Cathodic protection (theoretical study)

I. Principle of cathodic protection:

The corrosion of metals in contact with aqueous environments (water, soils, concrete,...) is of a nature
electrochemical. In these environments, the application of cathodic protection technique has
to reduce the metal's polarization potential to a level at which the speed of
the corrosion of metal is significantly reduced. The threshold of cathodic protection
it can be determined thermodynamically. It corresponds to the threshold of immunity as
represented in the corresponding Pourbaix diagram from a state from which corrosion
becomes theoretically impossible.

To modify the potential of the metal to be cathodically protected, an anode is used.

in the same electrolyte. Anodes can be of two types:

Let the anodes have a more electronegative potential than the metal to be protected (anodes
sacrificial or galvanic.

Let there be anodes coupled to a current generator imposing a potential difference.

between the two metals (imposed current method).

Note:

The choice of one system over another must be made taking into account the
technical comparisons (see the table) and economic criteria (design,
equipment, maintenance, material and energy consumption.

II. Cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes or reactive anodes:

The metal to be protected is electrically connected to an electrode made of a less noble metal.
who plays the role of the anode in the first battery. In this type of protection, the anode is
consumed by dissolution by bringing the surface of the metal to be protected beyond its potential
of immunity. The implementation is schematized in the following figure:

Fig.1: Principle of cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes

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The anodized dissolves and brings the potential of the structure into its immunity zone.

For protection to exist, it is necessary:

That the battery discharges, so that the anode is electrically connected to the metal.

that the surface to be protected and the anode are both immersed in the same medium
electrolytic,

-that the installation should be suited to the surface to be protected (dimensions, quantity, distribution of
anodes).

Graphical representation of cathodic protection:

Fig.2: Representation of cathodic protection system

Under free corrosion conditions, the metallic structure has a corrosion potential.
mixed E and corrodes at a speed proportional to IcorrosionIf we apply polarization
cathodic so that the potential of the structure decreases to E1 by the applied current I1
externally, then the object is partially protected, since the rate of corrosion has
decreased and is worth itcorrosionIf the external current is increased to I2to harness the potential
descend to E2corresponding to the reversible potential of the anodic reaction, then the
anodic dissolution will be stopped. The object is then under cathodic protection.

When all the points of the work have reached the potential for protection (EP) which is equal to
that of the anode (EA) , the whole will have become a single cathode thus canceling the current
of corrosion (icorr) by a minimum protection current (Ipro-menWe can lower the
potential of the whole to a lower potential (EPwith a current (IPThe current IPis
always higher than corrosion current Icorrand that it depends on the respective slopes of
curves of the anode and the cathode.

2
Note:

Cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes does not have an indefinite duration, it stops.
with the disappearance of the sacrificial metal or by electrochemical blocking. The most relevant metals
employees by cathodic protection are: Al, Zn, Mn which have potentials of
very negative dissolution.

II .1.1: Areas of application of cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes:

This method is used for:

installations in contact with water

the heat exchangers,

the ships,

buried installations (pipelines in general).

II .1.2 : Influence of temperature :

The relative value of the potential that the two metals acquire when immersed in an electrolyte
given can vary with temperature. So, a less noble metal at temperature
ordinary can become more noble at a high temperature, which leads to an inversion of the
polarity of the battery. This is the case of the Iron-Zinc couple in water.

At a temperature of 30°C, the standard potential of Iron is more noble than that of Zinc, so...
that at a temperature of 40°C it becomes less noble. It follows that the protection of a
Iron piping by Zinc (galvanization) can be used without risk when the
The temperature is high (this is the case for central heating systems).

II.2: Cathodic protection by imposed current:

It involves connecting the structure to be protected to the negative pole of a direct current generator.
where the negative pole is connected to a current drain plunging into the same electrolyte
that the structure to be protected (soil or water). The direct current supplied by the generator is distributed
in the ambient electrolyte through the overflow and is captured by the structure to be protected which is thus
brought to an electronegativity potential relative to the environment in which it is located. The
current spillway must be made of a metal as corrosion-resistant as possible to have a
relatively long lifespan (inert alloy (15% Fe and Si), graphite, lead, and precious metals.

3
Fig. 3: Principle of cathodic protection by imposed current

Two fundamental parameters control cathodic protection by imposed current

are: the potential for protection (EP) and the density of the protective current (ip) .

II.2.1 : the protection potential EP:

It is calculated from the NERNST equation:

a
RT Ox
EP E 0
ln b
nF Red

II.2.2: the protection current IP :

Is the cathodic current necessary to impose the cathodic protection potential?

corresponding to the protection current IPIts value depends on the area of the structure at
protect (S) and the protection current density (ip).

IP ip S

Where: ipthe density of the protection current (A/m)2),

S : is the surface of the structure (m2).

Note: cathodic protection by imposed current involves the use of a

rectifier. This method has the advantage of being able to adjust the voltage or the current in
function of needs.

II.2.3: Areas of application of cathodic protection by impressed current:

It is used for:

buried or submerged pipes, coated or bare,

important marine structures,

4
oil drilling platforms

large capacity storage tanks

concentrated works such as pumping stations

This method is quite delicate and sensitive to mechanical and electrical incidents.
requires complete insulation. It demands regular monitoring because any modification
current risk of causing a potential variation that involves the corrosion of the
structure.

II.3: Comparison between the two cathodic protection systems:

Sacrificial PC Anodes Imposed current PC

Installation complexity Simple Complex

Energy source Useless Necessary

Current distribution on Homogeneous Often heterogeneous

the structure

Weight of the installation Important ( surcharge in Little growth

weight for long ones
lifespans

- Influence of resistivity Not conceivable if No influence

of the middle resistivity in the medium is too
small

Current by anode Weak Elevated

Number of anodes Important Weak

Ease of adapting the current Possible adaptation through Easy adaptation

consumed based on a strong connection
request

Risk of overprotection Practically none Possible

Interference with others No Possible

structures

Human risks No Possible (extraction post)

5
Surveillance Easy and casual Surveillance frequent
required by a specialist

II.4.: Characteristics of commonly used anodes:

II.4.1: Zinc (Zn) based Anodes:

The Zinc alloys used for cathodic protection are made from Zinc at
high purity with a particularly low iron content. It contains the following metals:
Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu, Al, Mg and Zn according to the French standard whereas the American standard uses
the following metals as an alloy: Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu, Al, Si, and Zn.

II.4.1.1: Electrochemical characteristics of zinc-based anodes:

Characteristics In seawater On land(3)

electrochemical
(1) (2)
Potential at zero flow (V) -1.5 V -1.1 V
(2)
Charging potential (V) 1.05 V(1) -1.1 V

- Practical capacity (A×h/Kg) 780 740

Practical consumption 11.2 11.9

(Kg /A×an)

Electrochemical yield 95 90
(%)

In relation to Ag-AgCl / Seawater,

(2) Compared to Cu-CuSO4saturated,

(3) with corrosion regulating mixture (75% Bentonite and 25% gypsum).

II.4.1.2: Scope of application of zinc-based anodes:

Buried conduits of short length,

Submerged structures,

Metallic capabilities (indoor or outdoor).

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II.4.1.3: Advantages of Zinc-Based Anodes:

Potential well suited for the protection of compact structures in seawater,

Safe behavior in various operating conditions (soil, seawater, mud,

confined environments)

Not very sensitive to marine fouling.

II.4.1.4: Disadvantages of zinc-based anodes:

Limited scope (low potential)

Operating temperature limited to about 60°C,

High cost,

Important specific weight.

II.4.2: Aluminum (Al) based anodes:

Aluminum passivates spontaneously and quickly forms a layer of alumina.

(Al2O3Therefore, it is necessary to introduce an activating element (mercury Hg and indium

The alloys used for the case of mercury anodes are: Zn, Hg, Fe, Si, Cu, and Al. The
The composition of the Indium anodes is: Zn, In, Fe, Si, Cu, Mg, and Al.

II.4.2.1: Electrochemical characteristics of aluminum (Al) based anodes:

Characteristics Anodes à base Anodes à base

electrochemical Aluminum to mercury From Aluminum to Indium

(In seawater) (In seawater)

Potential at zero flow (V) -1.05 V -1.1 V

Charge potential (V) -1.05 ÷ -1 V -1.05 V

- Practical capacity (A×h/Kg) 2830 2600

Practical consumption 3.1 3.4

(Kg /A×an)

Electrochemical yield 95 81
(%)

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II.4.2.2: Scope of application for aluminum (Al) based anodes:

Structures in seawater or containing seawater,

Offshore platforms,

Hot offshore pipelines

They are never used for the protection of buried pipelines.

II.4.2. 3: Advantages of Aluminium (Al) based anodes:

Ampere cost - lower (strong practical capacity)

Potential well suited for the protection of complex structures in seawater,

Possible use in tanker holds (No sparks in case of a fall),

Remains active at high temperatures but experiences a drop in yield.

II.4.2. 4: Disadvantages of Aluminum (Al) based anodes:

Less suited to low-renewal environments (Drop in yield in case of

of the acidification of the environment,

Vulnerable to marine fouling,

Not recommended for the protection of completely painted works as there is a risk of
passivation if the anode is only lightly stressed.

II.4.2. 5: Comparison between Indium and Mercury based Aluminum anodes:

The yield is better for the mercury anode than for indium.

The distribution of mercury is difficult within the metal, leading to the creation of heterogeneity.
from the surface,

Indium alloys have a more negative potential than those of mercury, hence the dissolution.
is uniform,

The use of mercury alloys is discouraged by regulations (pollution).

II.4. 3: Magnesium (Mg) based anodes:

There are two types of Mg-based anodes:

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The composition of standard type anodes is: Al, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Si, and Mg.

The composition of high purity (high potential) type anodes is: Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni,
Si, Sn, Pb, and Mg.

II.4. 3.1: Electrochemical characteristics of Magnesium (Mg) based anodes:

Characteristics Anodes à base of Anodes à base of

electrochemical High type Magnesium Mg
standard purity

Zero flow potential (V) -1.5 V -1.7 V

Charging potential (V) -1.5 ÷ -1.4 V -1.7÷-1.6 V

- Practical capacity (A×h/Kg) 1100 1230

Practical consumption 6.7 ÷ 8 ~7.9

(Kg /A×an)

Electrochemical yield 55 55
(%)

II.4.3.2: Application areas of Magnesium (Mg) based anodes:

Buried pipelines over short lengths,

Offshore pipelines several kilometers from the platforms.

II.4.3.3: Advantages of Magnesium (Mg) Based Anodes:

High reach (strong potential),

Rapid polarization of the structure,

Low specific weight.

II.4. 3 .4: Disadvantage of Magnesium (Mg) based anodes:

Electromotive force sometimes excessive for protection in saltwater

(overconsumption, risk of paint blistering)

Short lifespan (frequent replacements necessary)

Poor yield in seawater,

The cost of Ampère-an is very high.

9
II.5.: Practical implementation of cathodic protection:

There are two ways to lower the potential of a metal structure below threshold.
of immunity (sacrificial anodes and imposed current).

II.5.1: Sizing of cathodic protection systems:

First of all, it is about measuring, when possible, but most often estimating by the
calculate the cathodic protection current requirement of the structure. Values of the density
current ones are provided in the standards and professional references:

Electrolytic environments or sites Commonly used current densities

in mA/m2

sun or seawater 5 ÷ 50

Mediterranean Sea 60 ÷ 80

North Sea 100 ÷ 120

Gulf of Mexico 50 ÷ 80

Marine bottom 20 ÷ 30

Note:

If the metal has a coating, a correction coefficient (strip coefficient) must

to be taken into account. It generally ranges between 2% to 10% depending on the quality.
of coating.

II.5.2: Evaluation of the resistance opposed to the current (Anode resistance):

Geometry Formulas of resistance Authors

anodes

cylindrical anodes 4l Dwight

or assimilated R ln 1
2 l r
Verticals near the
surface, offshore

horizontal or 2l Dwight
verticals R ln 1
2 l r
deeply
buried

10
- horizontal Dwight
l 2l4h l 2 2
2h 4h2 l 2
buried à R  
depth 'h' 2 l h l l l

buried at shallow 4l Peter

depth R ln
2 l D

Massive anodes of 0.315 Mac. Coy

exposed surface (S) R
S

Offshore Anodes R 1.66 S 0 .727 Peter. Son

II.6 : Calculation of cathodic protection:

II.6.1: Calculation of number of sacrificial anodes:

The approach to calculation differs depending on whether the metal to be protected is bare or coated. Indeed,
In this last case, the value of the insulation resistance of the coating must be taken into account.
who in an electrolyte (sol or water) has a specific meaning.

For offshore platforms: one of the calculation methods used (by ELF Aquitaine)
based on the hypothesis of cathodic polarization curves.

it assumes that the anode flow is constant,

the potential of the structure is located within the range (-0.80 to -1.00).

a- Intensity of the protection current IP:

IP JS S

Where: S is the surface of the structure to be protected,

JScurrent density of the structure,

If the surface of the structure is coated then,

IP JS S x

Where x is the correction coefficient.

Note: generally, the protection current IPis calculated by the following relationship:

IP I S I Well

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IP I S I Well

m n
IP J Ye S
s i
J Ye S
s i
x J S P P
I 0 i m1
Surface of the wells
Uncoated surface Surface coating

b-Number of anodes:

it is calculated from the following mass loss relationship:

M n D I m

D I m
n
M

Where: D: is the lifespan of the anode (an),

I: total protection current (A),

m: Mass consumption (Kg /A×year),

M: Net mass of the anodes (Kg),

µ: The anode utilization coefficient is generally equal to 0.9. For a consumption

total µ=1.

The dimensions of the anodes must be such that: Ecathode EPr Protection

Where: Ecathode Eanode R i

Ecathode Eanode R i E

Where:

EcathodeCathode potential,

EanodePotential of the anode during charging,

R: The resistance,

IP
The current of a single anode, i n

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c- Domain of potential protection EPrecommended

Metals Potential domain of PC Potential Domain of PC

Sols (electrode Cu/CuSO)4) (V) Seawater (Ag/AgCl electrode) (V)

Carbon steel:

aerobic -0.85 -0.80

b- Anaerobic -0.95 -0.90

Copper alloys 1.4615384615384615 0.60 ÷ 0.45

Aluminum -1.20 ÷ -0.95 -1.15 ÷ -0.90

Lead -1.50 ÷ -0.60 -1.45 ÷ -0.55

Application 1: Consider an offshore structure to be protected by sacrificial anodes of type

From Aluminum to Indium, the platform consists of the following surfaces:

S1 1000m2 ,x1 0.05,J1 180mA/m2

S2 20000m, 2 J 2 150mA/m2
S3 15000m2 ,x 0.02,J
3 3 150mA/m
2

S4 500m 2 x3 0.05 J4 30mA/m2

S5 5000m2 , J5 30mA/m2

The well surface: SP 14m2 ,JP 6A/m 2

Calculate the number of anodes necessary for the protection of the structure.

The data of the anodes used:

Net mass: M = 300 Kg,

Utilization coefficient: µ=0.9

Lifespan: D= 25 years,

The radius of the anode: r = 12 cm,

The length of the anode l=308.5cm,

The resistivity: ρ= 30Ω.cm.

Application 2: we want to protect a structure formed by the following surfaces:

13
 S1 400m,2 x1 0.05 J S1 35mA/m2
S2 150m2 , J S2 35mA/m2

J well 50mA/m2

We report that there are surface wells S in the [Link] the current IP= 30% of
current consumed by the structure.

The mass of an anode is 7.8 Kg, of which 60% of their mass is consumed over a duration
of a 15-year life.

calculate the diameter of the anode d.

calculate the area of the well S.

During a check, the value of ddp increased by 10%, calculate the new current if the
resistance remains constant.

The data: m=3.4Kg/[Link], 0.46 V ρ=800Ω

R 2 Lln  D4L
 1

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III. Cathodic protection by imposed current:

III.1. Principle of cathodic protection by impressed current:

It uses a direct current source that flows in a circuit including: a spillway

(anodic mass), the electrolyte (solution or water), the structure to be protected.

The positive pole of the generator is connected to the spillway while the negative pole is connected to the
structure to protect. The current coming from the overflow passes through the ground and then enters the structure
thus creating the desired potential reduction. The following figure illustrates the principle of the
cathodic protection by current withdrawal.

III.2. Scope of application of cathodic protection by impressed current:

The current withdrawal is used whenever the intensity required for protection is
important or that the required scope is high: buried or immersed coated conduits
or nude, drilling casings, important marine structures, large storage tanks
dimensions.

III.3. Implementation of withdrawals:

Cathodic protection by impressed current is defined by two parameters:

protection current density,

the characteristics of generator.

III.3.1 Protective current density:

The current density is the current intensity per unit area.

essentially the quality of insulation of the coating and the aggressiveness of the environment
surrounding.

15
III.3.2 The characteristics of the generator:

The flow rate of the device is defined by Ohm's law.

I U
R

Where U is the voltage of the direct current source and R is the resistance of the circuit.

The voltage is generally in the very low voltage (ELV) category below 50V.

The resistance of the circuit is generally conditioned by the resistance of the anode mass. Therefore, there is
interest in obtaining for this anodic mass a resistance as low as possible.

The installation of the withdrawal station is determined by taking into account the considerations
following practices:

Possibility of land occupation,

Low resistivity terrain,
Availability and cost of electric power supply,
Access facilities.

In general, it is advisable to avoid placing a tapping point at the end of a pipeline because
of poor distribution of potentials.

III.3.3 Practical implementation of a PC drawing station by imposed current:

Practically, a PC station per imposed current includes:

The energy source,

The spillway,
The connecting cables,
Auxiliary electrical installations.

III.3. 3.1 Energy sourced:

It can be composed of:

The local distribution network,

The generators,

The turbo generators,

Thermoelectric generators,

The wind turbines,

Fuel cells....

16
III.3. 3.2 Spillway or anodic mass:

It is a mass of conductive material whose role is to inject current into

protection in the environment where the structure to be protected is located. Its contact resistance with the
the sun must be as low as possible and its mass is determined to have longevity
desired.

The most commonly used materials are:

Steel (railway tracks from scrap, ...)

The graphite,

Ferro-silicon,

Platinum titanium,

III.3. 3.3 The connection cables:

The cross-section of the cables is determined based on the allowable voltage drop and
the heating. The nature of the cable insulation is determined based on the environment (the
hydrocarbon clothing, seawater, chlorine, soils, ..)

In several cases, a PVC insulated cable is sufficient.

The positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the extraction device and the cables that connect to them.
must be identified to prevent inversions that would cause corrosion to the structure.

Spillway (+)

Structure (-)

III.3.3.4 Auxiliary electrical equipment:

These are essentially the circuit breaking, protection, and measurement devices installed at the station.
fixed.

Cut-off devices: they allow to establish or interrupt the power supply to the station
extraction.

Protection device: a circuit breaker must be installed at the withdrawal station.

to protect against overloads and surges.

Measuring devices: they are intended to indicate,

The power supply voltage,

The operating voltage,

The intensity discharged,

The potential of the structure,

17
The operating time.

III.3. 3.5 The imposed current anodes or spillways:

The choice of the type of anodes to install depends on the following conditions:

The environment,

Consumption (lifetime),

Allowed current density,

The price (supply and implementation),

Anodes are classified into three families:

Consumables (ferrous products, steel, cast iron)

- Not very consumable (impregnated graphite, ferro-silicon, lead and silver alloy,
magnetite
Very few consumable (platinum titanium, platinum niobium, platinum tantalum).

III.3. 3.6 The Characteristics of Anodes:

Scrap metal (rails, steel tubes):

Environment: suitable for all environments,

Consumption: 9Kg / year,

Allowable current density: not limited,

Specific mass: 7.8g/cm3

The use of scrap metal can be interesting when it is already buried nearby.
the structure to be protected.

Ferro-silicon:

Environment: suitable for all environments,

Consumption: 0.3 Kg / year,

Allowable current density: 0.2 A/dm2,

Specific mass: 6.8 to 7g/cm3,

These anodes are easier to implement than the previous ones because they can be
delivered ready to use.

18
Magnetite :

Environment: suitable for all environments,

Consumption: 0.01 Kg /A per year,

Allowable current density: around 1.2 A/dm2,

Specific mass: 7g/cm3

The disadvantage of these anodes lies in their fragility when exposed to the sun or
at the high temperature during the installation work.

Graphite :
Environment: all environments, provided there is the presence of a backfill especially in impermeable environments
where it ensures the evacuation of gases.

In case of use in water, it is necessary to provide impregnated anodes (impregnation carried out
with linseed oil).

Consumption: 1 Kg /A year,

Permissible current density: 0.08 A/dm2,

Specific mass: 1.6 g/cm3,

Platinum titanium :

Environment: brackish seawater or freshwater,

Consumption: 9 Kg / A year,

Allowable current density: 5 to 7 A/dm2,

Specific gravity of titanium: 4.5 g/cm3,

These anodes resist immersion in saltwater or freshwater.

Niobium platinum :

Environment: brackish seawater or freshwater,

Platinum consumption: 9 Kg / year,

Allowable current density: 10 A/dm2,

Specific mass of niobium: 8.57 g/cm3

These anodes have better mechanical resistance than those made of platinum titanium. They can
admitted tensions of 30 V. The drawback is their high cost.

19
Platinum tantalum:

Environment: sea water or mixed fresh water,

Platinum consumption: 9 Kg / year,

Allowable current density: 20 A/dm2,

Specific mass of tantalum: 16.6 g/cm3,

This type of anode has the advantage over the two previous ones of supporting up to
110 V. The downside remains the high price.

Note: for these three types of anodes, it is important to specify that the consumption
only concerns platinum, the other metal serves only as a support metal, that of
platinum (21.3 g/cm)3).

III.3.4 choice of the overflow location:

The location of the overflow is determined by a preliminary study of the terrain and the structure.
to protect.

The distance between the overflow and the structure must not be too short. A minimum of 50 m.
is recommended.

The soil resistivity is measured, the choice is made in the area where the resistivity is the highest.
weak.

The resistance of the spillway must be as low as possible to avoid excessive tension.
at the terminals of the rectifier.

III.3.5 Construction of spillways:

III.3. 5.1 Surface spillways:

Anodes installed horizontally: this installation method should be considered when the soil resistivity is
shallow on the surface and when there is space available on the land. It is recommended in the case
where discarded rails are used.

Anodes placed vertically: these are surface overflows but the anodes are buried.
in holes dug at the bottom of the trench where the cables are laid.

III.3. 5.2 Casing spillways (deep spillways):

This type of overflow is used when:

It is impossible to achieve a proper distribution of the current through a surface overflow.

on the surface to be protected.

There is a risk of too much interference with neighboring structures.

20
The surface soil resistivity does not allow for an acceptable value.

The process consists of: drilling a hole whose steel casing is made from a tube of diameter
interior ranging from 120 to 200mm.

The casing must be installed as the drilling progresses. The tubes being
butted end to end.

It is recommended to measure the ground-shell contact resistance every 5m. It is considered

as favorable the depth from which the measured resistance clearly decreases.

Drill below this depth to receive the total number of anodes planned.

Introduce the anodes into the drilling (we will form several electrically connected groups)
independent). By ensuring the maintenance of the anodes with rot-resistant cordage and not by the
electrical cables).

Fill the space between anodes and tubing with graphite (if the tube is empty of water) or
iron shot.

Application :

The overflow must carry a current of 15 A and its expected lifespan is 10 years. We want
limit the voltage at the output of the rectifier to 24 V. the resistance of the reservoir should not
exceed 1.6 Ω. The resistivity of the soil measured at the location of the spillway is 20Ωm.
It was decided to use impregnated graphite anodes. Data: length L=1550mm,
ϕ=150mm

The length of the anode is 1550mm, the diameter is 150mm, the approximate weight is 50Kg.
consumption is 1Kg/[Link].

Calculate the minimum anodic mass.

Calculate the resistance of the spillway.
Find the number of anodes ensuring a voltage drop of less than 24V.

21
Basic principle of cathodic protection

The calomel reference electrode

22
Soluble anodes on the hull of a boat

Earthing plant and impressed current cathodic protection

23
Soluble anodes 'diffused' on an immersed structure

24
Principle of protection by soluble anode on underwater pipelines

Soluble anodes along an underground pipeline

25
Reference electrode on the ground, along a pipeline

Measurement boxes along a pipeline

26
Principle of imposed current

Overflow principle - anode

Different methods of imposed current / spillways

27
Three main spillway systems are used. In each system, the anodes can
to be installed vertically or horizontally.
Overflow at a distance: the overflows are installed at a point distant from the structure.
protect. This type of spillway is used for both coated and non-coated pipelines.
Distributed overflow anode: this method is used to effectively protect a
drilling network and geometrically complex structures, such as those of the stations
compression, pumping, storage parks, pipeline terminals, refineries, and areas
urban.
Parallel weir: this type of weir can be installed with anodes in
parallel and proximity of the protected structure.
For each method, the anodes are in principle installed in coke breeze, which will
prolong the life of the anode.

Ground mass link, with imposed current

28
Typical installation of an anode in the ground

29
30
Example of a centralized cathodic protection control system
Examples of calculation in protection: the 2 exercises below (platform and pipeline) are more
to be considered as examples (and not exercises) to be presented and solved 'together'
with the instructor.

Simplified calculation of the anodic mass and the number of anodes needed for protection
against the corrosion of the piles of a production platform.
Data
Surface to protect:
Tidal zone: 500 m²
Submerged area: 10,000 m²
Listed area: 400 m²
Assessment of current needs
Tidal zone: 90 mA/m²
Submerged zone: 60 mA/m²
Zone recorded: 30 mA/m²
Types of anodes
Aluminum-indium alloy
Charge potential: -1.05 V/Ag-AgCl
Consumption: 3.4 kg/A/year
Rendement : 0,9
Cylindrical anodes l = 2.50 m, D = 140 mm, net weight: 90 kg
Lifespan:
20 years
% remaining anode at end of life: 15%
Determine
6. The total current requirement
7. The anode mass to be installed to ensure protection during the expected lifespan
8. The number of anodes

b- Simplified calculation of the cathodic protection of an underground pipeline

Characteristics of the piping
Length: 60 km
Nominal diameter 12" (outer diameter: 323.9 mm)
External coating in polyethylene 3-layer system, final thickness 3 mm.
Data
Installation of a withdrawal station at both ends (no electrical power supply possible in
line).
Protection current density: 0.05 mA / m2
The anodic overflows will consist of cylindrical anodes made of ferrosilicon.
Consumption: 0.5 kg/A/year.

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Determine
9. The total current requirement
10. The voltage required at each station to provide the protective current, considering
the resistance of the circuit structure - electrolyte - drain is 5 Ω
11. The power delivered by each extraction point
12. The anode mass to be installed to ensure a lifespan of 25 years
Redo the following calculations assuming an uncoated pipeline externally. Density of
necessary current: 30 mA / m2
13. The total need for current
14. The voltage necessary at each post to provide the protection current, considering
that the resistance of the circuit structure - electrolyte - drain is 5 Ω
15. The power delivered by each withdrawal point
16. The total current demand

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