The modernized reference electrode installation is used to determine the degree of protection against corrosion changes of metal structures located underground. Installation of the reference electrodes should be carried out directly in the soil above the inspected object. A mandatory condition is that the modernized reference electrodes are installed below the soil freezing depth.

The device conductors are routed to a special measurement control point or to a cover. ESMS.KMG-M-VE can be used as portable. The main advantages of the unit include long service life and non-polarizable properties. Inside the reference electrode housing there is a copper electrode; the inner chamber is protected from adverse effects by bentonite filling. Inside this chamber there is copper sulfate filling.

The unit is supplied fully ready for use. No additional operations are required to perform measurements. The cable length is not limited by the manufacturer and can be agreed with the customer. The final order price depends on this parameter. The reference electrode housing is made of durable, sealed material and withstands moderate loads and damage.

During operation of the modernized copper sulfate reference electrode, constant contact of the electrode with the soil is ensured. This is provided by an ion-exchange membrane. The configuration is supplemented with an auxiliary electrode (VE), which allows potential measurements. It is located in the lower part of the unit housing. If necessary, a model without VE can be ordered. For more convenient installation and subsequent maintenance, the model is equipped with information tags on the cables.

Technical characteristics

This reference electrode model can be used at temperatures from -5 to +45 degrees.

Delivery and scope of supply are agreed with the customer. The product complies with GOST requirements.

Double-membrane copper sulfate reference electrodes have an additional electrode in their design. The device is installed directly above the inspected object and buried below the soil freezing depth. The advantages of the copper sulfate reference electrode include:

• complete readiness for use;
• bentonite chamber;
• sealed housing;
• the ability to independently select the cable length.

The unit is fully ready for use and does not require additional preparation. The housing is made of a durable material capable of withstanding moderate mechanical damage. The customer can independently determine the required cable length. The final price of the device depends on this parameter.

The manufacturer offers reference electrodes in several modifications. The ESMS.KMG-2-VE model is distinguished by the presence of VE (auxiliary electrode). Inside the housing there is a copper electrode. The housing is filled with copper sulfate. To maintain constant contact, an ion-exchange membrane is provided in the lower part of the structure.

The standard cable length is set at 3 meters and cannot be shorter. The customer can order reference electrodes only with a greater cable length. Each cable has an information tag. This significantly simplifies maintenance and servicing of the unit. Each cable is equipped with terminals for connection to KIP.

Technical parameters

Double-membrane reference electrodes with VE can be used at a minimum temperature of -5 °C and a maximum of +45 °C.

Delivery of the order is possible in individual or group packaging. The scope of supply includes:

• reference electrode user manual – 1 pc;
• installation container – 1 pc;
• double-membrane copper sulfate reference electrode – 1 pc.

Special notes when ordering include the installation container. It must be ordered separately. The product complies with the requirements of GOST.

Stationary copper sulfate reference electrodes should be ordered for operation in cathodic protection systems of pipelines and other steel structures. The electrodes are intended for installation in the soil above the inspected object; the installation depth is determined by the soil freezing level. The electrode must be installed below this level.

ESMS.KMG is designed for long-term operation. The mineral-filled housing is capable of withstanding moderate loads while maintaining its integrity. Inside the housing there is a gel filler based on bentonite. The spiral electrode is placed in copper sulfate. The device is fully ready for use and does not require additional preparation.

The model is easy to install, operate, and maintain. The cable outlets are equipped with marking tags and terminals. The measuring cable is used as the load-bearing element. The price of ESMS.KMG is determined by the presence of additional devices in the order. Stationary electrodes can be used under various conditions.

Product characteristics

A portable copper sulfate reference electrode is used in cathodic protection systems on steel and metal underwater structures and those located underground. Copper sulfate reference electrodes are used to measure potentials on oil, gas, fuel, and other pipeline systems.

Copper sulfate reference electrodes are designed and manufactured in accordance with the requirements of:

– GOST R 9.605-2021 “Unified system of corrosion and aging protection. Cathodic protection. Reference electrodes. General technical specifications”;

– TU 28.99.39.190-019-19394148-2019 “Copper sulfate reference electrodes ESM.KMG. Technical specifications”.

The quality of ESM is confirmed by certificates of conformity of voluntary certification systems:

– Certificate of conformity (Intergazsert voluntary certification system) No. OGRN4.RU.1104.B02528 (valid from 24.07.2023 to 23.07.2026), to the requirements of GOST R 9.605-2021, for the products “Stationary long-life copper sulfate reference electrodes of types ESMC.KMG-1, ESMC.KMG-2, ESMC.KMG-M, and portable type ESMP.KMG. Products manufactured in accordance with TU 28.99.39.190-019-19394148-2019 with Amendment No. 1 ‘Copper sulfate reference electrodes ESM.KMG’. Serial production.”;

– Certificate of conformity No. ROSS RU.04RID0.OSP06.S00217 (valid from 05.08.2022 to 04.08.2025), to the requirements of GOST 9.602, GOST R 51164, TU 28.99.39.190-019-19394148-2019, for the products “Copper sulfate reference electrodes ESM.KMG: stationary long-life copper sulfate reference electrodes of types ESMC.KMG and portable copper sulfate reference electrodes of type ESMP.KMG”.

The ESMSP version corresponds to placement category 5 according to GOST 15150 under operating ambient temperatures from minus 5 °C to plus 45 °C and relative humidity up to 100% (at an ambient temperature of 35 °C). When the ambient temperature decreases to minus 20 °C, the reference electrodes do not fail irreversibly, and after the temperature returns to the operating range, the reference electrodes restore their operability.

The design of the portable reference electrode ESMP.KMG is shown in the figure.

• Handle;
• Auxiliary electrode contact clamps (VE);
• Extension rod;
• Electrode housing;
• Reference electrode contact element;
• Auxiliary electrode (VE)

The copper sulfate reference electrode is equipped with a proprietary cable manufactured in accordance with TU. It has the following advantages:

• increased strength;
• long service life;
• non-flammability;
• high resistance to the effects of various solutions and dissolution products.

Copper sulfate reference electrodes are equipped with a cable. Its cross-section is 0.75 mm2, the current-carrying conductor is stranded and made of copper. Class according to GOST 22483 – 2 and 3 of the current-carrying conductor of the copper sulfate non-polarizable electrode for stationary and portable ESMC copper sulfate reference electrodes, respectively.

Advantages of ESMC.KMG

Portable and stationary copper sulfate ESMC reference electrodes are equipped with a housing resistant to impacts and damage. This ensures a long service life of the devices. Portable and stationary copper sulfate reference electrodes can be supplied complete with connecting cables equipped with crimp lugs. When ordering a copper sulfate reference electrode, the customer does not need to worry about the integrity of the device. Wooden packaging is used for delivery, which eliminates damage during transportation, shipment, and storage. Portable reference electrodes can be supplied in both stationary and portable versions. Each batch of products is individually packaged. In addition, the advantages of non-polarizable reference electrodes include:

• electrolyte based on a saturated copper solution;
• use of a solid-state filler in a two-chamber design;
• tightness of the copper sulfate reference electrode ESMC achieved by using a special gel;
• long service life due to the increased volume of filler compared to models of other manufacturers;
• the copper sulfate non-polarizable reference electrode is fully ready for operation and does not require preliminary preparation.

Copper sulfate reference electrodes are completely manufactured using in-house equipment (molds with quality control).

It is recommended to purchase the KU.KMG installation container for performing installation works related to the installation of copper sulfate reference electrodes (CSE).

The installation container model can be ordered in several length options. The use of KU allows unobstructed installation of the reference electrode and diagnostics of its operability. With the help of the installation container, reliable and simple fixation of the copper sulfate reference electrode is ensured.

The design and dimensions of the container are shown in Figure 1.

1 – column (PVC pipe);
2 – sealing ring;
3 – terminal clamps;
4 – cable glands;
5 – cable outlets;
6 – cable lugs;
7 – cover;
8 – handle;
9 – gasket;
10 – bushings.

Product specifications

The inner diameter of the installation container is 16 cm, and the standard length provided by the manufacturer is 220 cm. The customer may specify the required container length when placing an order; the price of the KU.KMG for reference electrodes will be adjusted accordingly.

The container body is made of plasticized PVC and complies with GOST requirements. The KU.KMG is equipped with terminal clamps for connecting the cable and routing it further to the test post (KIP). The measurement cable outlets are fully sealed.

To ensure electrolytic contact with the soil, the lower part of the container has circular perforation. The upper part of the KU is fitted with a cover with a gasket to ensure tightness of the housing. Delivery of the installation container and its length parameters are agreed individually. The service life specified by the manufacturer is at least 15 years.

The scheme for installing the reference electrode in the KU.KMG installation container is shown in Figure 2. The recommended distance between the container and the protected structure is 100–150 mm.

1. Pipeline (protected underground structure)
2. Test lead from the pipeline
3. Reference electrode
4. Cable lead of the reference electrode
5. Auxiliary electrode
6. Cable lead of the auxiliary electrode
7. Jumper
8. Installation container
9. Cover
10. Installation cable
11. Terminal board
12. Backfilling with soil and watering
13. Sealed cable entries
14. Test post