At Silver Raven, we understand the importance of safeguarding your infrastructure from the costly effects of corrosion. Whether it’s pipelines, storage tanks, marine structures, or industrial equipment, corrosion can lead to safety hazards, downtime, and significant financial losses. This is where cathodic protection services play a vital role.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain cathodic protection, how it works, the different types of systems available, and how it helps preserve the integrity of metal structures in various environments.
What is Cathodic Protection?
Cathodic protection (CP) is an electrochemical technique used to prevent corrosion of metal surfaces by converting the metal into the cathode of an electrochemical cell. In simpler terms, it reduces or eliminates the oxidation (rusting) process that leads to corrosion.
What is Corrosion and Why Is It a Concern?
Corrosion is the natural process where metals deteriorate due to chemical reactions, usually with oxygen and moisture. Over time, corrosion can weaken structures, reduce their lifespan, and lead to failures in critical systems.
Industries such as oil and gas, water utilities, marine, and construction are especially vulnerable. That’s why investing in corrosion control methods like cathodic protection services is not only smart, it’s essential.
There are two primary methods of cathodic protection:
1. Galvanic (Sacrificial Anode) Cathodic Protection
This method uses a metal alloy (anode) more reactive than the protected metal. These anodes “sacrifice” themselves by corroding in place of the protected structure.
- Common anodes used: Zinc, magnesium, and aluminium.
- Best for: Smaller, less complex systems like underground pipelines, water heaters, or boats
2. Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)
ICCP uses an external power source and inert anodes to supply current to the structure. This type allows for better control and is more suitable for large-scale or highly corrosive environments.
- Common anodes used: Titanium, mixed metal oxide (MMO), and graphite
- Best for: Offshore platforms, storage tanks, and long pipelines
How Cathodic Protection Works
Cathodic protection works by shifting the electrical potential of the metal structure to a more negative value, making it the cathode in the corrosion process. The anode corrodes instead, effectively protecting the structure.
This process involves the installation of a CP system, including:
- Anodes (sacrificial or inert)
- Reference electrodes
- Power supply units (for ICCP)
- Monitoring systems
By maintaining a continuous current, the system prevents corrosion from occurring at the protected site.
Benefits of Cathodic Protection Services
Investing in professional cathodic protection services provides multiple long-term advantages:
| Benefit | Description |
| Extended Asset Life | CP significantly increases the lifespan of metal structures |
| Reduced Maintenance Costs | Minimises the need for frequent repairs or part replacements |
| Safety and Compliance | Meets industry standards and reduces the risk of structural failures |
| Environmental Protection | Prevents hazardous leaks or contamination caused by corroded infrastructure |
| Cost-Effective Over Time | Reduces operational disruptions and long-term capital expenditure |
Common Challenges and Considerations
When planning cathodic protection, it’s important to account for:
- Soil and water resistivity: These affect the effectiveness of the system
Environmental regulations: Compliance with standards like AS 2832 (Australia) is mandatory - Maintenance access: Ensuring components can be monitored and replaced as needed
- Compatibility with coatings: Coatings must work in harmony with CP systems
This is why partnering with experienced providers like Silver Raven is crucial. A tailored design and professional installation help avoid issues down the line.
Invest in Long-Term Asset Protection
Corrosion is inevitable, but with the right approach, it can be controlled. Cathodic protection services offer a proven method to prevent damage, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of critical infrastructure.
At Silver Raven, our team has the technical knowledge and field experience to deliver tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. If you’re managing a pipeline network, marine asset, or industrial facility, we help you protect your investments from the ground up.
Need expert advice on corrosion control?
Contact Silver Raven today to discuss your project requirements and learn how we can help.
