Anodes #4598543

Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA) Normally, Electrodes (Anodes) consist of a basic component, which is responsible for mechanical stability and uniform current distribution. As Titanium has all these characteristics, insoluble electrodes are manufactured with titanium as basic component. The excellent stability of mixed metal oxide (MMO) coated titanium anodes have been used for almost 30 years. MMO coated titanium anodes are used in various environments such as seawater, brackish water, fresh water, carbon backfill, and concrete. However, many structure owners and CP engineers use MMO coated titanium anodes only specify the sizes without understanding the characteristics, limitations and evaluation method of the anodes. There are many different size and shapes are available, wire, ribbon, mesh, expanded mesh, rod, tubular, disc, probe etc.

MMO coatings for cathodic protection are mainly divided into three types, iridium oxide (IrO₂-x), ruthenium oxide (RuO₂-x) and its mixture. In addition, titanium oxide (TiO₂-x) and tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅) are also used as the bulk materials. When MMO coated anodes discharge CP current, the coating is slowly consumed. The consumption rates of MMO coatings are varies based on the chemical compositions and the environments.

Generally, iridium oxide based MMO coating is mainly used for oxygen evolution and ruthenium oxide coating is used for chlorine gas evolution. Recently, NACE developed and modified the acceleration anode life test method using acid solutions (H₂SO₄, NaSO₄, etc.). Recently, NACE published the life acceleration tests using acid solution. Ruthenium coating is consumed at higher rates under working condition in strong acid solution, it needs to considered in actual anode performance. Iridium MMO coated anode can provide much longer life than ruthenium MMO coated anode with the same thickness when they discharge current in the same environment. The cost of iridium is much more expensive than that of ruthenium; however, iridium MMO coating is typically used when chlorine evolution is concerned.

Anodes for ICCP systems are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Common anodes are tubular and solid rod shapes or continuous ribbons of various materials. These include high silicon cast iron, graphite, mixed metal oxide, platinum and niobium coated wire and other materials.

A galvanic anode is the main component of a galvanic cathodic protection (CP) system used to protect buried or submerged metallic structures from corrosion.

They are made from a metal alloy with a more active voltage (more negative reduction potential / more positive electrochemical potential) than the metal of the structure. The difference in potential between the two metals means that the galvanic anode corrodes, so that the anode material is consumed in preference to the structure.

The loss (or sacrifice) of the anode material gives rise to the alternative name of sacrificial anode.

There are three main metals used as galvanic anodes, Magnesium, Aluminium and Zinc. They are all available as blocks, rods, plates or extruded ribbon. Each material has advantages and disadvantages

For ICCP on ships, the anodes are usually constructed of a relatively inert material such as platinised titanium. A DC power supply is provided within the ship and the anodes mounted on the outside of the hull. The anode cables are introduced into the ship via a compression seal fitting and routed to the DC power source. The negative cable from the power supply is simply attached to the hull to complete the circuit. Ship ICCP anodes are flush-mounted, minimizing the effects of drag on the ship, and located a minimum 5 ft below the light load line in an area to avoid mechanical damage. The current density required for protection is a function of velocity and considered when selecting the current capacity and location of anode placement on the hull.

Electrodes (Anodes) consist of a basic component, which is responsible for mechanical stability and uniform current distribution. As Titanium has all these characteristics, insoluble electrodes are manufactured with titanium as basic component. The excellent stability of mixed metal oxide (MMO) coated titanium anodes have been used for almost 30 years. MMO coated titanium anodes are used in various environments such as seawater, brackish water, fresh water, carbon backfill, and concrete. However, many structure owners and CP engineers use MMO coated titanium anodes only specify the sizes without understanding the characteristics, limitations and evaluation method of the anodes. There are many different size and shapes are available, wire, ribbon, mesh, expanded mesh, rod, tubular, disc, probe etc.

They are made from a metal alloy with a more active voltage (more negative reduction potential more positive electrochemical potential) than the metal of the structure. The difference in potential between the two metals means that the galvanic anode corrodes, so that the anode material is consumed in preference to the structure.