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HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH CATHODIC PROTECTION?

We can verify that there's enough current by measuring the potential of the steel against a standard reference
electrode, usually silver silver/chloride (Ag/AgCl sw.), but sometimes zinc (sw.).

Current flow onto any metal will shift its normal potential in the negative direction. History has shown that if
steel receives enough current to shift the potential to (-) 0.800 V vs. silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl), the
corrosion is essentially stopped.

Due to the nature of the films which form, the minimum (-0.800 V) potential is rarely optimum, so designers try
to achieve a potential between (-) 0.950 V and (-) 1.000 V vs. Ag/AgCl sw.
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What Does Sacrificial Protection Mean?
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Sacrificial protection is a corrosion protection method in which a more electrochemically active metal is o c u -tr a c
electrically attached to a less active metal. The highly active metal donates electrons to replace those which
may have been lost during oxidation of the protected metal. This reverts the protected metal back to its original
form, and thereby prevents it from corroding.

Corrosionpedia Explains Sacrificial Protection

A typical sacrificial protection is where a more reactive metal is used as a sacrificial anode by attaching it to
steel pipes or pump bodies. The iron becomes a cathode which does not corrode, while the anode corrodes to
provide the desired sacrificial protection. The sacrificial metal must however be replaced periodically as it is
consumed, otherwise, the protected metal starts corroding.

The sacrificial process occurs when the more reactive metal, which may be attached using copper wires,
donates its electrons to the iron and replaces those lost when iron has oxidized, thereby reverting the iron back
to its original state.

Materials used as sacrificial anodes are either purely active metals, such as magnesium or zinc, or the alloys of
either aluminum or magnesium specifically developed to be used as sacrificial anodes. The sacrificial protection
may be provided by using the anodes, usually supplied with cast-m straps or lead wires. The lead wires can be
attached to the structure using mechanical or welded connections, and should have low resistance and
insulation to prevent them from corroding or becoming damaged mechanically.

Sacrificial protection is used for corrosion protection in:

Underground tanks
Water heaters
Above-ground tanks
Hulls of ships
Pipelines

Advantages of sacrificial protection include:

Low cost
Provides protection without power requirement
Does not require maintenance
Simple installation and operation

Disadvantages include:

Periodic replacements of the anode

Increased noise level from the anodes
Current output cannot be regulated
Periodic replacement costs, especially in ships since they must be dry docked
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Corrosionpedia Explains Sacrificial Anode
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Thew mechanism of the sacrificial anode protection system is very similar to the reaction mechanism ofw
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electrochemical cells. In sacrificial anodes the protected metal is placed on the cathode side and then ao cmore u -tr a c

reactive metal or alloy (having a larger potential difference than the protected metal) is chosen and connected
to the protected metal as an anode. The redox reaction will proceed spontaneously. An oxidation reaction
occurs at the anode, which means that the sacrificial metal will be consumed. At the same time, the reduction
reaction occurs on the cathodic side, preventing the protected metal from erosion. Thus, corrosion on the
protected metal is successfully shifted to the anode, protecting the metal.

Sacrificial anodes are normally supplied with either lead wires or cast-m straps to facilitate their connection to
the structure being protected. The lead wires may be attached to the structure by welding or mechanical
connections.

sacrificial anode attached to water main pipe

The materials used for sacrificial anodes are either relatively pure active metals, such as zinc or magnesium, or
are magnesium or aluminum alloys that have been specifically developed for use as sacrificial anodes.

Advantages of using sacrificial anodes:

Can be used where there is no power

Lower initial cost
Less supervision required
Comparatively simple installation and additional anodes can easily be added if the initial installation proves to
be inadequate

Sacrificial anodes are used to protect:

Hulls of ships
Water heaters
Pipelines
Distribution systems
Above-ground tanks
Underground tanks
Refineries

The anodes in sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems must be periodically inspected and replaced when
consumed.
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Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)
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Last updated: February 8, 2021
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What Does Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) Mean?
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Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is a corrosion protection system consisting of sacrificial anodes
connected to an external power source. The external power source, often a DC power supply, provides the
current necessary to drive the electrochemical reaction required for cathodic protection to occur.

In the absence of a DC power source, a transformer-rectifier connected to AC power can be used. Alternative
sources may also be used to power the electrochemical cell, including wind, solar or gas-powered
thermoelectric generators.

Impressed current cathodic protection systems are typically used in relatively large structures, where passive
cathodic protection methods are ineffective or impractical. For example, passive cathodic protection is suitable
for protecting individual structural members and appurtenances. However, this method generates minimal
current, making it ineffective for protecting larger structures such as oil and gas pipelines and storage tanks.

Rather than depend on the natural potential difference between the anode and cathode material, ICCP systems
use external sources to provide the necessary current. This increased current makes it possible for the cathodic
protection to span a wider effective area.

While ICCP systems are more effective than their passive counterparts, they require more equipment and are
also costlier to maintain.
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Corrosionpedia Explains Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

The main difference between impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) and passive cathodic protection
(CP) is the presence of an external power supply. Both corrosion protection systems, however, operate on the
same basic concept of bimetallic/galvanic corrosion.

Figure 1. Typical impressed current system

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To understand how ICCP works, it is essential first to understand the basics of bimetallic corrosion. Bimetallic
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corrosion, as its name suggests, is a type of corrosion that occurs when two different metals are paired
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together. During this unique phenomenon, one metal experiences accelerated corrosion while the othero c u -tr a c
remains protected. To put it another way, one metal sacrifices itself so the other can last longer.

This is possible because the two metals form an electrochemical cell where one becomes the anode (the
sacrificed metal) while the other becomes the cathode. By understanding this process, it is possible to force this
type of reaction in real-life structures. By carefully selecting and pairing two different metals, we can purposely
make an object the cathode, ensuring that it remains protected so long as it is connected to a sacrificial metal
(the anode).
Benefits of Using ICCP

Some of the benefits of using ICCP include:

Larger effective protected area

ICCP is not dependent on the anode's electrode potential, which usually is not enough to cathodically cover
large structures. Using an external power supply forces the electrochemical cell to work, allowing it to have a
greater effective protection area.
Longer-term corrosion protection

Because electrode potentials do not play a significant role in ICCP systems, anodes can be selected based on
other critical factors, such as current density, consumption rates, material cost and longevity. This allows asset
owners to procure anodes that last longer, which can have an overall positive effect on repair and maintenance
budgets.
Easier control and monitoring

The presence of an external power supply makes it possible to monitor and control the performance of the
ICCP system. Operators can take monthly readings, allowing them to make the necessary adjustments to get
the most out of the system.

While ICCP offers significant benefits over their passive counterparts, they can be more expensive because
they require additional equipment during set up. Therefore, asset owners should assess the size and type of
structure to be protected to decide if ICCP is the right corrosion protection solution.
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