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All About Cathodic Protection

Corrosion is a leading cause of premature failure in metallic structures. Operators can extend ALL SERVICES
the service life of their facilities and equipment by installing cathodic protection systems and
testing them regularly.

A wide range of civil and industrial applications use these systems to prevent corrosion for
many years. They are typically installed during original construction, major expansions or ALL PRODUCTS
upgrades.

This post covers the two types of cathodic protection systems, the types of structures protected
and provides an example of CP for pipeline corrosion prevention. To get more in depth, view GET NEWS FROM
the training video below or check out our FAQs at the bottom of this page. MATCOR

Introduction to Cathodic Protection | matcor.com

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There are two types of cathodic protection systems: galvanic and impressed current. Inc. I agree to receive
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In a galvanic system, the anodes connected to the protected structure have a natural potential
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that is more negative than the structure’s. When connected in a circuit, cathodic protection
current flows from the anode (more negative) to the structure (less negative).

Galvanic anodes (also referred to as sacrificial anodes), when properly applied, can protect
underground steel, marine, internal and industrial structures from corrosion. They do not
require an outside power source to operate, and are therefore limited in their use. Where
properly applied they can be designed to provide long life with ease of operation.

Galvanic anodes are available in a variety of configurations, including:

Bare metal anodes including magnesium, zinc, aluminum and other alloys
Packaged in backfill for underground use
Made with external steel straps for mounting to structures
Ribbon types
Rod and special shapes

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection

In many applications, the potential difference between the galvanic/sacrificial anode and the
steel structure is not enough to generate sufficient current for protection to occur. In these
cases, a power supply (rectifier) can generate larger potential differences, enabling more
current to flow to the structure being protected. This is referred to as an impressed current
cathodic protection (ICCP) system.
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MATCOR Cathodic Protection Systems

CP Systems protect infrastructure assets from corrosion. MATCOR typically designs systems to
operate for 30 years or longer. These structures include:

Above ground storage tanks

Buried pipelines
Reinforcing steel in concrete structures
Heat exchangers
Marine piles
Sheet pile walls
Other metallic structures

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MATCOR team preparing to install a deep anode cathodic protection system for pipeline corrosion protection.

Cathodic Protection Design

CP engineers can design systems for maximum life and ease of replacement. MATCOR typically
designs systems to operate for 30 years or longer.
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To be the most effective and economical, CP systems must be designed properly. CP design is
the scientific discipline involving:

An understanding of the environmental conditions and the structure to be protected from

corrosion
Review of options for the structure or application
Selection of the appropriate system
Complete design including comprehensive specifications and drawings utilizing the latest
engineering software

Design engineers possessing the right expertise and knowledge of the structure to be
protected from corrosion should perform all phases of system design.

Pipeline Cathodic Protection Example

On an unprotected pipeline, potential variations occur naturally. Wherever you go from a minor
positive to a minor negative, current flows and galvanic pipeline corrosion will occur. If you
apply CP to that pipeline—for example MATCOR’s linear anode that runs parallel to the
pipeline—current discharges off of the anode and onto the pipeline, preventing corrosion.

Pipeline without CP applied

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CP applied to pipeline

Cathodic Protection FAQs

What is Cathodic Protection?

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How does cathodic protection work?

What are the two types of cathodic protection systems?

What is an Anode?

What is a Cathode?

What is an Electrolyte?

What structures typically require cathodic protection?

What is Polarization?

What is Depolarization?

When is my structure cathodically protected? What is the criteria for Cathodic

Protection?

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What is “Instant off”?

What are the different types of anodes?

What is a galvanic or sacrificial anode?

Galvanic anodes are basically metal castings that do not utilize an external power supply to
drive current. They rely on the natural potential differences between the two metals to drive the
cathodic protection current. There are three primary types of galvanic anodes. Magnesium
which is the most active of the galvanic anodes and is used primarily in soil applications. Zinc
which is les active a metal and is commonly used in low resistivity soils and brackish water. Zinc
is also the primary metal in galvanized applications. And finally, Aluminum which is used
primarily in seawater applications. Note that galvanic anodes are often call sacrificial anodes
because they are consumed during the CP reaction – this is also true of many impressed current
anodes as well. The term sacrificial implies no power supply and the use of anodes these
anodes that are more active than the structure being protected.

What are the advantages of a galvanic anode system?

What are the disadvantages of galvanic anode systems?

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What is an impressed current anode?

What is the expected life of an anode?

What is a Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO) anode?

What is a Rectifier?

What is the proper DC wiring for a cathodic protection rectifier?

What is a Cathodic Protection Test Station?

What is HMWPE Cable? What is HMWPE/Kynar or HMWPE/Halar Cable?

Where is dual insulated HMWPE/Kynar or HMWPE/Halar cable used?

What is the concern with cable to anode connections in cathodic protection?

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What is an RMU? How are RMU’s used in Cathodic Protection?

What is a CIS (or CIPS) Survey?

What is an “Interupter”?

What is a deep anode system?

What is gas blocking of an anode?

What is a vent pipe?

What is the role of a coke backfill material?

Does the coke backfill also consume and if so, how much?

Where can I learn more about cathodic protection?

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Have a question not answered here?

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MATCOR Cathodic Protection Systems & Services

MATCOR offers a range of solutions that protect infrastructure assets including:

Gas pipelines
Above ground storage tanks
Marine structures such as docks and piers
Plant piping
And more…

MATCOR cathodic protection systems include:

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Impressed current linear anodes

Deep anode systems
Tank anode systems
Marine and water anode systems
Ground bed anodes
Internal probe anodes

Additional CP Systems Components

Cathodic protection rectifiers

Cathodic protection reference electrodes
Cable
Junction boxes
Splice kits
Cathodic protection test stations

Browse all MATCOR CP Solutions

Products & Materials

Cathodic Protection Services

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To get in touch with our team of cathodic protection experts for more information, to ask a
question or get a quote, please click below. We will respond by phone or email within 24 hours.
For immediate assistance, please call +1-215-348-2974.

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