What is the main purpose of a cathodic protection system?

The main purpose of a cathodic protection system is to prevent corrosion. This technique is widely used in various industries, especially in the context of pipelines, tanks, and underground structures that are susceptible to corrosive damage from environmental factors.

Cathodic protection works by making the metal surface of the pipeline or structure the cathode in an electrochemical cell. This can be achieved through two primary methods: galvanic protection, which utilizes sacrificial anodes that corrode instead of the protected metal, and impressed current systems, where an external power source provides a constant supply of current to inhibit corrosion.

The effectiveness of cathodic protection is evident in prolonging the lifespan of metal infrastructures and reducing maintenance costs associated with corrosion-related repairs. This is vital for safety and environmental protection, as failures due to corrosion can lead to hazardous spills, leaks, and operational downtimes.

While monitoring temperature, balancing electrical currents, and calculating voltage differences are important aspects of pipeline operations and maintenance, they do not directly address the primary goal of protecting structures from corrosion, which is specifically what cathodic protection aims to achieve.