Cathodic Protection

Remotely Designed Solution Restores Hull Integrity

Vessels that operate across the globe in waters of varying levels of salinity and temperature are susceptible to corrosion damage. For example, localized pitting can occur on steel or aluminium hull plates and result in the complete penetration of the hull below the waterline. This can render a vessel unseaworthy, meaning it could require drydocking for unscheduled and costly maintenance.
Cathodic protection (CP) is a proven, cost-effective and efficient corrosion mitigation solution and is central to almost every hull design. With accurate datasets it is possible to predict the most likely future state of a hull’s integrity, which assists with effectively planning preventative action if required. However, a number of factors impact on the effectiveness of a CP system, such as structural components, surface area and existing coatings, and as these variables can change over time, it is possible for premature corrosion to occur.
A recent example of this is when Stork Technical Services (Stork) was approached by a major subsea services provider to investigate the premature depletion of sacrificial anodes located on the hull of one of its survey vessels. A remedial design and installation plan was required within the week the vessel was dry docked for ongoing maintenance.

Developing a CP System
A CP system comprises an anti-corrosion coating and either sacrificial anodes, most commonly used subsea, or impressed current anodes with a power unit to drive them. The aim of a CP system is to polarize a structure as quickly as possible and maintain the optimum protection for the design life.
To develop an effective CP system for a hull, information and data on factors such as the sea chests and operating environment has to be analyzed and related to certified industry design standards and previous project experience.
The condition of the surface area and type of existing coatings must also be determined to calculate the required mass of the anodes, the electrical current output by the total anodes present and from each individual anode. Using this information and recommended current density values, it is then possible to develop an effective CP system based on the mass and electrical current demands.

Monitoring a Vessel’s CP System
Once designed and installed, planned inspections to gather datasets are required to determine if the system has achieved its initial goal of continuously protecting the hull. For sacrificial CP systems used below the waterline, an ROV is equipped with a multi-electrode system to measure potentials and current densities around the hull. Both the potential and current density readings taken are used in detailed analysis of the data. Anode output currents can be calculated from the readings obtained by using an appropriate mathematical model such as a modified Dwight’s equation or McCoy’s formulae. As the ROV survey system uses a traceable calibration source, a historic trend analysis can also be evaluated accurately and used to make meaningful predictions. All of the gathered data, along with the original design details, allow for an accurate assessment of a hull’s corrosion risk and aids in planning preventative maintenance.
For vessels without ROV capabilities, an electrochemical potential survey around the hull can be carried out using a ‘dip-cell’ method. This uses a standard silver/silver-chloride reference electrode which is placed close to the hull in various locations at varying depths and measured with a high input impedance voltmeter. While this method is effective it can only be used to identify CP potentials.
Monitoring the effectiveness of an ICCP system is more complex. As well as monitoring the anodes it is also essential to test the power units, stationary reference cells and other components that comprise the ICCP system to ensure it is working effectively.

Case Study: Remedial Design for Premature Hull Corrosion
Stork was contracted to review sacrificial anodes on a vessel that had suffered corrosion damage. Analysis of the data sourced regarding the previous CP system, identified the premature anode depletion was caused by an insufficient anode mass which increased the current demand required per anode. Stork was required to design a new CP system, and given the short operating window, the company took the decision to design a system remotely from Aberdeen, UK that could be assembled and installed locally using only the anodes that were readily available at the yard in West Africa.
The vessel’s original CP design consisted of a sacrificial anode system in conjunction with a coating system instead of an ICCP system. To design the new system the vessel was analyzed in various categories, including the hull, rudder, nozzle, sea chests and thrusters, as each component presented a different design challenge. The possible electrical discontinuity between components meant that the CP systems on areas that were not electrically connected had to operate independently
After considering a range of options, a conservative current density was used to allow for a more rapid breakdown in coating than normal. This decision was also influenced by the fact the vessel normally operates in warmer tropical water which can result in a higher corrosion rate.
The conservative current density employed in the design ensured that the previous high depletion rate would not occur within the system’s intended design life.
CP system’s based on a predominantly zinc alloy, which was designed to last for three years, and a predominantly aluminium alloy, designed to last for five years, were developed to allow the subsea services provider to draw a comparison on the most effective design based on what was available on site. The aluminium based system provides a greater current be drawn for a longer period of time per unit mass than zinc.
As well selecting the most effective materials for a CP system, the placement of the anodes is equally important to ensure that the entirety of the vessel’s hull and associated components are sufficiently protected. Detailed docking plans were also developed to enable the on-site engineers to correctly position the anodes onto the ships hull for optimum efficiency.
The vessel has now been re-fitted and has returned to operational capacity. Regular dip cell potentials will be taken around the hull to monitor the effectiveness of the system and ensure it is operating as planned.

Conclusion
With significant global demand for services such as survey, IRM and diving, vessels that are dry docked for corrosion related issues can result in significant loss of revenue for subsea service providers. CP systems are a cost-effective corrosion mitigation solution, however, they must be designed and installed correctly to operate for the expected design life. Failure to do this can result in premature corrosion and a remedial design being required. Stork developed a CP solution remotely and within a tight operating window for a survey vessel that helped prevent any further unnecessary downtime due to a corrosion related issue.


Stephen Hall,
Cathodic Protection Engineering & Design Manager, Stork Technical Services.


(As published in the March 2013 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com)