Optimising the location of anodes in cathodic protection systems to smooth potential distribution

Since cathodic protection (CP) systems were first applied, engineers have used experience and intensive monitoring to optimise their design to prevent corrosion. The use of sacrificial and impress anodes on ship's hull, offshore structures and pipelines has become standard practice in order to preserve the structure and to protect coatings. However, the correct position and current of the anodes is a subject of vital importance to the performance of the CP system as a whole. Wrong currents and positions would lead to unprotected or overprotected areas. Optimisation methods combined with the Boundary Elements Technology have become a useful technique to analyse this situation. Up to now, studies have been carried out using few anodes to optimise their current and positions on flat surfaces. Since the real structure of a vessel, for instance, is not flat, it becomes necessary a tool which allows for the optimisation of the position and the current no matter the shape of the model. The surface could be made of curve elements and even so the optimisation would give correct results. In this paper, the development of this tool and its performance is analysed on the studies of the hull of a frigate. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.