Print this page An Introduction to Cathodic Protection
J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI
Course Outline
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
B. Corrosion
C. Cathodic protection
D. Types of cathodic protection systems
II. CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN
A. Required information
B. Determining type and design of cathodic protection system
1. Sacrificial anode (galvanic) cathodic protection system design
2. Impressed current cathodic protection system design
III. CURRENT REQUIREMENT TESTING
A. Required current
B. Sample test
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn about the site testing requirements needed to design cathodic protection systems;
- Learn how to calculate current requirements based on coating efficiency and current density;
- Learn the nine steps in designing a sacrificial anode system;
- Learn the thirteen steps in designing an impressed current system;
- Learn how to calculate the number of anodes needed in both sacrificial anode and impressed current systems;
- Learn how to calculate system life expectancy for sacrificial anode systems;
- Learn how to calculate rectifier voltage for impressed current systems;
- Learn how to prevent short circuits in cathodic protection systems;
- Learn the importance of an electrolyte resistivity survey;
- Learn why an electrolyte pH survey is necessary;
- Learn the critical current density needed to protect existing structures; and
- Learn when magnesium anodes and when zinc anodes are used in sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers and other construction professionals with a current or prospective need to understand the fundamentals of protecting underground structures such as tanks and pipelines from corrosion using sacrificial anode and impressed current cathodic protection systems.
Benefit for Attendee
This course will give engineers and others engaged in design of design and maintenance of underground steel structures such as tanks and pipelines an introduction to cathodic protection using sacrificial anode and impressed current systems.
Course Introduction
This is an introduction to the design and application of cathodic protection systems to mitigate corrosion in underground steel structures such as tanks and pipelines. It includes information about the design of both sacrificial anode and impressed current cathodic protection systems. It also introduces you to the on-site testing needed in order to acquire the technical information needed to successfully complete the system design.
About Course Author
Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure. For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues. He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies. He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
An Introduction to Cathodic Protection
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
Course Summary
This course is an introduction to cathodic protection systems design that will allow you to understand the technical fundamentals involved, to address straightforward corrosion protection projects, and will allow you to proceed to an understanding of the technical challenges associated with more complex corrosion protection projects.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
