Replaceable cp anodes

Abstract

An anode for cathodic protection of underwater equipment is provided. The anode comprises: a support body; sacrificial material retained by the support body; and an attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the anode to the underwater equipment.

1 . An anode for cathodic protection of underwater equipment, the anode comprising:
 a support body;   sacrificial material retained by the support body; and   an attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the anode to the underwater equipment.   
     
     
         2 . The anode of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a member for frictional engagement with the underwater equipment, wherein the frictional engagement causes the anode to be retained in use by the underwater equipment. 
     
     
         3 . The anode of  claim 2 , wherein the member comprises a tapered projection from the support body for insertion and retention within a receptacle located at the underwater equipment. 
     
     
         4 . The anode of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a releasable positive locking mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The anode of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle designed for manipulation by a remotely operated vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The anode of  claim 5 , wherein the handle is mounted on the support body. 
     
     
         7 . The anode of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a member for frictional engagement with the underwater equipment, wherein the frictional engagement causes the anode to be retained in use by the underwater equipment and the anode comprises a handle designed for manipulation by a remotely operated vehicle. 
     
     
         8 . The anode of  claim 7 , wherein the handle is mounted on the support body. 
     
     
         9 . The anode of  claim 1 , further comprising a buoyancy device configured to enable the density of the anode to be selected. 
     
     
         10 . The anode of  claim 9 , wherein the buoyancy device comprises a cavity located within the support body. 
     
     
         11 . The anode of  claim 10 , wherein the cavity is air-filled. 
     
     
         12 . An anode comprising a buoyancy device configured to enable the density of the anode to be selected. 
     
     
         13 . The anode of  claim 12 , wherein the buoyancy device comprises a cavity located within a support body of the anode. 
     
     
         14 . The anode of  claim 13 , wherein the cavity is air-filled. 
     
     
         15 . The anode of  claim 1 , wherein the sacrificial material is selected from the group consisting of aluminium, zinc and magnesium. 
     
     
         16 . The anode of  claim 1 , wherein the underwater equipment comprises a subsea well tree. 
     
     
         17 . A method for providing corrosion protection of underwater equipment, the method comprising:
 providing an anode for cathodic protection of the underwater equipment, the anode comprising: a support body, sacrificial material retained by the support body, and an attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the anode to the underwater equipment; and   attaching the anode to the underwater equipment.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein attaching the anode to the underwater equipment comprises manipulating the anode by a remotely operated vehicle. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the anode comprises a buoyancy device configured to enable the density of the anode to be selected. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the underwater equipment comprises a subsea well tree.