subject: Zinc Plate Sacrificial Anodes For Continued Underwater Protection [print this page] When two different metals that are physically or electrically connected are immersed in sea water, they start functioning like a battery. A small current begins to flow between these two metals, and the metal that is more active among the two begins to corrode. This kind of corrosion can quickly destroy these metals.
A zinc plate is often used to prevent oxidation of a metal surface. It forms a barrier between the surface and the elements (typically water, when used on ships and boats), and gets electrolytically decomposed first leaving the surface free of damage. It is due to this specific function, that such zinc plates are also called as sacrificial anodes.
Solid zinc plate sacrificial anodes by certain leading manufacturers are an effective and inexpensive corrosion protection tool for your boats and ships. Usually, these zinc plate sacrificial anodes are either bolted or welded to the surface that they are supposed to protect.
The most commonly used metals for creating sacrificial anodes include magnesium, aluminum and zinc. A zinc plate anode is often used in combination with other metals such as nickel, cobalt and tin.
Zinc plate sacrificial anodes by reputable manufacturers are pressure die-cast and offer a very long service life. They are also available in a variety of specifications, thicknesses and sizes, and can be quickly delivered to you. These zinc plate Sacrificial anodes work really well in salt water or brackish water, offering maximum protection for your boats, ships and yachts.
There are several advantages to using a zinc plate sacrificial anode. These include:
1. Relatively easy to install
2. No need for an external power source
3. Low risk of causing stray current interference on other structures and surfaces
4. Less monitoring required
5. Low risk of overprotection
6. Easy testing of system components once installed
Some varieties of Zinc plate sacrificial anodes have no core, and therefore you can custom drill holes as per your specific requirements. Some other features that can be expected on these anodes are beveled edges and a copper wire pigtail that can be connected to the underwater metals that require corrosion protection.
The two basic types of zinc plate sacrificial anodes are:
1. ZPN Solid zinc plates: These are available in several dimensions that can suit a variety of applications. The ZPN-10 range of zinc plate sacrificial anodes also feature scored segments making them easy to separate. The ZPN-10-2 plate has 2 segments, while the ZPN-10-3 plate has 3 segments and the ZPN-10-4 plate has 4 segments.
2. ZP and ZPP plates: The ZP series of zinc plate sacrificial anodes does not offer a pig tail. However, the ZPP series of zinc plates feature a 12" copper pigtail.
It is imperative to purchase anodes from a manufacturer that adheres to very strict standards and make sure that their zinc plate sacrificial anodes match the latest industry codes and military specifications. It is only because of the high quality of products that boat and ship owners save hundreds of dollars every year by protecting their boats and vessels against corrosion. Thus, it is vital to buy from the most trusted sources of zinc plate sacrificial anodes.
