NAVAL SECTOR ANODE 12Kg.

Function and technical context

Sacrificial anodes are the cathodic protection system that preserves the submerged metallic elements of a vessel against galvanic corrosion, one of the most aggressive degradation processes in the marine environment. This sector anode is designed to be installed on large naval structures - keels, rudders, propellers, flying buttresses and metal hulls - where the surface area exposed to salt or brackish water is considerable. Being the most electrochemically active metal of the set, the anode oxidizes in a controlled manner instead of the structural components of the vessel, acting as a sacrificial consumable element. Without adequate cathodic protection, the hull, tailshaft, propeller and horn brasses can suffer from pitting, material loss and structural failures that compromise the safety of the ship.

When to replace this part?

The clearest symptom that the anode has exhausted its useful life is the visible reduction in its mass: when it has lost approximately 50% of its volume, it must be replaced immediately, since below that threshold the cathodic protection is insufficient and galvanic corrosion begins to attack the noble metals of the boat. In environments with high salinity or high galvanic currents – ports with a lot of underwater electrical traffic, for example – wear can be noticeably faster, so it is recommended to inspect the anodes at each beaching and, at least, replace them once a season. Replacing the anode preventively before each sailing season is the most economical measure to avoid irreparable structural damage to propellers, rudders and hulls that can involve very high-cost repairs.