Effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the sacrificial anode cathodic protection

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the protective performance of cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of Zn‐Bi sacrificial anode and Ni‐Cr‐Mo‐V steel.Design/methodology/approachThe anode and cathode polarization curves of the driving potential and current for CP were investigated in case of cyclic hydrostatic pressure (0‐3.5 MPa) and compared with that at atmospheric pressure. The morphologies of the anode material with and without corrosion products were observed by scanning electron microscopy.FindingsThe experimental results revealed that the cyclic hydrostatic pressure had significant influence on the CP system. The anode potential instantaneously responded to the cyclic hydrostatic pressure and the discharge performance decreased due to the deposition of corrosion product. Also, the CP system exhibited higher slope parameter under cyclic hydrostatic pressure, indicating that the CP system cannot provide adequate protection for Ni‐Cr‐Mo‐V steel.Originality/valueThe results presented in this paper clearly show the effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the sacrificial anode CP system, and present a foundation for further research on the practical application of sacrificial anode under cyclic hydrostatic pressure environment.