Definition of Corrosion

As per definition of BS7361, Corrosion is the

chemical or electrochemical reaction of a metal
with its environment, resulting its progressive
degradation or destruction. It’s a natural process in
which metals returns to their original state.

Metal Life Cycle

Corrosion Reaction

Rust Formation Reaction

 Components of a corrosion cell

1. There must be an Anode and a Cathode.

2. Potential Difference between the anode & cathode

3. A metallic path electrically connecting the anode and cathode

4. Anode and Cathode must be immersed in an electrically
conductive electrolyte
Types of Corrosion
 Different forms of Corrosion
 General Attack or Uniform Attack Corrosion

 Localized Corrosion

1. Pitting 2. Crevice 3. Filiform

 Galvanic Corrosion
 Environmental Cracking
1. Stress 2. Corrosion 3. Hydrogen 4. Liquid metal
Corrosion Fatigue induced embrittlement
Cracking cracking

 Intergranular corrosion

 De-Alloying

 Fretting corrosion
 High-Temperature Corrosion

 Flow-Assisted Corrosion (FAC)

Different forms of Corrosion
Why Pipeline Corrosion Occurs ??

Soil Environment

Metal pipeline
Why Pipeline Corrosion Occurs ??
 Concept of Cathodic Protection

To reduce the potential

difference between the local
anodic & cathodic sites to
zero.

Thus, resulting in zero

corrosion current flow.

This can be accomplished by

impressing current on to the
structure from an external
electrode and polarizing the
cathodic sites in an
electronegative direction.

Corrosion of the metal will cease

once the applied cathodic
protection current equals or
exceeds the corrosion current.
 CATHODIC PROTECTION CRITERIA
CRITERIA OF C.P. FOR STEEL STRUCTURES

1. A negative (cathodic) potential of at least 850 mV with

the cathodic protection applied, measured w.r.t.
Cu/CuSO4 reference electrode. Voltage drops other than
those across the structure to electrolyte boundary must
be considered for valid interpretation of this voltage
measurement.
2. A negative voltage shift of at least 300 mV as measured
between the structure surface and a saturated
Cu/CuSO4 reference electrode contacting the
electrolyte.
3. A minimum negative polarization voltage shift of 100 mV
measured between the structure surface and a
Cu/CuSO4 half cell. This polarization voltage shift is to
be determined by interrupting the protective current
and measuring the polarization
P.M.FANSE
P.M.FANSE
decay. 12
Factors affecting CP Current Requirement
 Types of Cathodic Protection

1. Sacrificial Anode System 2. Impressed Current System

Applicable for small structures where Applicable for large structures where
current requirement is low. current requirement is high. Also, where soil
resistivity varies in wide range.
 Galvanic Anode System
• Advantages of Galvanic Anode System
• Easy to design, install and maintain

• High Reliability

• Low maintenance cost

• Self regulated current output – hence low risk

of overprotection and hydrogen embitterment.

• Economical for smaller structures

 Impressed current CP
The term “Impressed Current” implies that a DC
source is obtained, generally via a
transformer/rectifier working off three-phase or a
single-phase electricity supply, in which positive of
the DC output is connected to the anode with the
negative to the structure to be protected.

Impressed current CP System

Essential Components of ICP System
• Anode/ Anode Groundbed
• D.C. Power Source
• Reference Cells
• Backfill Material
• Test Stations
• CP Cables
 Comparison of Galvanic Anode System v/s Impressed
Current System

Galvanic Anode Impressed Current

No external power reqd. Requires external power
Fixed driving voltage Voltage can be varied
Limited current Current can be varied
Suitable for low resistivity Can be designed for
electrolytes almost all current/life
requirements
Frequent monitoring and Regular monitoring and
maintenance not required maintenance required
Create minimum Interference problems
interference problems must be considered
 Cathodic protection
Galvanic Anode Impressed Current
Remote Monitoring and Can be designed for remote
control is impossible monitoring and control
Measurement of instant – off Can be designed for
potentials difficult measurement of instant-off/on
potentials
Suitable for off-shore Usually not recommended for
platforms/structures, such applications.
internal surface of
pipelines/water boxes, small
boats etc. and temporary
protection of cross-country
pipelines
Thank You