Cathodic Protection Rev2
Cathodic Protection Rev2
INTRODUCTION
CATEGORIZATION
IMPRESSED CURRENT CATHODIC PROTECTION (ICCP)
SACRIFICIAL ANODES CATHODIC PROTECTION (SACP)
REVERSIBLE PROCESS THEORY
INTRODUCTION
In order to achieve adequate CP, the protected structure must be polarized to a certain
value. The polarized potential is measured with respect to a certain reference electrode.
A copper/copper sulphate reference electrode (CSE) is the most common electrode
used in soil and freshwater.
There are two types of criteria for assessing cathodic protection. Either one may be used
depending on the circumstances, although the first is considered superior in many cases.
The Potential Criterion
The polarized potential of the protected structure is to be equal to or more negative
than -850 millivolts (mV) with respect to CSE.
The Polarization Shift Criterion
The protected structure is to be polarized by 100 mV with respect to CSE from
its corrosion potential.
Note: These criteria are for carbon steel; criteria may differ for various metal types.
CATEGORIZATION
Fe2+ + 2e Fe(s)
Electrode Potential in buried soil
Magnesium : -1.70V
Aluminium : -1.15V
Zinc : -1.10V
Carbon Steel : -0.55V
Ductile Iron : -0.52V -0.30V
Copper : -0.20V
Silver : +0.20V
Gold : +0.80V
Platinum : +1.00V
Reference to Cu/CuSO4 electrode (MATCOR research lab)
REVERSE CP
THEORETICAL
MECHANISM
REVERSE CP THEORETICAL MECHANISM
Natural potential for Fe in seawater (Ag/AgCl) is -0.55V while Zn/Al is -1.05V and Mg is -1.5V
[based on CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN from Swain Class Notes (1996)]
The steady state electrode potential for Carbon Steel is -0.61V while Cu is -0.36
Air can act as electrolyte with minimum carbon dioxide, CO2 present and presence of
cathodically active, iron and silicon rich.
IF air has high carbon dioxide, CO2 present, the humid air will inhibit the rate of corrosion
as the carbon film form on the targeted objects such as magnesium will have magnesium
hydroxy carbonate film that prevent magnesium to release its magnesium ions to the
surrounding air.
QUESTIONS?
Does different electrolyte for the carbon steel pipe and copper electrode will affect the
rate of galvanization?
Yes as different electrolyte consists of different mixtures of moisture and oxygen
concentration. Seawater has high concentration of oxygen and dihydrogen monoxide
that allows galvanic reaction to be in fast condition while at atmospheric condition, the
concentration of dihydrogen monoxide is low as concentration of oxygen is high, causing
enough condition for galvanic reaction to be happen. For soil, the concentration of
dihydrogen monoxide and oxygen, are varied upon the soil, thus galvanic reaction may
occurred in fast pace or in slow pace.
2H+ + 2e > H2 (specifically for atmosphere condition and acidic electrolyte)
2H2O + 2e > H2 + 2OH- (where high concentration of dihydrogen monoxide)
O2 + 2H2O + 4e > 4OH- (where dihydrogen monoxide is deaerated or limited)