Sacrificial anode
Impressed current systems:
When galvanic anodes are used for structures that are larger in size and have high
electrolyte resistivity, they cant drive enough current economically to provide
protection. In these cases, impressed current Cathodic protection (ICCP) systems are
used which have a much longer life span than the galvanic anodes. These systems
include a rectifier that converts the AC power source to a DC, which is properly
calibrated to provide the required protection. As the power source is delivered to the
electrode and is not generated by the degradation of the electrode, the power supply to
the electrode may be recalibrated to provide additional power, as and when needed.
The application to concrete reinforcement is slightly different. The anodes and the
reference electrodes are usually embedded in the concrete at the time of the construction
when the concrete is being poured. The usual technique used here is the ICCP system.
Pipelines carrying Hazardous products are protected by a coating supplement with
Cathodic protection. ICCP systems are used here. It is sometimes more economical to
protect the Pipes of smaller diameter and limited length by the galvanic anodes
Cathode will take electrons so any object is safe from corrosion if it made to act like
cathode whereas anode means loses electrons so it corrodes. To prevent from corrosion
object to be protected should be made cathode or bombard the surface of corroding
metal with electrons.
An air cooled cathodic protection rectifier connected to a pipeline.
Cathodic protection is often executed by galvanic anodes attached to the hull of small
ships and for large vessels, ICCP systems are used.
The white patches visible on the ships hull are zinc block sacrificial anodes
Marine Cathodic protection covers jetties, harbors, offshore structures. Here structure
specific Cathodic protection systems are used depending on the structure geometry,
composition and architecture etc.
Cathodic protection is used on pipelines, vessels and tanks which carry liquids to
protect them from corrosion on their internal surfaces. Galvanic anodes and ICCP
systems are used here.
Galvanizing is a way of coating steel with a layer of metallic zinc or tin, which acts as
a sacrificial anode.
Cathodic protection prevents corrosion by converting all of the anodic (active) sites
on the metal surface to cathodic (passive) sites by supplying electrical current (or free
electrons) from an alternate source. Usually this takes the form of galvanic anodes,
which are more active than steel.
Sacrificial Anodes are highly active metals that are used to prevent a less active
material surface from corroding. Sacrificial Anodes are created from a metal alloy
with a more negative electrochemical potential than the other metal it will be used to
protect.
Anodic protection (AP) is a technique to control the corrosion of a metal surface by
making it the anode of an electrochemical cell and controlling the electrode potential
in a zone where the metal is passive.
The way we counteract galvanic corrosion is to add a third metal into the circuit, one
that is quicker than the other two to give up its electrons. This piece of metal is called
a sacrificial anode, and most often it is zinc. In fact, most boaters refer to
sacrificial anodes simply as zincs.
A Special Note on Magnesium Anodes for Fresh Water Essentially, fresh wateris
a much less conductive environment than salt water, therefore magnesium anodes are
your best choice as they are much more active (less noble) than zinc or
aluminum anodes.
The three most active materials used in sacrificial anodes are zinc, aluminum and
magnesium. They have different properties and uses. The first property to consider is
their electrical potential. All metals generate a negative voltage (as compared to a
reference electrode) when immersed in water.
In a galvanic cathodic protection system, the anodes connected to the protected
structure have a natural potential that is more negative than the structures. When
connected current flows from the anode (more negative potential) to the structure (less
negative potential) in a DC circuit.
Galvanic anodes (also referred to as sacrificial anodes), when properly applied, can be
used to protect underground steel, marine, internal and industrial structures from
corrosion. They do not require an outside power source to operate and are therefore
limited in their use. When properly applied they can be designed to provide long life
with ease of operation. Galvanic/sacrificial anodes are available in a variety of
configurations, including:
o Bare metal anodes including magnesium, zinc, aluminum and other alloys
o Packaged in backfill for underground use
o Made with external steel straps for mounting to structures
o Ribbon types
o Rod and special shapes
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems
In many applications, the potential difference between the galvanic/sacrificial anode
and the steel structure is not enough to generate sufficient current for cathodic
protection to occur. In these cases, a power supply (rectifier) is used to generate larger
potential differences, enabling more current to flow to the structure being protected.
This is referred to as an impressed current cathodic protection system.
Cathodic Protection Design
To be the most effective and economical, cathodic protection systems must be designed
properly. Cathodic protection design is the scientific discipline involving:
An understanding of the environmental conditions and the structure to be protected
from corrosion
Review of cathodic protection options for the structure or application
Selection of the appropriate cathodic protection system
Complete cathodic protection design including comprehensive specifications and
drawings utilizing the latest engineering software
1. What is corrosion?
Corrosion is a normal occurrence common to all metals not in their natural state. The process often results in the
deterioration of the metal. In many cases the metal deterioration can be severe enough to warrant replacement
or repair. A simple scientific explanation for corrosion is that it's an electrochemical process and very similar to a
battery where electrons flow between anodic (negative) and cathodic (positive) contacts. For corrosion to occur
four elements are required:
Anode: The area of deterioration or site from which corrosion occurs and current flows
Cathode: The area of protection or site from which no corrosion occurs and current flows
Electrolyte: A medium capable of conducting electric current (i.e. soil, water or concrete)
Metallic Path: Connection between the anode and cathode