subject: Switch To Zinc Anodes As An Alternative To Anti-corrosion Treatments [print this page] When at sea, ships and boats are in constant contact with salt water which corrodes the hull. In such a situation, corrosion is almost a given. However, with the use of zinc anodes, corrosion and deterioration of marine structures can be prevented. Since metals used in building ships are often very costly, corrosion can lead to some serious losses in the ship. These anodes are best used in sea water because it has a caustic nature.
* Where are zinc anodes used?
They are used in different parts of a ship such as the hull (the main body of the ship or boat), the propellers, gas and oil pipelines that run underwater, engines of ships and boats and production platforms that are located in the ocean. However, a critical factor to bear in mind while using these anodes is that they do not work as effectively in salt water. Hence they should not be exposed to extremely high temperatures.
*How do anodes help?
These anodes are affixed to the surface of the material in question. The mechanism works in such a way that these anodes get rusted before the metal that it has been affixed on. That is why these anodes are also known as sacrificial anodesbecause they sacrifice themselves to the process of rusting. Once these anodes start rusting, one should know that it is time to replace them. Otherwise the rusting process can move on to the main body of the ship or pipeline. Hence it is important to keep checking the status of these anodes from time to time. Otherwise you might be left to incur heavy losses in case the hull of your ship gathers rust. They are also extensively used in jettys and wharfs to safeguard important metal structures that come in constant contact with sea water here.
*Are there any disadvantages of using these anodes?
Though boat zincs are among the most widely used corrosion indicators, they do come with their share of disadvantages. For instance, these anodes are heavy and hence they do add to the weight of the structure in question. For instance, the ship or boat might become heavy. The weight will have to be adjusted accordingly. Also, sometimes, these anodes are ineffective when exposed to high temperatures. They might not be able to safeguard your boat from the effects of corrosion.
*What are the varieties in which these anodes are available?
Zinc anodes can be bought in the form of discs, plates, pencil, bracelets, bars, plates and even tear-drop shaped anodes. Depending on where you need to use these anodes, you can choose their shapes. Fixing these anodes properly is an important aspect of using them. If you do not have the expertise to do so, you can contact your supplier or a professional technician.
