Basic Chemistry and Basic Corrosion Theory
2:21
CP 1 – Cathodic Protection Tester Course Manual
©
NACE International, 2000
02/01/05
Equilibrium is reached when there is a balance between polarizing and
depolarizing effects. The potential difference and the corrosion current
between the anode and cathode areas becomes steady. The rate of corrosion
depends on this final current flow.
Factors That Affect the Corrosion Rate
Anode/Cathode Ratio
The relative area between the anode and cathode of a corrosion cell greatly
affects the rate at which the anode corrodes. If the anodic area is small in
relation to that of the cathode (a steel rivet in a copper plate, for example),
the anode (steel rivet) will corrode rapidly. This is because the corrosion
current is concentrated in a small area (large current density). Also, the
large cathode may not polarize easily, thus maintaining a high rate of
corrosion.
When a small cathode is connected to a large anode (copper rivet in a steel
plate for example), the corrosion current density on the anode (steel) is
much less than in the opposite case discussed above, and the anode
corrodes more slowly. Polarization may play an important role here, too.
The small cathode may polarize rapidly, reducing the rate of corrosion
current flow.
Influence of the Environment
Moisture Content
Electrolytic corrosion requires the presence of moisture. A completely dry
environment will not support this form of corrosion. A damp, well-aerated
metal surface may undergo more rapid general corrosion than a surface that is
totally immersed. An example of this is the splash zone on submerged steel
piling. In this case, oxygen reduction is the primary cathode reaction and
corrosion of steel is the anode reaction. The anodes and cathodes are close
together and the corrosion is characterized as general metal loss.
In underground corrosion, high moisture content is generally associated with
increased corrosion rates. However, total immersion (saturated soil) is not
necessarily the most aggressive situation.
Summary of Contents for CP 1
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