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ELTECH™
WIRE ANODES
Applications
- Canistered Anodes
- Continuous Horizontal Groundbeds
- Discontinuous Horizontal Groundbeds
- Shallow Vertical Groundbeds
- Above Ground Storage Tanks
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Natural Water
- Electrical Cable Shielding
- Water Storage Tanks
- Water Treatment Equipment
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Anode Design
ELTECH wire anodes are copper cored titanium wire with a
mixed metal oxide coating. The mixed metal oxide is a crystalline, electrically conductive
coating that activates the titanium and enables it to function as an anode. The anodes are
manufactured in two diameters: 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm.
When applied on titanium, the coating has an extremely low
consumption rate measured in terms of milligrams per year. As a result of this low
consumption rate, the wire diameter remains nearly constant during the life of the anode.
The low consumption rate of the mixed metal oxide coating
at the recommended operating current densities results in projected anode lifetimes from
15 to 20 years. Longer or shorter lifetimes may be obtained by varying the current output
per foot of wire. This information in demonstrated in the accompanying graphs, which
relate amperes per lineal foot to lifetime in years.
Anode
Coating
The coating used on wire is suitable for most cathodic protection applications,
but output varies with application. ELTECH's mixed metal oxide coating demonstrates a very high chemical
stability, even in environments with low pH values. Unlike other impressed current anodes, the ELTECH coating is not affected
by the generation of chlorine.
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Features
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Benefits
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- High Current Output
- Low Coating Wear
Rate
- Highly Conductive
Copper Core
- ANSI/AWWA Standard
D 104-91
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- Lower cost per
ampere year
- Constant electrical
resistance
- Minimizes voltage
drop
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Reliability |
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ELTECH wire anodes
are coated in the United States. They are lightweight, rugged, and flexible. ELTECH wire anodes have been used successfully in canistered form since
1987 and in tank bottom protection systems since 1990. In choosing ELTECH wire anodes, you have selected the most durable and
reliable material from the originator of the mixed metal oxide anode.
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Savings |
Flexibility
of Use |
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many cases, ELTECH mixed metal oxide wire anodes offer savings over competitive
anodes on an installed cost basis. This is possible by balancing the high
current density capability of mixed metal oxide coatings and the ability
to tailor to desired lifetimes. |
ELTECH
wire anodes can be used in a wide variety of cathodic protection applications.
Their lightweight and malleability allow forming to complex configurations.
The copper core provides high conductivity resulting in better current distribution
along the entire length of the wire. |
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Quality Assurance |
Ordering
Information |
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From the application
of the coating to the spooling of the wire, ELTECH's attention to quality
sets it apart. The coating undergoes
stringent quality control examination by SEP, X-ray and adhesion test
methods throughout the coating process to assure proper thickness and
application. Attention to each detail of the quality control process
assures you a superior, reliable product. |
ELTECH wire anodes
are available from Farwest. When ordering ELTECH
wire anodes, please specify:
- Wire diameter
- Wire length (maximum single piece length is 1,000 feet,
except by special order)
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Lead Wire Connection
A typical connection between the ELTECH wire anode and a
header cable is shown below. Connections such as this have been used successfully in
canistered anodes since 1987.
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Resistivity vs. Length
Proper current
distribution is an important factor in the design and proper use
of an anode wore for each application. The graphs of Electrolyte
Resistivity versus Maximum Wire Length are shown for selected voltage
drops down the line. The voltage drop values represent the percentage
decrease in actual driving voltage for the beginning to the end
of a particular anode system.
For example,
if a wire voltage drop of 10% or less is desired for proper current
distribution in 1000 ohm-cm water, anode segments 45 feet should
not be exceeded between electrical connections to a header cable
with the 1.5 mm diameter wire. By comparison, use of the 3.0 mm
diameter wire will permit the use of 110 foot segments, while still
allowing the desired 10% voltage drop.
As with all electronic conductors, the
operating temperature of the wire affects the resistance. The table shows this effect by
assuming the wire will operate at the temperature of the surrounding electrolyte. The
change in resistivity also changes the maximum current handling capacity of the
wire.
| Wire Size (mm) |
1.5 mm dia. |
3.0 mm dia. |
| Resistance, ohms/meter @
25oC |
0.0188 |
0.0034 |
| Resistance, ohms/meter @
70oC |
0.0221 |
0.0040 |
| Max Wire Amperage @ 25oC |
21 |
36 |
| Max Wire Amperage @ 70oC |
7 |
7 |
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Current Ratings
Regardless
of the type of impressed current anode used, proper ground bed design is
paramount to optimum, low resistance performance. ELTECH Corporation recommends
the use of quality, conductive, carbonaceous backfill, a vent pipe, and
centralizers, suitable cable, and good design practices and understanding.
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