GS Electronics Cathodic Protection B.V.
How does an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system works
Although modern hull coatings provide some protection against corrosion they do not offer a complete solution. For this reason, most operators choose to protect their vessels with a purpose designed impressed current cathodic protection system.
Using an arrangement of hull mounted anodes and reference cells connected to a control panel(s), the system produces a more powerful external current to suppress the natural electro-chemical activity on the wetted surface of the hull.
This eliminates the formation of aggressive corrosion cells on the surface of plates and avoids the problems which can exist where dissimilar metals are introduced through welding or brought into proximity by other components such as propellers.
The systems are designed to automate the current output while the voltage output is varied. This allows the protection level to be maintained as the seawater resistivity alters. In a sacrificial anode system, increases in the seawater resistivity can cause a decrease in the anode output and a decrease in the amount of protection provided. With ICCP systems protection does not decrease in the range of standard seawater.
An essential feature of ICCP systems is that they constantly monitor the electrical potential at the seawater/hull interface and carefully adjust the output to the anodes in relation to this. Therefore, the system is much more effective and reliable than sacrificial anode systems where the level of protection is unknown and uncontrollable.
By installing a ICCP system, operators can make significant savings in hull maintenance costs as well as achieving reductions in fuel costs by having a smooth hull surface. Furthermore, the system will safeguard the owner’s investment and ensure greater safety through stronger hull integrity.
Propeller shaft earthing system
The high efficiency propeller shaft earthing system “PES” can prevent the micro pitting marks at the propeller, on the sliding surfaces of crankshaft journals and main bearings of the engines to be assumed as spark erosion. The system serves for a short circuit between the rotating propeller shaft and ship´s hull. The propeller shaft earthing system “PES” (split slipring of copper lined with a silver track and contact brushes) ensures an excellent potential decomposition and the contact brushes ensure lubrication and long life. Standardized parts and a high prefabrication grade ensure an easy installation onboard by the technical crew without special tools. For effective operation it is recommended to install:
- a remote indicator in order to achieve a continuous control of the effectiveness of the whole system
- an automatic slipring cleaning device to prevent an increase of the residual potential during operation.
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