Cathodic Shielding

This is a graphic explanation of the cathodic shielding problem in underground Steel pipelines.
The overall subject of cathodic protection is extremely complex. The cathodic shielding problem is only one aspect of the cathodic protection field. We have
certainly oversimplified our explanation of cathodic protection. But we don´t think we have oversimplified the problem of cathodic shielding.
Judge for your self. Below is an underground steel pipeline which we want to protect from corrosion.
The first step in protecting the pipeline is to apply a corrosion coating. In this case we are applying a coating of Fusion bond epoxy.
Next we installa a cathodic protection system, which consist of:

 A ground bed of anodes.

 A rectifier to provide direct current.
 And a wiring system to connect the anodes, the rectifier, and the pipeline.
The cathodic protection system serves as a backup to the corrosion coating system. If the corrosion coating system begins to fail, the cathodic protection
system should take over the job of corrosion protection in the area of failure.
Now we will activate the cathodic protection.
The cathodic protection system sends out direct current which, since it is searching for a return path, will search out any defect in the corrosion coating
through which the current can reach the steel surface of the pipeline.
If the corrosion coating is doing its job, defects are not found, and very little current is used.
However, even the best coating develop areas of failure after a period of time. Lets look at a typical failure sequence in our fusion bond epoxy.
First. An area of the coating becomes disbanded from the surface of a the steel pipeline.
Next water enters the area underneath the disbanded coating. Conditions for corrosion activity have now been created.
Because an adequate cathodic protection system has been installed, the cathodic protection current, always searching for a return path, discovers the
disbanded area.
Several studies have proven that fusion bond epoxy allow the passage of cathodic protection currents to disbanded areas. The cathodic protection system
now begins its work:
 Current penetrates the corrosion coating to the pipeline surface, where it can complete its circuit and return to the rectifier.
The current changes the pH of the water to a higher, or more alkaline level. At higher pH levels, 9 and up, corrosion of steel is minimized.
The cathodic protection system is now using more current. But it is doing its job as backup corrosion protection.
 FBE Shrink Sleeve RD-6™

 Current reaches water  Current shielded from water  Current reaches water
 pH raised >9  pH remains <9  pH raised >9
 No significant corrosion  Corrosion  No significant corrosion
 Non-shielding  Shielding  Non-shielding