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Cathodic Protection (CP) is a method of corrosion control that can be applied to buried and submerged metallic structures to control corrosion by making it work as the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This is achieved by placing the metal which is to be protected in contact with another, less noble metal to act as the anode of the electrochemical cell. This less noble metal will then be sacrificed in favour of the structure being protected. CP systems are most commonly used to protect steel pipelines or fuel pipelines and storage tanks, steel jetty piles, ships, offshore oil platforms, onshore oil well casings and reinforcing steel in concrete.

Maxxun Engineering offers 2 methods of Cathodic Protection

1. ICCP -Impressed Current Cathodic Protection

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection systems is an all-round protection system, having the benefit of using an external power supply to drive current. This makes it possible to protect virtually any structure, regardless of size or current requirements using long life anodes and enough appropriately sized power supplies. It is used in cases where the driving voltage is higher than the galvanic system or if there is a need for increased system control. It offers permanent and automatic protection that aids in preventing galvanic corrosion and electrolysis from attacking the undersides of various mobile or fixed offshore structures as well as sea vessels.

Advantages of ICCP:

♦ Maintains structure aesthetics and structure integrity
♦ Enhanced lifespan of shafts, propellers and rudders and other sea vessel parts involved in electrolysis
♦ Anodes are sturdy, light and compressed for convenient storage, shipping and setup.
♦ Non-destructive installation
♦ Single installation needed for the structure or vessel

2. SACP - Sacrificial Anodes Cathodic Protection

Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection (SACP) is a technique uses the natural structural differences between two metals in an environment to provide a driving voltage. This voltage creates a current that ensures the corrosion occurs on the anode 'sacrificing' itself protecting the main structure from corrosion. The materials used for this purpose are magnesium, aluminium and zinc. They provide electrons to the structure to be protected and are consumed. Generally, SACP is used for protection of well coated areas where protective current requirements and soil or water resistivity are low. It is also used where the surface area of a protected structure is relatively small.

Features and benefits of SACP:

♦ No independent source of electric power required
♦ Limited affects on neighbouring structures
♦ Anode connections are also protected
♦ Correct material selection ensures no over-protection, thus avoiding metal embrittlement and coating damage
♦ No possibility of plant damage due to incorrect connections
♦ Straightforward to install, operate and maintain

We have been fortunate to assist hundreds of clients implement innovative solutions to control with our cathodic protection expertise.