ICCP CATHODIC PROTECTION It is a very vital system to protect metal structures from corrosion or rust (caused by corrosion) damage. If you were to imagine ICCP like a super hero suit. ICCP is to metal what a superhero costume is to a hero: it helps to protect it from danger (in this case corrosion, which occurs when moist air and metal come into contact). Auxiliary anodes are to ICCP like the special tools or gizmos superheroes use, improving on their performance significantly.
These are the auxiliary anodes — small metal rods that serve as satellites to help spread the electric current in an ICCP system. This electric current flow from the major anode to a metal construction demanding safety. Sometimes some of these organizations are out of reach as far as other parts of the structure. That's where auxiliary anodes come into play. It does this by using the auxiliary anode that in turn ensures that the entire structure is protected well and uniformly, something necessary to maintain it free from corrosion.
Auxiliary anodes are advantageous in well-optimized ICCP systems and can be an extremely useful addition to stronger corrosion protective strategies. These anodes are what make corrosion protection that much better in general. This is done by the auxiliary anodes that help to distribute the current throughout the metal system running with even flow. If the current is evenly distributed, it results in better protection against rust and corrosion for all parts of that metal structure. This is an important aspect to ensure the longevity of metal structures.
Auxiliary Anodes Provide Better Corrosion ProtectionMaintenance In addition to improving corrosion protection, auxiliary anodes help the ICCP system they are supplementing last longer. With the flow of electric current being evenly moved throughout the frame, it is less stressful on the main anode than normal. And the lighter workload takes less of a toll on the entire ICCP system, so it has greater longevity.
This brings me to the different types of auxiliary anodes utilized in ICCP systems. Permanent and sacrificial auxiliary anodes are the two primary types. Permanent auxiliary anodes: Made from the same metal as the structure being protected. This means they last longer, and so save you money in the long run. Nevertheless, the capital cost of installing permanent anodes can be higher.
However, sacrificial anodes are of a less noble metal than the structure and will corrode faster then rust the structure itself. The sacrificial anode corrodes faster because it is the more reactive metal (higher Anodic Index) which allows the corrosion to preferentially attack that metal first before rusting of the entire structure. Less expensive in terms of installation, so sacrificial auxiliary anodes are a popular choice in several ICCP systems and they are the quickest to replace once worn out.
Just like any other part of a ICCP system, auxillary anodes must be properly maintained in order to be able to perform as required. This means that you should inspect if regularly and replace it when necessary. If the auxiliary anodes are not kept up properly, they may not work as well and increased corrosion of the so-called metal structure could result.
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