Can a cathodic protection system still work if there is no current between the anode and cathode?
3
-
$\begingroup$ Yes I think it can be done but problem is that the process would become slow and less effective so we need a current also to overcome driving forces. $\endgroup$– PhysicsapprovalJun 10, 2017 at 3:04
-
$\begingroup$ By definition, cathodic protection relies on the electric current to prevent (or redeposit) the protected metal. For example, galvanized iron is protected by the dissolution of zinc and the current that generates. $\endgroup$– DrMoishe PippikJun 12, 2017 at 0:58
-
$\begingroup$ To clarify the question: some cathodic protection systems work by impressing a specific (small) current using a power source connected to an inert electrode. Other cathodic systems use a sacrificial anode which (in theory) need not dissolve and produce a current, but just develops a protective voltage that prevents corrosion at the protected metal. Of course, the protected metal always corrodes a bit, and so the sacrificial anode corrodes a bit to prevent major corrosion. $\endgroup$– James GaidisJan 30, 2021 at 19:50
Add a comment
|