Cathodic protection continued structure/electrolyte potentials

If a continuous metallic structure is immersed in an electrolyte, e.g. placed in the sea or sea-bed or buried in the soil, stray direct currents from nearby electric installations of which parts are not insulated from the soil may flow to and from the structure. At points where the stray current enters the immersed structure the potential will be lowered and electrical protection (cathodic protection) or partial electrical protection will occur. At points where the stray current leaves the immersed structure the potential will become more positive and corrosion may occur with serious consequences. 

Electrochemical protection is divided into cathodic and anodic protection. Cathodic protection based on the change of potential of a metal in the negative direction is realized in electrolytic environments, in most cases neutral, mainly of steel and reinforced concrete structures. A well-designed and correctly realized CP reduces the corrosion rate to almost zero. In practice it is realized with the use of an impressed current or protectors (galvanic anodes). The scope of application is enormous and continuously increases. With the use of this technology it is possible to protect vessels and ships, docks, berths, pipelines, deep wells, tanks, chemical apparatus, underground and underwater municipal and industrial infrastructure, reinforced concrete... 

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