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The Problem

When two dissimilar metals are connected in an electrolyte such as seawater, a corrosion cell is formed
in which one metal becomes an anode and suffers corrosion, while the other metal becomes the
cathode and remains preserved. Current flows through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode,
resulting in electrolytic corrosion. Anodic and cathodic areas exist on the surface of all steel structures
due to slight variations in material composition, local stresses, differences in coating condition and the
availability of oxygen.

Ships' hulls, cargo tanks and submerged fixed structures are all vulnerable to corrosion (details).

The Solution

Cathodic protection works within this natural process to help put you in control of what corrodes and
what does not.

The principle of cathodic protection involves the introduction of a metal that is more electro-negative
than the existing anodic and cathodic areas. This additional metal becomes the anode and will corrode
while providing current to the metal it is protecting, thereby overcoming the local anodic areas and
making them cathodic.

This time-tested solution utilizes a material such as zinc or aluminum, which will sacrifice itself in
protecting the cathode.

● Zinc anodes are cast from 99.995% purity ingot, to US Mil Spec A-18001K, and will yield 780
ampere hours per kilogram.
● Aluminum anodes are cast from a special mercury-free alloy, yielding 2700 ampere hours per
kilogram, resulting in longer life, higher output and lighter weight (for easier installation).

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Wilson Walton International manufactures sacrificial zinc and

aluminum anodes in its own U.S. foundry for superior
quality, reliability and value.

In the case of ship hulls, the optimal solution includes

Wilson Walton's Aquamatic III Impressed Current
Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system.

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Wilson Walton | Corrosion Examples

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Ship Hulls

On a ship's hull in seawater, corrosion forms on what might appear to be a uniform surface. Since
corrosion results in metal loss, uncoated plates will experience deterioration and wastage. Where an
imperfect coating exists, corrosion will take the form of accelerated pitting at the location of the bare
spots. In the absence of protection, corrosion will cause:

● Hull roughening
● Loss of speed
● Increased fuel consumption

Anodic areas on submerged steel must be eliminated in order to obtain optimum ship performance.
Protection with the best and most expensive coatings alone is not enough because paint becomes
damaged. It is also prone to breakdown unless it is carefully applied under favorable atmospheric
conditions on correctly prepared surfaces.

Corrosion can be particularly severe when it occurs at breaks in a coated surface where deep pitting
may develop rapidly. Once pitting is initiated, it can be exceedingly difficult to contain. Having
commenced at the bare areas, corrosion spreads under adjacent sound paint, accelerating the
breakdown of the coating as a whole.

Ship Cargo Tanks

The corrosion pattern is different in the cargo tanks of crude oil carriers where cargos are alternated
with seawater ballast. In this environment, corrosion takes the form of pitting on horizontal surfaces

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Wilson Walton | Corrosion Examples

such as the inner bottom shell plating, the upper surfaces of stringer platforms and the face plates of
longitudinal and traverse members. It also occurs in other places where water may be present beneath
oil cargos and during void periods.

Fixed Structures

Oftentimes, a steel structure (e.g., oil platform or pipeline) submerged in

seawater is in contact with mud or deposits which may be conducive to the
growth of sulphate-reducing bacteria. A particularly aggressive type of
environment results in which paints are prone to breakdown. Steel pilings
below the seabed level and buried pipelines are susceptible to this form of
attack making cathodic protection essential.

Return to the Principles of Cathodic Protection.

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