Circulating water systems, cathodic protection

The use of sacrificial anodes in circulating water systems is limited to the application of cathodic protection to stop gates, coarse screens and other plant that are readily accessible so that the anodes can be replaced when they are consumed. Such anodes are not normally used in condensers, pumps and auxiliary coolers for the following reasons ... 

When coolers or condensers are shut-down but remain full of water, the amount of current required to maintain satisfactory cathodic protection is considerably reduced. If the current is not reduced over-protection occurs and excessive amounts of chlorine can be generated which would tend to accumulate in the upper section of the water boxes causing considerable corrosion, not only to the water boxes, but also possibly to the tubes. To ensure against this a stand-by condition should be included on the control panel which effectively reduces the current required under shut-down conditions. This control is effected by a limit switch fitted to the outlet valve of the condenser or cooler concerned. It is impossible to determine exact requirements for the protection of circulating water systems in advance and it is normal to adjust the current to provide protection during commissioning. 

Manually Controlled System A manually controlled system comprises one or more transformer-rectifiers each with its associated control panels which supply the d.c. to the various anodes installed in the water box spaces. Each transformer-rectifier is provided with its own control panel where each anode is provided with a fuse, shunt and variable resistor. These enable the current to each anode to be adjusted as required. Reference cells should be provided in order to monitor the cathodic protection system. In the case of a major power station, one transformer-rectifier and associated control panel should be provided for separate protection of screens, circulating water pumps and for each main condenser and associated equipment. 

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