Determination of the auxiliary anode position via finite element method in impressed current cathodic protection

Abstract

Purpose

It is a challenge in the design to determine the feasible anode position and the supply current when the hull is protected by the impressed current cathodic protection method. It is difficult to obtain these parameters through traditional experimental methods due to the huge hull surface area and geometric complexity. This study aims to solve the problem by finite element method.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a great number of experiments need to be conducted; second, experiments are empirical; finally, there exist measurement errors, etc. All these factors make the experimental results less reliable. The application of the finite element method, combined with other technologies, is expected to overcome these deficiencies. In this paper, the combined Matlab and Comsol method was used to calculate various anode positions and corresponding protection areas with a series of input current conditions. The calculation is implemented via the script in Matlab.

Findings

As a result, the best design can be obtained. The results show that the method provided in this paper can replace the experiment to a certain extent, save human and material resources and reduce the design time. The method also can be applied to other similar fields, having a good universality.

Originality/value

This optimization method can be extended to other areas of relevant production and research, having a good universality.

Citation

Liu, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Y. and Zhang, J. (2019), "Determination of the auxiliary anode position via finite element method in impressed current cathodic protection", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 66 No. 4, pp. 432-438. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-05-2018-1947