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CP GUN
HAND-HELD CATHODIC
PROTECTION PROBE
Operation Manual

Revision 1.1 April 1998

Phone: (713) 983-7117

Fax: (713) 983-8858

Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc.

www.stoprust.com

10851 Train Court

Houston, TX 77041

DEEPWATER CORROSION SERVICES, INC.

CP GUN MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Overview

1
2

Parts
2.1
Reference Electrodes
2.2
Bulkhead Connector
2.3
Voltmeter
CP GUN schematic
Parts list
Voltmeter schematics
2.4
Lens
2.5
Connector Housing and Head Unit

2
2
2
2
3
4
6
7
9

Calibration

Operation
4.1
Set-up
4.2
Measuring Potentials
4.3
Troubleshooting

9
9
10
11

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OVERVIEW
The CP GUN is a self-contained, diver-operated cathodic protection meter/probe.
Features include light activation, twin element reference electrodes, and dual
digital readout, enabling simple calibration.

PARTS
The assembled section view is shown in Figure 2.1 along with a parts list in
Table 2.1. The CP GUN with handle weighs 5 lbs. in air and 0.5 lbs. in water.
The following is a description of the major items:
2.1

REFERENCE ELECTRODES
The CP GUN uses 2 replaceable silver/silver chloride elements as
reference cells. The elements are mated to the bulkhead connector
through pressure resistant connectors. Whenever elements are replaced,
a light layer of the connector grease should be applied to the male end. In
order to ensure proper function of the silver/silver chloride reference cells,
several points should be observed:
1.

Never immerse the probe with any of the connectors un-mated.

2.

Wear gloves when handling reference electrode elementsnever

allow oil or grease on the elements.

3.

Do not use solvent cleaners of any type on the electrode, use only
freshwater to clean.

4.

Never immerse the electrode in anything but freshwater.

2.2

BULKHEAD CONNECTOR
The probe tip and reference cells are connected to the voltmeters via an
Impulse 3-Pin connector. Before use, ensure that the connector is tight.
Always replace the O-ring if the connector is removed for any reason. If it
is necessary to remove the female half, always insert the blank provided
to protect the bulkhead pins.

2.3

VOLTMETER
Each reference electrode has separate, replaceable, voltmeter readouts;
both readouts are housed in a common module. Power is supplied by
two, standard 9-volt alkaline batteries. A Connection schematic is shown.
Be sure that the protective sponge case is around the module and a
desiccant bag is in place before inserting into and sealing the pressure
housing.

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PRESSURE HOUSING

RETAINING RING

voltmeters

LENS
TIP
ELEMENT HOUSING
HANDLE

FIGURE 2.1 Schematic Cross Section of CP Gun

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Description

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No. Required

No. of
Spares

CPG-010

Main Pressure Housing

CPG-020

Lens

CPG-011

Lens - O-Ring

CPG-012

Lens - Backup Ring

CPG-021

Retaining Ring

CPG-022

Retaining Screw

CPG-023

Lens Cover

CPG-030

Bulkhead Connector Plug

CPG-033

Dummy Cable Connector Plug

CPG-110

Head Unit

CPG-111

Tip Mount

CPG-112

Contact Tip

CPG-113

Head Retaining Screw

CPG-120

Cable Connector Plug

CPG-121

Replaceable Silver Chloride Element

CPG-210

Readout/Photocell Mount

CPG-211

9V Alkaline Battery

CPG-212

LCD Display Module

CPG-213

Readout Shock Mount

CPG-214

Desiccant Pack

CPG-310

ROV Universal Mount Plate

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Description

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No. Required

No. of
Spares

CPG-410

Tube O-ring Lubricant

CPG-411

Tube Silicone Grease

CPG-413

Lens Puller

CPG-510

Operation Manual

CPG-610

Transit Case

CPG-611

Transit Case O-ring

CPG-612

Transit Case Foam Pack

CPG-700

Diver Handle

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VOLTMETERS
Terminal Bridge

9-volt alkaline
battery

Displays

Figure 2.2. Overview of voltmeter module

(+) Tip--bottom
readout

(-) Reference electrode-bottom readout

(+) Tiptop
readout

(-) Reference electrode-top readout

Figure 2.3. Voltmeter connection schematic

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LENS
The lens is made from a resilient acrylic material. However, when the
instrument is not in use, ensure that the lens cover/sock is in place.
This will protect the lens and conserve power.

Lens puller
groove

Groove A

Retaining
ring seat

Groove B

Figure 2.4. Side view of lens

The lens housing has three grooves. Groove A is designed for an O-ring to
be seated against a backup ring. Groove B contains a single O-ring. The
third groove, located closest to the retaining ring seat, is provided to fit a lens
puller, used to install and remove the lens from the housing. This is shown in
Figure 2.4.
To reinstall the lens:
1.

Make sure that new O-rings are properly installed. Groove A

should have an O-ring seated on a backup ring. The backup
ring is harder than the O-ring and should be inserted into the
groove with the concave surface facing out to
accommodate the O-ring.

2.

With both O-rings in place, apply a thin layer of O-ring lubricant

to the inside wall of the pressure housing. Gently push the lens
into place until the second ring is just above the rim of the
pressure housing.
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Place the lens-retaining ring over the lens and engage the four
screws. Working alternately on diametrically opposed screws,
use the allen wrench, one turn at a time, to push the lens into
the body until both O-rings are well inside the housing.
Lens
Puller screws

Lens puller
Pressure
housing

Figure 2.5. Lens Puller tool in place

To remove lens:
1.

Remove the retaining ring.

2.

Attach the lens puller. Make sure that the ends of the screws
are flush with the bottom of the lens puller and away from the
tapped holes in the housing.

3.

Screw each fastener one turn, alternating between opposite

screws until both O-rings are clear of the housing.
NEVER RE-USE O-RINGS

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CONNECTOR HOUSING AND HEAD UNIT

The connector housing and head unit should be assembled as shown
in Figure 2.1. In order to remove the head unit, remove the four
retaining screws and gently pull the head unit off. This allows access
to the probe tip connection. Once the tip connection is unplugged, the
entire head unit can be removed. The electrode elements and contact
tip can be replaced, as necessary.

CALIBRATION
Before use, the CP GUN should be calibrated topside.
1.

Fill a non-metallic bucket or container with seawater,

approximately 18 inches deep.

2.

Drop the flat zinc calibration block into the bucket.

3.

Place the probe in the bucket so that the probe tip is in contact
with the block. The entire head unit should be immersed.

4.

Allow about 10 minutes for the cells to reach equilibrium (not

necessary if probe has been used recently).

5.

With the tip firmly in contact with the zinc block, read the
voltmeters. The two voltages should be between
-1.000 and -1.100 Volts and should match within
0.005 V.

On-line calibration checks are achieved by ensuring that the dual readouts
are within 0.005 V at all times.
4

OPERATION
4.1

SET-UP
The CP GUN is designed specifically for diver use. The CP GUN is
nearly neutrally buoyant and comes with a handle grip. It can be
stored easily on a tool belt when not needed by the diver. The
complete kit includes a waterproof light to activate the meter.

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MEASURING POTENTIALS
To obtain accurate CP readings from the CP GUN, follow these steps:
1.

Ensure that the diver has a helmet-mounted light or has the CP

GUN light mounted on the arm before the dive.

2.

Once subsea, find an area of exposed metal, either an anode, a

break in the coating, or a prefabricated CP test area.

3.

Grip the CP GUN by the handle and make contact with the bare
metal with the tip of the gun.

4.

Point a light at the readout.

5.

When both readings are within 0.005 V, the readings are

reliable and can be documented.

If the readings fluctuate greatly, the probe is not in good contact with the
structure. Reposition the probe to ensure good contact is made on bare
metal.
If the readings are not within 0.005 volts, the CP GUN is out of calibration.
The survey can continue, provided the diver records both readings until the
CP GUN can be brought back to the surface.

ALWAYS RINSE THE CP GUN WITH FRESH WATER WHEN JOB IS

COMPLETE. WHEN THE PROBE IS DRY, REPLACE THE LENS COVER
AND STOW IN CASE.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
If the two displays are not within 0.005 V check the following:
1.

Repeat the bucket calibration. The electrode with the lower

negative reading (more positive) is probably in error.

2.

Remove the reference electrode elements and replace with

spares, being careful not to touch the element head with bare or
greasy hands.

3.

If both electrodes read low (more positive than 1.000) the

problem is probably with the tip wire. If the tip wire is damaged,
a temporary soft-splice repair can be made using Skotchkote
sealant and splicing tape. However, prolonged operation in this
manner is not recommended. Order a new tip unit.

4.

After any replacement or repair, recalibrate the instrument by

performing a bucket test as described in section 3.

If problems persist call our hotline at (713) 983-7117 and ask for
Polatrak Technical Support.
Outside normal business hours, call (281) 744-2342.

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