit 600 may also include an inlet port 70 to be positioned at a
test station. In
embodiments, the inlet port 70 may be fixed permanently at the test station or
alternatively, carried
with the technician during maintenance operations. In some embodiments, the
kit 600 may also
include other features for supplying water to the conduit 52 at the test
station, such as a retainment
cap, pressurized vessel or water source, and so forth. In some embodiments,
the kit 600 may also
include additional components to facilitate installation and/or use of
electrode watering assembly.
For instance, in some embodiments, the container 602 of the kit 600 may
include a schematic or
diagram 606 for installing or assembling the electrode watering assembly or a
component or
subassembly thereof.
[0080] The kit 600 may include any suitable combination of these or other
appropriate
components. For example, in some embodiments, the kit 600 may include fewer or
additional
components than those shown in FIG. 9A. As one specific example embodiment,
FIG. 9B includes
three caps 50, 300, three gaskets 110, a conduit 52, a sealing element 284,
and an inlet port 70,
each positioned within the container 602. The inlet port 70 is illustrated in
the present embodiment
as a funnel. Additionally, the conduit 52 is illustrated as a single length or
roll and may be
portioned into multiple conduits 52 of one or more target lengths. Similarly,
in the illustrated
embodiment, the sealing element 284 is a roll of heat shrink tape that may be
portioned and
provided to seal a connection between a cap 50, 300 and a corresponding
conduit 52. As such, the
kit 600 of FIG. 9B may be utilized to efficiently install caps 50, 300 and
conduits 52 on three
corresponding permanent reference electrodes.
[0081] As another example, FIG. 9C illustrates the container 602 having two
sub-containers 610
positioned in the container 602. For example, in some embodiments, the
container 602 may
Page 24 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
include a box or bag, and the sub-containers 610 may include a smaller box or
bag within the
container 602. Each sub-container 610 is illustrated as including a cap 50,
300 and a conduit 52
therein. As such, each sub-container 610 may correspond to a watering assembly
for retrofitting
an individual permanent reference electrode with in-situ watering capability.
Moreover, it should
be appreciated that other combinations of components are contemplated for the
kit 600 in other
embodiments.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example method 800 for installing an
electrode watering
assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure, such as those described
herein, as well as
others. The example method 800 is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a
logical flow graph,
which represents a sequence of operations. The order in which the operations
are described is not
intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
blocks may be combined
in any order and/or in parallel to implement the method 800.
[0083] In embodiments, an electrode watering assembly 20 may include a conduit
52 and a cap 50
or dual chambered cap 300 provided to improve operation of a permanent
reference electrode 22.
In some embodiments, the electrode watering assembly 20 may be retrofit onto a
previously
provided or purchased permanent reference electrode 22. However, the
components of the
electrode watering assembly 20 and the permanent reference electrode 22 may be
provided and
assembled in any suitable order. An example for installing the electrode
watering assembly 20 is
discussed below based on an example scenario in which the components of the
electrode watering
assembly 20, including a cap 50, 300, a conduit 52, and the permanent
reference electrode 22,
having an electrical conductor extending therefrom, are already provided and
accessible to an
assembler. In some embodiments, providing the cap 50, 300 includes comprises
3D printing or
injection molding a cap body thereof from a suitable rigid material, such as
plastic or resin.
[0084] At block 802, the example method 800 includes installing a distal
opening of the cap over
a proximal electrode end of the permanent reference electrode, which includes
a distal conductor
end of an electrical conductor coupled thereto. For example, in certain
embodiments, a proximal
conductor end of the electrical conductor coupled to or integral with the
permanent reference
electrode may be threaded through the cap, which may then be moved or slid
along a length of the
electrical conductor until the cap is coupled to the permanent reference
electrode. In some
embodiments, the electrical conductor may be initially provided separate from
the permanent
Page 25 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
reference electrode, and the cap may be coupled to the permanent reference
electrode by inserting
the distal conductor end of the electrical conductor through the cap, coupling
the electrical
conductor to the permanent reference electrode, and then coupling the cap to
the permanent
reference electrode.
[0085] At block 804, the example method 800 includes fluidly coupling a distal
conduit end of a
conduit to a proximal opening of the cap. For example, the conduit may be
fluidly coupled to the
cap by inserting the distal conduit end into the proximal opening by at least
a threshold distance,
in certain embodiments. At block 806, the example method 800 includes applying
a sealing
element around the electrical conductor and the conduit at the proximal
opening of the cap. As
discussed above, the sealing element of certain embodiments may include a heat
shrink tape or
tube, which may be heated until a desired, reduced size of the heat shrink
tape is formed and seals
the proximal opening of the cap.
[0086] At block 808, the example method 800 includes installing the permanent
reference
electrode in a target underground position, with the cap and the conduit
coupled to the proximal
electrode end of the permanent reference electrode. At block 810, the example
method 800
includes positioning a proximal conduit end of the conduit and the proximal
conductor end of the
electrical conductor at a test station. In some embodiments, the proximal
conduit end and the
proximal conductor end may be positioned at the test station before the
permanent reference
electrode is placed in the target underground position. Certain embodiments
include maintaining
a close proximity between the conduit and electrical conductor such that they
extend generally
parallel with one another throughout all or a majority of an underground
distance covered by the
conduit and the electrical conductor. The conduit and electrical conductor may
be in contact with
one another or fixed together via fasteners such as cable ties, in some
embodiments.
[0087] At block 812, the example method 800 includes directing fluid into the
proximal end of
conduit and into a reservoir of the cap to maintain operation of the permanent
reference electrode.
As discussed above, the cap of certain embodiments also includes an annular
channel that is fluidly
coupled to the surrounding environment for moistening soil or filler in which
the permanent
reference electrode is installed. In certain embodiments, the methods and
assemblies disclosed
herein enable in-situ, targeted rewetting of electrolyte within permanent
reference electrodes from
maintenance operations that are easily performed at an above-ground test
station.
Page 26 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0088] FIG. ills a block diagram of an example method 850 for installation and
use of an
electrode watering assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure, such
as those described
herein, as well as others. The example method 850 is illustrated as a
collection of blocks in a
logical flow graph, which represents a sequence of operations. The order in
which the operations
are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number
of the described
blocks may be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the method
850.
Additionally, certain embodiments include a controller having a processor to
perform all or a
portion of the steps of example method 850.
[0089] At block 852, the example method 850 includes installing a cap of an
electrode watering
assembly onto a permanent reference electrode. As discussed above, the cap may
include one or
more chambers, such as the reservoir or the reservoir and the annular chamber.
In some
embodiments, the cap may be passed or threaded over an electrical conductor
protruding from the
permanent reference electrode until the cap is positioned over an end of the
permanent reference
electrode. The cap may thus be placed in a target position to provide the
reservoir in close
proximity to the electrolyte compound of the permanent reference electrode.
[0090] At block 854, the example method 850 includes installing a conduit
between the cap and a
test station, such as an above-ground test station used for monitoring
cathodic protection. As
discussed above, junctions between various components of the electrode
watering assembly may
be sealed via any suitable components, such as gaskets and/or heat shrink
material. In certain
embodiments, a controller may be provided to control assembly and/or operation
of the electrode
watering assembly. The controller may be the controller 80 described with
reference to FIG. 1
above and further described below, a separate manufacturing controller, or any
other suitable
control device. In some embodiments, the controller may instruct one or more
actuators, robotic
arms, or assembly line devices to pre-install the cap and/or the conduit with
the permanent
reference electrode before the permanent reference electrode is positioned
underground.
[0091] At block 856, the example method 850 includes performing one or more
tests from the test
station. In embodiments, performing the tests includes measuring a voltage of
the permanent
reference electrode via a voltage measuring device. The measurements taken
based on the
permanent reference electrode may be used to verify or evaluate the cathodic
protection of the
structure. In some embodiments, the tests may facilitate identification of any
decrease in accuracy
Page 27 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
or quality of the measurements of the permanent reference electrode. In such
cases and/or
preemptively at regular intervals, the permanent reference electrode may be
efficiently rewetted
with the electrode watering assembly.
[0092] In embodiments, the one or more tests may be performed based on
instructions from a
controller, such as the controller 80 described with reference to FIG. 1
above. Additionally, the
controller may provide instructions to perform tests to any suitable sensors
of the electrode
watering system, such as the voltage measuring device, a moisture sensor, and
so forth. For
example, the controller of certain embodiments may provide instructions to
cause the voltage
measuring device to measure a voltage of the permanent reference electrode and
transmit data
indicative of the measurements to the controller. In some embodiments, the
controller may
perform the tests at regular intervals, according to a pre-determined schedule
and/or in response to
receiving instructions from a technician.
[0093] At block 858, the example method 850 includes the controller
determining whether a status
of the permanent reference electrode is below a status threshold. In
embodiments, the controller
may determine the status of the permanent reference electrode based on one or
more datapoints
collected during the tests performed at block 856. For example, in an
embodiment, the controller
may compare a current voltage of the permanent reference electrode to a
previous voltage of the
permanent reference electrode. The controller may determine that the status of
the permanent
reference electrode is below the status threshold in response to the voltage
changing by more than
a predetermined voltage threshold, in embodiments. As another example, in
certain embodiments,
the controller may determine that the status of the permanent reference
electrode is below the status
threshold in response to determining that a moisture level determined by a
moisture sensor
proximate the permanent reference electrode is below a predetermined moisture
threshold.
[0094] In response to determining the status of the permanent reference
electrode is below the
status threshold, at block 860, the example method 850 includes the controller
watering the
permanent reference electrode from the test station, such as by providing
fluid through a conduit
of an electrode watering assembly, to a cap of the electrode watering
assembly, and to the
permanent reference electrode. As provided herein, the electrode watering
assembly improves
operation of the permanent reference electrode by enabling effective
maintenance of the electrolyte
compound therein from the test station. In some embodiments, the controller
may perform block
Page 28 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
860 by instructing an actuator of the electrode watering assembly to water the
permanent reference
electrode. As discussed above, the actuator may therefore cause fluid from a
fluid source to flow
through the conduit, into the cap, and to the permanent reference electrode.
[0095] In response to determining that the status of the permanent reference
electrode is above the
status threshold, the controller may proceed to return to block 856 to
continue performing tests
with and maintenance on the permanent reference electrode. As such, the one or
more tests of
block 856 may be readily repeated after the permanent reference electrode is
watered, in some
embodiments. Certain embodiments may include using the electrode watering
assembly to rewet
or moisturize the electrolyte compound of the permanent reference electrode at
regular intervals,
such as weekly, monthly, yearly, and so forth. Additionally or alternatively,
certain embodiments
include rewetting or moisturizing the permanent reference electrode in
response to detecting a
predetermined threshold change in voltage or other cathodic criteria or
parameters associated with
the permanent reference electrode. Therefore, the electrode watering assembly
is usable with the
permanent reference electrode to facilitate long-term, convenient maintenance
and/or monitoring
of cathodic protection systems.
[0096] As further explanation, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example method
900 for
controlling an electrode watering system for improved maintenance and
operation of a permanent
reference electrode, according to embodiments of the disclosure, such as those
described herein,
as well as others. The example method 900 is illustrated as a collection of
blocks in a logical flow
graph, which represents a sequence of operations. The order in which the
operations are described
is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the
described blocks may be
combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the method 900.
Additionally, certain
embodiments include a controller having a processor to perform all or a
portion of the steps of
example method 900, such as the controller 80 introduced in FIG. 1 and further
described below.
[0097] At block 902, the example method 900 includes receiving sensor data
indicative of cathodic
protection criteria. In some embodiments, the sensor data is collected from
monitoring of the
cathodic protection of the structure, such as the structure 26 of FIG. 1. The
sensor data may include
signals and/or data received from one or more suitable sensors of the
electrode watering system,
including the permanent reference electrode itself, a cathodic protection
system, an electrical
system, a moisture sensor proximate the permanent reference electrode or
cathodically protected
Page 29 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
structure, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage
sensor, and so forth.
Indeed, the sensor data may include any suitable combination of one or more
operating parameters
or test data from which the controller may monitor the operation of the
permanent reference
electrode.
[0098] At block 904, the example method 900 includes determining whether the
sensor data is
indicative of declining function or operation of the permanent reference
electrode. For instance,
the controller of some embodiments may determine the sensor data is indicative
of declining
electrode function in response to the permanent reference electrode providing
measurements
outside an expected measurement threshold and/or including a rate of change
for a measurement
that is outside an expected rate of change threshold. The controller of some
embodiments may
determine the sensor data is indicative of declining electrode function in
response to the permanent
reference electrode having a current operational status that is below a
threshold operational status.
As another example, in certain embodiments, the controller may determine the
sensor data is
indicative of declining electrode function in response to the sensor data
indicating that a moisture
level associated with or measured near the permanent reference electrode is
below a predetermined
moisture level threshold.
[0099] In response to determining the sensor data is indicative of declining
electrode function, at
block 906, the example method 900 includes instructing one or more actuators
to provide fluid to
rewet the permanent reference electrode. As discussed above, the one or more
actuators of the
electrode watering system may therefore cause fluid from a fluid source to
flow through a conduit
of an electrode watering assembly, to a cap of the electrode watering
assembly, and to the
permanent reference electrode as an efficient maintenance operation. The
rewetting may therefore
reestablish or maintain normal operation of the permanent reference electrode
automatically after
a decline in function is detected or predicted to occur. In embodiments, the
method 900 includes
returning to block 902 to continue receiving sensor data associated with
operation of the permanent
reference electrode.
[0100] In response to determining the sensor data is not indicative of
declining electrode function,
at block 908, the example method 900 includes determining whether a threshold
time has elapsed
since a previous electrode rewetting. In embodiments, the threshold time may
include any suitable
period of time at which regular rewetting of the permanent reference electrode
is determined to
Page 30 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
improve its operation. The threshold time may be individually programmed
within the controller
for the electrode watering system and/or set based on a dryness of an
associated environment, in
some embodiments. As non-limiting examples, the threshold time may be set as 1
day, 7 days, 14
days, 30 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and so forth, with shorter
threshold times being
selected for areas associated with greater environmental dryness. In some
embodiments, the
controller may determine and/or adjust the threshold time based on previous
operation of the
electrode watering system. The threshold time may be manually set or adjusted
by a technician,
in certain embodiments.
[0101] In response to determining the threshold time has elapsed since a
previous electrode
rewetting, the example method 900 includes instructing one or more actuators
to provide fluid to
rewet the permanent reference electrode, as provided in block 906. In certain
embodiments,
performing the rewetting of block 906 resets the threshold time of block 908,
such that the
electrode watering system is prepared or ready to perform targeted maintenance
operations at
future prescribed intervals.
[0102] In response to determining the threshold time has not elapsed since a
previous electrode
rewetting, at block 910, the example method 900 includes determining whether
input indicative of
requested electrode rewetting has been received. For example, in certain
embodiments, the
controller may receive user input indicative of requested electrode rewetting
from any suitable
user interface, such as a mobile device in signal communication with the
controller. Additional
non-examples of suitable user interfaces are discussed below with reference to
FIG. 13. In certain
embodiments, the controller may also receive one or more credentials from the
user interface and
analyze the credentials to determine whether the user is authorized for
interacting with the
electrode watering system, before performing the electrode rewetting. As
examples, the user may
provide an identification number, a password, a username, or other data that
the controller may
use to compare against a datastore or database of approved credentials.
[0103] In response to determining input indicative of requested electrode
rewetting has been
received, the example method 900 may proceed to block 906 to instruct the
actuator to provide
fluid to rewet the permanent reference electrode. In response to determining
input indicative of
requested electrode rewetting has not been received, or is received but not
accompanied with
Page 31 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
corresponding credentials, the example method 900 may return to block 902 to
continue receiving
sensor data associated with operation of the permanent reference electrode.
[0104] In certain embodiments, the controller may also generate a log that
includes data for each
time the electrode watering system provides fluid to the permanent reference
electrode. The
controller may analyze the log to determine and implement further improvements
of the electrode
watering system, such as adjustments of the threshold time, an amount of fluid
provided at block
906, or other parameters associated with electrode maintenance. Further, the
method 900 may
perform the determinations of blocks 904, 908, and 910 in any suitable order.
For example, certain
embodiments may include performing each of the determinations of blocks 904,
908, and 910 in
parallel to provide robust and multi-faceted maintenance of the permanent
reference electrode.
Accordingly, the controller performing the method 900 may coordinate multiple
determinations,
subsystems, or modules to provide the permanent reference electrode with
efficient, targeted
maintenance actions that improve its useable lifetime.
[0105] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an example control system 1000 for an
electrode
watering system 10, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As
illustrated, the control system
1000 may include a controller, such as the controller 80 discussed above,
which includes one or
more processors and one or more memories. In certain embodiments, the
controller 80 includes
various modules, subsystems, or instructions for performing suitable control
actions within the
electrode watering system 10. For example, the illustrated embodiment of the
controller 80
includes a sensing module 1002, an analysis module 1004, a watering module
1006, and a
communication module 1008. It should be understood that the illustrated
arrangement and
components of the modules of the controller 80 is a non-limiting example, and
the modules may
be combined and/or rearranged within the controller 80 in any suitable manner.
The modules of
the controller 80 may cooperate to perform one or more of the operations
described herein with
reference to the electrode watering system 10, in certain embodiments.
[0106] Looking to the modules in more detail, the sensing module 1002 may be
provided to
communicatively couple to sensors 1012 of the electrode watering system 10 to
receive sensor
data therefrom. The sensors 1012 may measure or detect any suitable operating
parameters, sensor
data, and/or test data to facilitate monitoring operation of the electrode
watering system 10, in
certain embodiments. For instance, the sensors 1012 may collect sensor data
including voltage or
Page 32 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
other cathodic criteria or parameters associated with a permanent reference
electrode 22, chemical
properties, temperature, pressure, moisture content, and/or other properties,
as will be understood
by a person skilled in the art. The sensing module 1002 may include any
suitable input/output
devices and/or communication devices that facilitates collection of the sensor
data from the sensors
1012. In some embodiments, the sensing module 1002 may operate as a data hub
that collects,
assembles, and/or formats the data received from the sensors 1012 to improve
an operating
efficiency of other components of the controller 80.
[0107] In embodiments, the analysis module 1004 receives the sensor data from
the sensing
module 1002. The analysis module 1004 may evaluate or analyze the sensor data
to determine
one or more parameters of the permanent reference electrode 22, such as an
operating status, a
moisture level, a voltage, and/or any other cathodic protection criteria. In
certain embodiments,
the analysis module 1004 may include any suitable programming, software,
and/or circuity that
facilitates determination of any suitable control and/or maintenance actions
for the permanent
reference electrode. The analysis module 1004 may therefore generate
instructions to coordinate
operation of the electrode watering system, based on specific analysis of data
provided by the
sensing module 1002.
[0108] In embodiments, the analysis module 1004 may provide instructions to
the watering
module 1006, such as in response to determining that a maintenance action is
to be performed on
the permanent reference electrode 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the
watering module 1006 is
in signal communication with one or more actuators 1016 of the control system
1000. As
previously described, the actuators 1016 may include any suitable devices for
causing fluid from
a fluid source to rewet the permanent reference electrode 22. For example, an
actuator 1016 may
be operatively coupled to a fluid source of the test station 40, and may
receive instructions from
the watering module 1006 to provide fluid into a conduit 52 coupled to a cap
50, 300 that is
disposed over the permanent reference electrode 22. In response to the
instructions, the actuator
1016 may open a valve or otherwise fluidly connect the fluid source to the
conduit 52 to provide
the fluid to the conduit 52, the cap 50, 300, and the permanent reference
electrode 22. In
embodiments, any suitable actuators 1016 may be provided in the control system
1000 to initiate
changes for improved operation and maintenance of the permanent reference
electrode 22.
Page 33 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
[0109] In certain embodiments, the controller 80 also includes a communication
module 1008 that
may be in signal communication with, or communicatively coupled to, one or
more user interfaces
1018 of the control system 1000. For example, certain embodiments of the user
interface 1018
may include a user device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a
laptop, a desktop
computer at a remote service station, and so forth. Additionally or
alternatively, the user interface
1018 may include a control panel, keypad, or other device installed with a
test station. In certain
embodiments, the user interface 1018 also facilitates collection of user
credentials that the
controller 80 verifies to authorize and/or permit the user to control
operation of the electrode
watering system. The controller 80 may therefore receive direct instructions
from the user
interface to initiate a maintenance action. Accordingly, certain embodiments
of the electrode
watering system 10 disclosed herein provide robust, multi-faceted monitoring
and maintenance for
the permanent reference electrodes 22, such as by directing fluid to rewet the
permanent reference
electrodes 22 via the electrode watering assembly 20 in response to specific
determinations made
by the controller 80.
[0110] Having now described some illustrative embodiments of the disclosure,
it should be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative
and not limiting, having
been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other
embodiments are
within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as
falling within the scope
of the disclosure. In particular, although many of the examples presented
herein involve specific
combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that
those acts and those
elements may be combined in other ways or configurations to accomplish the
same objectives.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and
configurations described herein
are exemplary and that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on
the specific
application in which the systems, methods, and/or aspects or techniques of the
disclosure are used.
Those skilled in the art should also recognize or be able to ascertain, using
no more than routine
experimentation, equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure. It
is, therefore, to be
understood that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of
example only and that,
within the scope of any appended claims and equivalents thereto, the
disclosure may be practiced
other than as specifically described.
[0111] Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to
cover various
modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc., above and to the
above-described
Page 34 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of this
disclosure. Accordingly,
various features and characteristics as discussed herein may be selectively
interchanged and
applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiment, and numerous
variations,
modifications, and additions further may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and
scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
Page 35 of 41
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-11
