Anodes

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Application

Galvanic Anode (Sacrificial Anode)

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 and are made for different purposes. 

Sacrifical Anodes/ Galvanic Anodes examples pictured below

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 

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.
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