Cathodic Protection For Port Facilities

Abstract

Cathodic protection systems are often used to protect critical structures in corrosive environments. This paper examines the various applications used in port facilities. It is intended for engineers responsible for or wanting to learn more about this niche field as it applies to port facilities - this could include EPCs, construction contractors, and facility engineers/operators responsible for these systems. This paper begins with a brief discussion on corrosion (including accelerated low water corrosion) and how cathodic protection systems work to prevent corrosion. The paper then discusses the two types of cathodic protection approaches: galvanic systems and impressed current systems and the environments in which cathodic protection can be applied. After providing a framework for how and where cathodic protection is applied, this paper considers cathodic protection as it applies specifically to marine facilities. The applications discussed include cylindrical piles/piers both metallic and concrete, sheet wall pilings, concrete structures, above ground storage tanks, and buried pipelines. The paper briefly discusses facility corrosion assessments as a tool to evaluate existing facilities to identify corrosion risks. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on monitoring and maintenance of cathodic protection systems.