Investigation of Design Methodology for Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Optimum System

Abstract

In this paper, physical scale modeling was employed to identify the configurations of ICCP system and the electric field signatures. Computational boundary element modeling technique has been used to simulate the performance of the CP system and to predict the associated electric fields signatures. The optimization methods combined with the computer models and physical scale modeling will be presented here, which enable the optimum system design to be achieved both in terms of the location and current output of the anode but also in the location of reference electrodes for impressed current cathodic protection(ICCP) systems. The combined methodology was utilized to determine optimal placement of ICCP components (anodes and reference electrodes) and to evaluate performance of ICCP system for the 2%, 10% and 14% wetted hull coatings loss. The objective is to design the system to minimise the electric field while at the same time provide adequate protection for the ship. The results show that experimental scale modeling and computational modeling techniques can be used in concert to design an optimum ICCP system and to provide information for quickly analysis of the system and its surrounding environment.