Zinc Anodes - Effective and Reliable Protection of Essential Metal Components

A zinc anode is an important metal for most industries whose operations bring contact with saltwater. The process of galvanic corrosion is a common type of deterioration that occurs in aquatic environment. This process should not be confused with electrolysis. Before we can appreciate the role of zinc anodes, a clear description of the process must be undertaken. This deterioration happens when two or more metallic materials establish electrical contact with each other in seawater. These metals are essentially turned into a battery and through this electrochemical process where electricity will pass through these metals.

One of those metals that make contact is turned into anode. The oxidization process that anodes go through is much faster than it shall have been if these metals are left alone. On the other hand, the other metallic material turns into cathode and the corrosion happens at a much lower rate than it shall have been if left alone. The main concern is not on the behavior of the metals when left alone in seawater but on the resulting corrosion of each metal when they make physical contact. Thus, a sacrificial metal is needed to correct the prevailing problem of corrosion.

This problematic condition plagues industries such as fishing, shipping and other types of industries that are constantly exposed to salt water. The use of sacrificial metals will prevent premature rusting of ship hulls, rails and steel tanks. This is mainly because this type of sacrificial metals rust faster compared to iron. This means that the former will corrode faster than the latter.

This method can also be adopted to increase the service life of crab traps. By using the sacrificial metal, the crab fishermen are able to protect their crab traps as they become the cathode and the anode deteriorates much faster over time. As soon as the sacrificial metal completely disintegrates, a replacement metal is again attached to the crap traps.

Boat owners must also contend with aggravated deterioration of essential components of their boats, particularly the aluminum or bronze propeller that is attached to the steel shaft. The issue of deterioration is again resolved with the attachment of a third sacrificial metal to the affected part of the boat. This type of sacrificial metal is preferred over other metallic materials as it oxidizes faster than any other metallic material. This third metal is sacrificed in order to protect important components of the boat such as the propeller. It is essential for boat owners to regularly maintain this sacrificial metal to ensure that this are immediately replaced to prevent the deterioration of important metal parts of their boats.

Using a third sacrificial metal to protect essential metal implements and assets from premature rusting may be considered as a critical task by many industries. However, the determination of the right amount of sacrificial metal is the more critical aspect of the activity. As a general rule, the amount of sacrificial material is determined by the surface area of the material that must be protected from oxidation. There are other factors that are included into the equation. These include the type of material that requires protection and the chemical makeup of the salt water to which the metal is exposed.