Anoodikaitse

Anoodikaitse, also known as cathodic protection, is a technique used to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This is typically achieved by connecting the metal to be protected to a more easily corroded "sacrificial anode." The sacrificial anode corrodes instead of the protected metal, thus extending the lifespan of the structure.

This method is commonly applied to buried or submerged metal structures such as pipelines, storage tanks, and ship hulls. The principle relies on altering the electrochemical potential of the metal to be protected. By supplying electrons to the metal, its tendency to lose electrons (and thus corrode) is significantly reduced.

There are two main types of anoodikaitse. The first is the sacrificial anode system, where a more electrochemically active metal like zinc, aluminum, or magnesium is electrically connected to the structure. As these anodes corrode, they provide the necessary current to protect the cathode. The second type is impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP), which uses an external DC power source to drive current from an inert anode to the structure requiring protection. ICCP systems are often used for larger structures or in environments where sacrificial anodes would be consumed too quickly.

The effectiveness of anoodikaitse depends on several factors, including the electrical resistivity of the surrounding environment, the coating on the protected structure, and the current output of the anode system. Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the ongoing protection of the metal.