Which of the following systems relies heavily on the principles of galvanic corrosion protection?

Galvanic corrosion protection relies on the principle that two dissimilar metals can create an electrochemical reaction when they are electrically connected in the presence of an electrolyte. In the context of cathodic protection systems, this principle is applied to prevent corrosion on the surface of pipelines and other metallic structures.

In cathodic protection systems, a more reactive metal (the anode) is installed and placed in contact with the structure that needs protection (the cathode). The anode corrodes preferentially, sacrificing itself to protect the cathode. This setup effectively reduces the corrosion rate of the cathodic surface because it alters the electrochemical potential, effectively preventing the metal from oxidizing.

Using galvanic action, these systems can be designed to work without an external power supply, making them advantageous in specific applications, such as in buried pipelines or submerged structures. Thus, cathodic protection systems are fundamentally reliant on the principles of galvanic corrosion protection to extend the lifespan of the metallic structures they’re designed to protect.