Portable Reference Electrode (CS-CU-3)

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Portable Reference Electrode (CS-CU-3)

CerAnode’s CS‑CU‑3 Portable Reference Electrode is a portable copper/copper‑sulfate (Cu/CuSO₄) reference electrode used for field surveys and cathodic protection (CP) potential measurements. It offers a stable, well‑established half‑cell potential for “pipe-to-soil” tests and on‑site CP verification.

The design features a refillable electrolyte chamber, allowing you to maintain saturation in the field.
Lightweight and rugged, it can be deployed across multiple locations, making it ideal for on-demand or intermittent potential monitoring.

Key Features & Benefits

Materials & Design:

• Copper/CuSO₄ Reference Chemistry: Uses a copper sensing element immersed in a saturated CuSO₄ solution, delivering a known and stable potential.
• Transparent Refillable Body: Housings with viewports or transparent material let you visually confirm electrolyte saturation and top off as needed.
• Porous Ceramic Plug: A ceramic or frit membrane at the tip allows ionic contact with the soil without rapid contamination.

Electrical Performance:

• Stable Potential Reads: Offers a reliable voltage (~+316 mV vs SHE, typical for Cu/CuSO₄) for accurate CP potential measurements.
• Low Polarization: Designed to minimize polarization during measurement, maintaining accurate “on/off” potential readings.
• High Impedance Lead: Typically includes a high-quality cable for low-leakage connection to your voltmeter or CP test equipment.

Durability & Portability:

• Rugged Construction: Impact-resistant outer body protects internal components—ideal for deployment in the field.
• Refillable & Reusable: Can be refilled with distilled water and copper sulfate crystals in the field to maintain uptime between surveys.
• Long Service Life: Built for repeated use over years with proper maintenance and refilling.

Ease of Use:

• Quick Setup: Fill with distilled water and CuSO₄, install the plug, and you’re ready to measure.
• Portable & Lightweight: Easy to carry between survey points, launch sites, or test locations.
• Versatile: Compatible with standard CP survey tools—voltmeters, test leads, and data loggers.

Applications

• “Pipe-to-soil” potential surveys on buried pipelines
• CP condition verification on storage tanks or vessel bottoms
• Field integrity assessments for CP systems after commissioning
• Mobile CP test stations in remote or temporary sites
• Spot checks for corrosion engineers during CP surveys

Installation & Accessories

• Prepare for Use: Add copper sulfate crystals and distilled water through the top cap until you see undissolved crystals to ensure saturation.
• Insert into Soil or Contact Medium: Press the porous plug end into moist soil, sand, or a wetted test pad to ensure good contact.
• Connect Cable: Attach the provided high-impedance lead to your voltmeter or test station; make sure polarity is correct.
• Take Measurements: Record “on” and “off” potentials according to your CP survey procedures.
• Maintain: After use, rinse the electrode, inspect the ceramic plug, and top off solution as needed between deployments.
• Refill Kit: Keep a refill kit (distilled water + CuSO₄ crystals) on site to replenish the cell when saturation drops