Cathodic Protection Systems

All infrastructure steel assets are prone to corrosion. These assets can be buried pipelines, reinforcing steel in concrete structure, marine pile, heat exchanger, above the ground storage tanks, refinery modules and any other metallic structure. Enerbay offers Cathodic Protection (CP) system to protect these assets.

The early failure of metallic structures is attributed mainly to corrosion.  The service life of such metallic structures can be extended by installing Cathodic Protection systems and testing them on a regular basis. Many industrial and civil applications have used Cathodic Protection systems for many years. Typically such installations are done during the original construction or during major expansion or upgrades. At Enerbay our Cathodic Protection systems are designed to operate for 30 years or more.

Types of Cathodic Protection Systems

Metallic structures react with the environment, oxidize and thereby corrode.  When exposed to the environment metals such as carbon steel or any other metals break down electrochemically and finally lose their structural integrity.   Cathodic Protection systems prevent the process of corrosion from occurring by creating a flow of current from the Cathodic Protection system (CP) to the structure. There are two basic types of CP systems: galvanic and impressed current.

Galvanic Cathodic Protection Systems        

A galvanic corrosion system utilizes the susceptibility of one metal to corrosion than another. When two dissimilar metals are linked electrically the metal that is more susceptible will corrode. Galvanic anodes are these sacrificial metals that are used in cathodic protection of steel structures.

A sacrificial anode is a metal anode connected electrically to the structure that needs to be protected and sacrificial anode is more reactive to the surrounding corrosive environment. In galvanic cathodic protection system the anodes have a natural potential that is more negative than the structure it is connected for protection. The steel structure then acts like a cathode and as in DC circuit current flows from the anode (sacrificial metal) to the steel structure.

Galvanic anodes (sacrificial anodes) when properly designed and applied can be used to protect marine, internal and industrial structures, underground pipelines and steel from corrosion. Galvanic Cathodic Protection does not require external power source to function and are, therefore, ideal for location where power source is hard to find or continuously supply is not possible, particularly in remote areas. A well designed and correctly applied galvanic cathodic protection can provide extended usable life with ease of operation.

Galvanic anodes are available in a variety of configurations such as:

• Ribbon types.
• External steel straps for mounting to structures.
• Bare metal anodes including zinc, magnesium, aluminum and other alloys.
• Packaged in backfill for underground use.
• Special shapes and rods.

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems

In order for sufficient current to flow in a Galvanic Cathodic Protection there should be enough potential difference between the sacrificial anode and the steel structure. In many applications, there is not enough potential difference and a power supply (rectifier) is used to create larger potential difference, which in turn enables the flow of more current to protect the steel structure. Such a system is referred to as an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System.

Cathodic Protection Design

An effective and economic corrosion prevention system depends on a good design.  The proper design of such systems is a scientific discipline involving:

• A clear understanding of the environment and the structure that needs to be protected.
• Consider various options of Cathodic Protection system and weigh the pros and cons.
• Selection of the most appropriate Cathodic Protection system.
• Complete design of a Cathodic Protection system including complete specifications and drawings utilizing the latest engineering software.

Enerbay with its JV partners provide Cathodic protection (CP) design services. Our corrosion engineers will:

• Gather information about your Cathodic Protection application and required system life.
• Conduct on-site tests if necessary.
• Present the types of Cathodic Protection systems that may be used for your application along with the benefits of each
• Provide approximate initial and ongoing costs.
• Provide information regarding ongoing CP system maintenance requirements.

In many cases, there are several options available to you for either Impressed Current or Sacrificial Cathodic Protection Systems. When you use ENERBAY’s Cathodic Protection Design services, you save time with corrosion expertise and years of experience.

We offer all types of Cathodic Protection Systems inclusive of testing, installing and maintaining Cathodic Protection Systems for all types of structures throughout the world with highly qualified professional and NACE corrosion engineers and technicians. Our team members have experience working together with client on CP projects managing multi-million dollar projects. These projects are done in close conjunction with corrosion department of the client for large utilities and pipeline companies. Enerbay’s  many proprietary Cathodic Protection systems are lower in cost and have longer life than some commonly used CP systems.

At Enerbay, our mission is to solve your corrosion problems. We are ready to assist with your corrosion engineering and field service needs including design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, as well as project management and full turnkey solutions. In addition, we offer a broad range of proprietary corrosion prevention products.