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How ICCP Systems Protect Metal Structures from Corrosion
The fight against corrosion is an ongoing battle for the owners and operators of vessels. The marine environment is punishing on all metal structures, similar to hulls, which are prone to corrosion and decay with high maintenance cost and safety concerns. As one of the industry’s premier ship services providers, Sealong Marine Engineering Group (SME Group) knows first-hand the value of strong corrosion protection. One of the best technologies we have dealing with this issue is Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP), a complex system that works to prevent metal from corroding.
The Electrochemical Principle of ICCP
Corrosion is a chemical reaction of the metal with its environment. ICCP systems operate to combat this natural phenomenon. They include an external power supply, a chlorine-free anode and reference electrodes. The system applies a DC current between the anodes and ship's hull to create a cathode on the hull. Such cathodic polarization has an excellent effect in inhibiting the electrochemical reaction for metal dissolution. The reference electrodes measure the protection potential and as a result, the current output of the system will adjust automatically to changes in water salinity and ship speed for optimal protection.
Key Benefits for Vessel Longevity and Performance
The biggest advantage of ICCP system is that protection range and protective power are strong. Unlike sacrificial anodes where they wear out over time, ICCP protection lasts longer and can be tailored to the specific ship design including big ships with significant hull geometry. These systems prevent corrosion and, consequently extend hull life while at the same time minimizing the extra steel work that has to be done. This saves time and money, because the vessel is operational rather than being in dry dock having fresh paint applied. The pristine hull finish also ensures peak Hydrodynamic Performance by preventing Corrosion related roughness, which can increase fuel consumption.
Integration with Comprehensive Marine Services
The design, install and maintain of ICCP systems are specialized skills that fit naturally with SME’s core competences. Our staff of more than 100 technical personnel has the expertise to install and calibrate these systems properly so they work as intended. In addition, with our workshop and service network set worldwide, they will be able to support spare parts supply timely and ICCP retrofit/repair services in shipyards over the world such as mainland China. Incorporating the support of those systems into a vessel's scheduled maintenance is an important element of the total marine engineering solutions we provide, to ensure our clients receive enhanced safety and asset protection.
In short, ICCP systems are a preventative and cost-effective engineering answer to the widespread issue of marine corrosion. This technology can be harnessed by vessel operators to produce significant long-term cost savings and increased safety in daily operations. SME Group is poised to help the maritime industry to install and maintain this required protection system.