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Mar. 06, 2025
Working principle of flexible anode
The basic principle of cathodic protection is to apply an external current to the protected metal structure to make the metal surface a cathode, thereby suppressing the corrosion reaction of the metal. The flexible anode plays a role in providing protective electricity during this process
The heavy role of flow. It consists of a conductive polymer, a metal conductor core, and an outer insulation sheath. Conductive polymers, as anode materials, have good conductivity and chemical stability. In the electrified state, the conductive polymer undergoes electrochemical reactions with the surrounding electrolyte, and the anode continuously dissolves, releasing electrons. The electrons are transmitted to the protected metal structure through the metal conductor core, reducing the surface potential of the metal structure and reaching the cathodic protection potential range, thereby preventing metal corrosion.
Characteristics of flexible anode structure
conducting polymer Conductive polymer is the core component of flexible anode. Common conductive polymers include carbon black filled polyethylene or polypropylene. These polymers have high conductivity and can evenly distribute current, ensuring comprehensive protection of the protected metal structure. At the same time, they have good flexibility and can adapt to metal structures of various shapes and complex terrains, such as bends in pipelines, irregular storage tanks, etc. In addition, conductive polymers also have excellent chemical stability and can work stably in harsh environments such as different soils and seawater for a long time. They are not easily corroded by corrosive media, ensuring the service life of flexible anodes.
Metal conductor core
Metal conductor cores are usually made of copper or copper alloys, and their function is to introduce the current from the external power source into the conductive polymer and transfer the electrons generated by the conductive polymer to the protected metal. The metal conductor core has good conductivity and mechanical strength, and can withstand certain tensile and bending stresses, ensuring the stability of current transmission during the installation and use of flexible anodes.
Insulating sheath
The insulation sheath is wrapped around the conductive polymer and metal conductor core, serving to insulate and protect the internal structure. Insulation sheaths are generally made of materials such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, which have good insulation properties, can prevent current leakage, and improve the efficiency of cathodic protection systems. At the same time, the insulation sheath can also resist physical damage and chemical corrosion from the external environment, further extending the service life of the flexible anode.
Application scenarios of flexible anodes
Underground pipeline protection
In the field of oil and gas transportation, a large number of buried pipelines cross different geological areas. Flexible anodes, due to their flexibility and bendability, can tightly adhere to the surface of pipelines, adapt to terrain changes in pipelines, and provide uniform protective current. Whether in complex terrains such as plains, mountains, or swamps, flexible anodes can effectively prevent corrosion of the outer wall of pipelines, ensure the safe operation of pipelines, and reduce leakage accidents caused by corrosion.
Bottom protection of storage tank
For various large storage tanks, their bottom is easily eroded by corrosive media such as soil moisture and salt due to long-term contact with the ground. Flexible anodes can be laid along the bottom edge of the tank or in a mesh structure at the bottom of the tank to achieve comprehensive cathodic protection of the tank bottom. This method can effectively suppress corrosion at the bottom of the storage tank, extend its service life, and reduce maintenance costs.
Marine engineering structure protection
In the marine environment, seawater has strong corrosiveness and poses a serious threat to marine engineering structures such as offshore platforms, docks, and cross sea bridges. Flexible anodes can be installed in the underwater parts of these structures, such as pile foundations, abutments, etc. Its excellent flexibility enables it to adapt to the complex shapes of marine structures and water flow impacts, providing reliable cathodic protection for marine engineering structures and ensuring their long-term safe use in harsh marine environments.
With the continuous advancement of technology, the development of higher performance conductive polymers and other anode materials has become an important direction for the development of flexible anodes. The new materials will have higher conductivity, better chemical stability, and longer service life, and can adapt to more harsh environmental conditions.
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