Demystifying Cathodic Protection

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Analyze and understand the underlying corrosion mechanisms across various metals, focusing on carbon steel.
• Evaluate and distinguish the characteristics and effectiveness of sacrificial anode and impressed current cathodic protection systems.
• Assess the limitations and optimal applications of different cathodic protection technologies.
• Interpret and apply essential industry standards, including API, CSA, and NACE, to ensure compliance and safety.
• Confidently oversee and manage the execution and maintenance of basic cathodic protection systems.

Description

Cathodic protection plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of structures exposed to harsh environments, such as those buried underground, submerged in water, or encased in concrete. Understanding the fundamental principles behind cathodic protection is essential to prevent structural failures that could severely affect health, safety, and the environment. This course emphasizes the importance of corrosion control, especially in industries like civil engineering, maritime, and petrochemicals, where corrosion can lead to significant risks.

Participants will explore the two primary cathodic protection technologies: sacrificial anodes and impressed current systems. This course explores each technology's selection criteria, strengths and limitations, and the economic considerations that come into play. Through detailed examples and case studies, participants will gain insight into maintenance practices, verification methods, and common pitfalls in cathodic protection.

By the end of this course, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of cathodic protection systems and their application across various industries. Whether involved in design, implementation, or maintenance, this course will equip you with the knowledge needed to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for:

Professionals involved in designing, implementing, and maintaining structures exposed to corrosive environments. Mechanical and civil engineers, technologists, and project managers working in chemical, petrochemical, municipal, civil, mining, and metals industries will find the content particularly relevant. Additionally, professionals responsible for overseeing structural integrity and those engaged in corrosion prevention and control will greatly benefit from the knowledge shared in this course.

Whether you want to deepen your expertise in cathodic protection or are new to the field, this course provides valuable insights and practical knowledge. Project managers who need to understand the impact of corrosion on project outcomes, engineers seeking to enhance their technical skills, and technologists aiming to stay updated on industry standards will all find this course invaluable.

Introduction

• Properties of metals and alloys
• Corrosion mechanisms and electromotive force
• Electrolytic circuits and cathodic protection theory

Sacrificial anodes

• Type of sacrificial anodes
• Design basics
• Advantages/disadvantages

Impressed current

• Type of permanent anodes
• Design basics
• Advantages/disadvantages

Case studies and mistakes to avoid

• Typical applications (tanks, pipelines, marine structures, rebar in concrete
• Typical causes of failures (installation, maintenance, stray current)
• Common code and standards (API, CSA et NACE)