Electrical connector for an anode
First Claim
1. An electrical connector for connecting an anode to a subsea metal structure to be protected by the anode by cathodic protection, the connector comprising:
- a terminal for an electric cable to be connected to the anode;
at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a surface of the metal structure by magnetic forces acting between the magnet devices and the surface of the metal structure;
an electrical contact member electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, in order to electrically connect the terminal to the surface of the metal structure through each of the magnet devices;
and wherein the magnet devices are connected by a deformable member that deforms to permit relative movement of the magnet devices relative to one another.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical connector for an anode has a terminal for an electric cable, at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a metal structure, a plate electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, and a deformable member connecting the magnet devices. When the connector connects an anode to a surface, the magnet forces draw the magnet devices against the surface in order to make up the connection. The deformable member allows relative movement of the magnet devices, permitting them to align themselves in an optimum configuration to maximize the surface area of the magnet devices that are in contact with the metal structure, providing a large electrical conduit between the connector and the cable connected to the terminal, and allowing for more reliable electrical connection between the anode and the structure.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An electrical connector for connecting an anode to a subsea metal structure to be protected by the anode by cathodic protection, the connector comprising:
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a terminal for an electric cable to be connected to the anode; at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a surface of the metal structure by magnetic forces acting between the magnet devices and the surface of the metal structure; an electrical contact member electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, in order to electrically connect the terminal to the surface of the metal structure through each of the magnet devices; and wherein the magnet devices are connected by a deformable member that deforms to permit relative movement of the magnet devices relative to one another. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of manipulating an electrical connector for connecting an anode and a metal structure to be protected by the anode during a cathodic protection operation, the method comprising:
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providing a connector having a terminal for an electric cable to be connected to the anode, at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a surface of the metal structure by magnetic forces acting between the magnet devices and the surface of the metal structure, an electrical contact member electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, in order to electrically connect the terminal to the surface of the metal structure through each of the magnet devices; and connecting the magnet devices by a deformable member and allowing the deformable member to deform to permit relative movement of the magnet devices relative to one another. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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Specification