Leading Cathodic Protection (CP) specialists BAC Corrosion Control Ltd, have recently launched GSC SuperAnodes – high potential galvanic Zinc anodes for use with protecting steel reinforcement in concrete.
As part of BAC’s expansion and development, the UK based company have launched a range of CP products focusing on the Steel in Concrete market. Following on from Zinc Layer Anode, Prosion Metal Spraying, MMO Discrete Anodes and Specialist Power Supplies, the fifth in the line of specialist innovations, GSC SuperAnodes, are specifically designed to inhibit the corrosion of concrete reinforced structures. The anodes are typically embedded within the concrete or repair mortar and are electrically connected to the reinforcement.
GSC Superanodes are made of laminated zinc with a 99.99% purity covered by two layers of zinc-anode-activator-paste (ZAP). This paste, which has been developed specifically to keep the zinc surface moist and active, contains a unique blend of moist-binders and Zinc surface activators which increases anode efficiency and guarantees a continuous current density even in dry environments.
The anode’s designed service life is between 10 years and 20 years depending upon selected size and correct system design. Each anode is sealed in a plastic bag to avoid contamination during shipping and storing which is removed prior to installation.
Advantages of GSC SuperAnodes include the following:
- Needs no anode wiring.
- Simple installation
- When correctly designed will give enough current in dry and arid environments.
- Pre-stressed or post-tensioned tendons will not be subject to hydrogen embrittlement due to acceptable operating potentials.
- Extremely suitable for patch repairs
- Current densities are naturally self-adjusting depending on the current required by the structure.
- When applied in aggressive environments the current densities are comparable with impressed current systems.
- Need no servicing or monitoring.
Anodes are available in various sizes and weights depending application criteria.