Sacrificial anodic cathodic protection

Sacrificial anodic cathodic protection is a proven method in the field of corrosion protection that is used to protect metal structures from corrosion. This electrochemical process is based on the principle that a less noble metal (the sacrificial anode) is deliberately sacrificed in an electroplating system to protect a corrosive metal.

Typically, sacrificial anodes are made of materials such as zinc, aluminum or magnesium, which have a lower electrochemical nobility than the metal to be protected. The sacrificial anode is attached to the structure to be protected and emits electrons during the corrosion process. These electrons flow via the electrolyte to the corrosive metal (the cathode), reducing or even preventing corrosion of the protected structure. The sacrificial anode is preferentially dissolved by the corrosion process, while the metal to be protected remains intact.

This method is commonly used in marine environments, oil and gas facilities, piping systems and other structures exposed to corrosion hazards. Sacrificial anodic cathodic protection offers an effective and practical approach to extending the life of metallic structures and protecting them from the damaging effects of corrosion. However, careful monitoring and, if necessary, replacement of the sacrificial anodes is required to ensure the continued effectiveness of this protection method.