A consumer`s perspective of aluminum anode quality test design

Conference · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:272023

Smith, S N ^[1]; Goolsby, A D ^[2]

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1. Exxon Co., U.S.A., New Orleans, LA (United States)
2. Shell Development Co., Houston, TX (United States)

For many years, users have utilized modified forms of the NACE TM 0190-90 2 week constant impressed current test to assure the quality of sacrificial anode materials. With refinements which have been added periodically since the test was first discussed, the test has served well to ensure that the anodes do cathodically protect offshore structures and pipelines against corrosion. An alternative 4 day test recommended by Det Norske Veritas Industri Norge AS offers some advantages and is strongly preferred by European vendors, thus a comparison of the two test methods has been conducted. Results show that for a set of sixteen Al/Zn/Si/In anodes, with mixed performance characteristics, the two test methods are not directly comparable. However, with adjustment of the accept/reject criteria, the results become more comparable. Substitution of the Four day test for the two week test may produce a modestly increased risk of substandard anode performance. The cathodic protection (CP) design engineer may evaluate this risk and decide if it is acceptable, or alternatively may adjust the CP design conservatism slightly to compensate. Lastly, conditions in the Four day test are even further from actual service than in the two week test, thus results are probably less useful for predicting in-service performance.

• OSTI ID: 272023
• Report Number(s): CONF-960389--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ANODES
CATHODIC PROTECTION
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COPPER
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES
IMPURITIES
INDIUM
IRON
MECHANICAL TESTS
MERCURY
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PIPELINES
SILICON