Active corrosion protection

Active corrosion protection refers to a range of techniques and methods aimed at preventing or slowing down the formation and spread of corrosion on metallic surfaces. In contrast to passive corrosion protection, which is based on barrier layers or protective coatings, active corrosion protection requires continuous monitoring and intervention in order to maintain the protective effect.

A common method of active corrosion protection is the cathodic protection technique, where an external current or sacrificial anode is used to provide electrochemical protection to metal surfaces. This can be done, for example, by using sacrificial anodes made of zinc or magnesium, which sacrifice themselves by corroding instead of the protected metal corroding.

Another process is inhibitor treatment, in which chemical substances are used to inhibit or slow down the reaction between the metal and the corrosive medium. These inhibitors form a protective layer on the metal surface and thus reduce the corrosion rate. Furthermore, active corrosion protection can be supported by regular inspections and maintenance measures in order to detect and treat potential sources of corrosion at an early stage. This can include the timely repair of coating damage, the removal of moisture ingress points or the cleaning of soiling.

Overall, active corrosion protection aims to extend the service life of metallic components and reduce maintenance and repair costs by proactively combating the development of corrosion.