Polymer Anode

It is known that the spreading resistivity directly depends on the specific electrical resistivity of the soil, however, as experimental studies and experience show, the spreading resistivity is also influenced by the material from which the impressed current anode is made. This effect is most pronounced when using the polymer impressed current anodes, based on a polymeric composite for soils with high resistivity (more than 100 Ohm * m). At that, the spreading resistivity value decreases by 2–3 times in comparison with impressed current anodes made of high silicon cast iron alloys. This allows reducing the power of the transformer rectifier and increasing energy efficiency by 20-30%.

A feature of the polymeric composite of which the anode is made is that the anodic dissolution of carbon black is carried out in full; it allows obtaining stable calculated indicators of the main technical characteristics of the impressed current anode during the entire declared service life (at least 30 years).
The use of polymer anodes also allows avoiding the danger of poisoning underground water supply sources with ferrous oxide and iron oxide to a considerable extent, as well as heavy metals when using high silicon iron anodes, and phenol when using impressed current anodes. As during the anodic dissolution of PSS-ICPA polymer anodes, only H2O and CO2 are formed during the entire working period, which is environmentally friendly. When the warranty period and the complete anodic dissolution of carbon black are reached, the polymer matrix remains in the soil, neutral to the effects of the environment.

Advantages

The product is analogous to high silicon iron anodes, but has a number of advantages:
- It is made of a polymeric composite - it does not oxidize and not emit gas during use.
- Structural integrity, low weight and flexibility make transportation and installation simple and convenient.
- Durability. Service life is 20-30% longer than high silicon iron anodes I anodes.
- Environmentally safe.

Types of the Impressed Current Polymer Anodes

The impressed current anodes are produced in various modifications; the anode is made of polymer with a diameter of 50 mm or 80 mm. Equipped with a cable outlet from one (non-looped) or two (looped) ends of the anode connected to each other.

Polymer impressed current anode PSS-ICPA
The anode is a polymer anode equipped with a cable outlet for connection to the main supply cable from the transformer rectifier.

Prepackaged polymer anode PSS-ICPA-P
It is designed as a metal casing, in which a polymer anode is placed, and the free space between the anode and the metal shell is filled with a coke breeze backfill. It is designed for work in high resistivity soils.

Bundle polymer anode PSS-ICPA-B
It is supplied as a set of the required number of impressed current anodes with cable-outlets of the required length and main cable. The anodes can be connected to the main cable at the factory.

The mounting technique of shallow anode groundbed depends on the anode installation method (horizontal or vertical positioning) and is determined by the cathodic protection project. Special modifications have been developed for laying at deep depths or in a well.

Recommendations for Application and Operation of the Polymer Anodes

Application of all modifications of the polymer anodes when soil resistivity is more than 60 Ohm * m.
If soil resistivity in the range from 20 to 60 Ohm * m, it is recommended to use polymer anodes with a diameter of 80 mm.
If soil resistivity is less than 20 Ohm * m, it is recommended to use polymer anodes with a diameter of 80 mm.
Application of metal anode grounding conductors of high silicon iron anodes or the polymer ones.