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Cathodic Protection Process of Corrosion

Cathodic protection is an electrochemical process that protects metallic structures from corrosion by making the entire structure act as a cathode. There are two main methods: sacrificial anode cathodic protection uses alloys like magnesium or zinc that corrode instead of the protected structure, while impressed current cathodic protection uses inert anodes powered by an external DC current source to supply electrons and prevent corrosion of the structure. Both methods aim to reduce the electrical potential difference between anodic and cathodic sites on the metal surface. Applying cathodic protection provides tangible benefits like reduced corrosion, water main breaks, and repair costs as well as increased infrastructure service life and water supply reliability. Economic studies show corrosion mitigation programs using cathodic

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432 views14 pages

Cathodic Protection Process of Corrosion

Cathodic protection is an electrochemical process that protects metallic structures from corrosion by making the entire structure act as a cathode. There are two main methods: sacrificial anode cathodic protection uses alloys like magnesium or zinc that corrode instead of the protected structure, while impressed current cathodic protection uses inert anodes powered by an external DC current source to supply electrons and prevent corrosion of the structure. Both methods aim to reduce the electrical potential difference between anodic and cathodic sites on the metal surface. Applying cathodic protection provides tangible benefits like reduced corrosion, water main breaks, and repair costs as well as increased infrastructure service life and water supply reliability. Economic studies show corrosion mitigation programs using cathodic

Uploaded by

Adel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cathodic Protection

Process of Corrosion
Dr. VK
How Does Cathodic Protection Work?
Cathodic protection (CP) is an electrochemical means of corrosion mitigation.
The process minimizes the anodic dissolution of a metallic structure by
reducing the electrical potential energy difference between the anodic
and cathodic sites on the surface of a metal when placed into a conductive
electrolyte. Theoretically, cathodic protection is achieved when the open
circuit potentials of the cathodic sites are polarized to the open circuit
potentials of the anodic sites. The goal is to make the entire structure a
cathode (current receiver) relative to an expendable or replaceable anode
(current provider). Specific criteria have been established by the National
Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) for various metals in different
electrolytes. The corrosion engineer must carefully consider these criteria
when deciding on the level of cathodic protection to apply to a metallic
structure. There are two basic methods of applying cathodic protection,
although there are many variations on installing cathodic protection.
These two methods are known as sacrificial (galvanic) anodes and
impressed current (rectifier) cathodic protection.
Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection
Sacrificial anodes are usually made of an alloy of magnesium, zinc, or
aluminum. Different alloys are available for various electrolytes
such as seawater, soil, or concrete. Each type of sacrificial anode
will provide a source of cathodic protection current due to
the higher electrical potential energy of the anode versus the
structure intended for protection. The Practical Galvanic Series
provides guidance on the selection of anodes that can be used to
provide cathodic protection for various metals. The selection of an
alloy for a sacrificial anode must be made with consideration for the
electrolyte in which the anode and the structure are placed.
Additional factors are the size and shape of the anode, any
protective coating or wrapping applied to the structure, and the
intended design life of the system.
In cathodic protection, an anode of a more strongly reducing metal is
sacrificial to maintain the integrity of the protected object (e.g. a pipeline,
bridge, ship hull or boat).
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection
An impressed current cathodic protection system uses inert anodes that are
powered by an external source of DC current. Anodes can be materials
such as graphite, cast iron, mixed-metal oxide-coated titanium, and
platinum-niobium-clad metals. Many sizes and shapes of impressed
current anodes are available including wire, rods, tubes, sticks, plates, and
disks. The composition of the electrolyte is very important when selecting
an impressed current anode. The DC current source is usually a rectifier,
although other sources of DC current are available, such as solar voltaic
energy systems. In this type of system, the anodes are installed within the
electrolyte around the structure and are connected to the positive output
terminal of the rectifier. The structure is connected to the negative output
terminal of the rectifier. Current flow is from the anodes through the
electrolyte and onto the structure. The metallic connection from the
structure to the rectifier completes the DC circuit. Impressed current
systems can have many anode configurations that are dependent upon
the electrolyte and the structure to be protected.
In impressed – current cathodic protection, electrons are supplied from an external cells so
that the object itself becomes cathodic and is not oxidized.
Innert anode
Graphite/Pl.pt
Burried in
Backfill
(Gypsum+coke
+sod.Sulphate)
What Are the Tangible Benefits of
Applying Cathodic Protection?
• Reduction in the corrosion to the water
infrastructure
• Reduction in water main breaks
• Reduction in non-metered water loss
• Reduction in costs for emergency repairs
• Increased water main service life
• Increased level of reliable water service
to customers
• Increased health and security of the municipal
water supply
What Are the Economic Benefits of
Applying Cathodic Protection?

Studies have shown that implementing a


corrosion mitigation program using cathodic
protection for water and waste water
infrastructure will commonly save between
$5 and $10 for every $1 spent.

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