4/27/2020 Aluminium vs.

zinc anodes - Cathwell

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Aluminium vs. zinc anodes

Which is better; aluminium or zinc anodes in salt water environments?
Both will work. Aluminium, however has many bene ts over zinc.

While anodes may appear to be fairly simple

ANODE QUALITY IS KEY
Whether you choose zinc or aluminium,
the grade and the composition are key to
the effectiveness of the anode.
pieces of metal, they are actually a result of
sophisticated anti-corrosion engineering.
Cathwell anode alloys complies with
NORSOK M-503 and DNV GL RP-B401.

Advantages of aluminium anodes

Weight: Aluminium is signi cantly lighter than zinc, by a factor of 2.5. Al anodes are lighter
to ship and to t.

Capacity: The electrochemical capacity is more than 3 times higher than of the same mass
of zinc (you can protect more with less). See data sheet for aluminium alloyed sacri cial
anodes.

Driving voltage: Aluminium anodes has a relatively high driving voltage. This means that it
provides better distribution of the current, compared with zinc.

Environment: Aluminium anodes carry a better environmental footprint than zinc anodes.
Aluminium anode alloys do not contain cadmium, which is harmful to the marine
population.

Cost: Aluminium anodes are less expensive, taking into account the signi cantly reduced
weight requirement compared with zinc.

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Different models and design of anodes in aluminium.

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Advantages of zinc anodes

Availability: Traditionally used by the maritime industry, hence zinc anodes are widely
available. See data sheet for zinc alloyed sacri cial anodes.

Geometry: Zinc anodes can be produced in rather complex geometry, as opposed to

aluminium. This is particularly important for slender designs, such as rope guard anode
rings.

No restrictions in tanks: Zinc anodes are not subject to the same restrictions as
aluminium for use in in tanks with possible explosive atmosphere. Reag more about Which
anode alloy to use in ballast and cargo tanks; aluminium or zinc?

The anode surface corrodes more evenly: Zinc anodes tend to dissolve more evenly and
completely; while typical aluminium anodes erode unevenly with visible “craters”.

YOU MAY ALSO READ ABOUT

Different models and design of anodes in zinc

Property comparison

Zn versus Al sacri cial anode properties

While commonly referred to simply as “zinc,” anodes

are in fact available in several different alloys,
including aluminum and magnesium.

Last updated: 03.03.2020

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Levels of cathodic protection MasterCath® remote access

Cathodic protection involves polarisation of a
system
metal towards more reducing potentials MasterCath® is designed for remote operation
of ICCP and MGPS/ICAF antiouling.

Learn more Learn more

Design lifetime of sacri cial anodes

The amount of anodes corresponds with the
surface to be protected.

Learn more

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