Rust and corrosion are one of the most difficult and pervasive challenges faced by job sites. From the construction industry to oil and gas and more, issues like CUI and rust erosion can often go undetected, leading to significant damage to pipelines, as well as an increased danger to site staff, the surrounding community, and more. Finding proper methods of preventing or delaying the onset of rust, extending the life of your assets and mitigating risks both in the short and long term. Sacrificial anodes provide a current that helps to prevent rusting, protecting your ship hulls, water heaters, pipelines, and more. Learn more about sacrificial anodes, including Proline Pipe Equipment’s available solutions below.
What Are Sacrificial Anodes
Sacrificial Anodes are highly active metals that can be used to prevent a less active material surface, such as the coating of a pipeline, water heater, or more, from corroding. Sacrificial Anodes are created from a metal alloy that has more negative electrochemical potential than the metal it will be used to protect. This, in turn, creates a chemical reaction that helps shield the desired metal from corrosion, increasing its lifespan and preventing premature damage.
How They Work
As mentioned above, sacrificial anodes use a chemical reaction that produces a cathodic protection current. Similar to the reaction mechanism of electrochemical cells, when a sacrificial anode is used, the protected metal is placed on the cathode side, and then the more reactive metal or alloy is chosen and connected to the protected metal as an anode, creating a spontaneous redox reaction. This reaction causes oxidation to occur at the anode, allowing the sacrificial metal (hence the name) to be consumed while a reduction reaction occurs on the cathodic side, preventing the protected metal from eroding.
Sacrificial anodes are normally supplied with lead wires or cast-m straps to facilitate their connection, with lead wires being attached by welding or mechanical connections.
Advantages
Using sacrificial anodes has a wide range of benefits including:
- Lower initial cost
- Simple installation, with additional nodes being easy to add should they be needed.
- Less supervision required
- Can be used where there is no power.
About Proline Pipe Equipment
Since 1967, Proline Pipe Equipment has become a trusted manufacturer and supplier of pipeline equipment and solutions for clients in the oil and gas industry, both domestically and globally. As a proudly Canadian company, our mission is to supply quality products alongside superior customer service. Among our inventory, you’ll find several items designed for pipeline protection, including sacrificial anodes. Contact our team today to learn more!
