CATHODIC PROTECTION

CORROSION
The

deterioration of a Material, usually a Metal, that results from a reaction with its Environment.
Galvanic

Corrosion of a Metal occurs because of an electrical contact with a more Noble (Positive) Metal or Nonmetallic conductor in a corrosive Electrolyte.

CORROSION

CORROSION OF A TANK BOTTOM

CATHODIC PROTECTION
Cathodic protection is a method to reduce corrosion by minimizing the difference in potential between anode and cathode. Cathodic protection (CP) is a technique to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell.

TYPES OF CATHODIC PROTECTION

Galvanic Sacrificial Anodes Impressed Current Systems

GALVANIC SACRIFICIAL ANODES

A galvanic cathodic protection system consists of sacrificial anode(s) fixed to the structure and provides specified wiring for an inspection station installed near the surface of the ground.

Galvanic systems have limited life spans during which the sacrificial anode will continue to degrade and protect the tank or piping or structure. When the sacrificial anodes are no longer capable of protecting, they will lose their protection and begin to corrode.

GALVANIC SACRIFICIAL ANODES

A sacrificial anode is a metallic anode used in a cathodic protection where it is intended to be dissolved to protect other metallic components. Sacrificial anode can be defined as a metal that is more easily oxidized than the protected metal. Electrons are stripped from the anode and conducted to the protected metal, which becomes the cathode. The cathode is protected from corroding, i.e., oxidizing, because reduction rather than oxidation takes place on its surface.

GALVANIC SACRIFICIAL ANODES

IMPRESSED CURRENT SYSTEM

The impressed current cathodic protection system usually provides ground beds of electrodes of a much longer life span than a sacrificial anode. These systems include a rectifier that converts the alternating current power source to a direct current to provide the required protection.

IMPRESSED CURRENT SYSTEM

IMPRESSED CURRENT SYSTEM

COMPARISON BETWEEN GALVANIC & IMPRESSED SYSTEM

Galvanic No external power Fixed driving voltage Limited current Small current requirement Used in low resistivity environment Usually negligible interference Less monitoring Impressed External power required Voltage can be varied Current can be varied Large current requirements Used in almost any resistivity environment Must consider interference with other structures

required

Frequent monitoring
required

CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN PIPES

The information required for the design of CP systems for Pipelines are: Soil resistivity data Clearly identify pipes to receive cathodic protection Yard plan showing piping layout Location of all risers Type of coating Responsibility of isolation gaskets Desired service life

CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN TANKS

The information required for the design of CP systems for Tanks are: Site soil resistivity data Tank diameters and layout Equipment access Type of foundation Monitoring capability Desired service life

MATERIAL OF ANODES

GALVANIC SYSTEM : Galvanic or sacrificial anodes are made in various shapes using alloys of zinc, magnesium and aluminium.

IMPRESSED CURRENT SYSTEM : Anodes for ICCP systems are tubular and solid rod shapes or continuous ribbons of silicon cast iron, graphite, mixed metal oxide, platinum and niobium coated wire and others.

PRECAUTIONS FOR CP SYSTEM

Grounding cables must be at least 300mm from underground pipes Temporary supports must be removed Piping must be inspected for coating quality and separation from grounding before burial

CATHODIC PROTECTION TESTING

All CP systems shall be tested by a qualified cathodic protection tester upon completion of underground piping, tank installation, and backfilling, but before placement of a hard surface over the system.

Testing shall be done within 6 months of installation.

CATHODIC PROTECTION TESTING

Inspect cathodic systems to ensure they are properly installed Test each dielectric flange for isolation Obtain native potentials on pipes and tanks Connect galvanic anodes at test stations and/or energize rectifier Cathodic protection systems on isolated coated structures should operate at least 4 hours before testing Cathodic protection systems on bare steel or grounded structures must operate between 12 hours and 7 days before testing

****** E E E