Graphite anodes have been a
standard for cathodic protection for many years. They are considered a
reliable impressed current anode and are used extensively throughout the
industry. Low in cost, graphite anodes, used in conjunction with carbon
anode backfill, provide long-term performance characteristics for many
cathodic protection applications.
Available in rod form, Farwest machines
the anodes for an internal center connection and then impregnates each
anode with paraffin wax to enhance the performance of the graphite and
to extend the life of the anode. Factory supplied resin impregnation is
also available at a added cost.
After the treating process, the anodes
are ready for the cable-to-anode connection. The customer specified
cable is soldered to a custom 1/2” threaded brass connector. This
connector is installed into the pre-tapped anode and tightened to a
specified torque. The “connected” anode is then tested to verify that
the anode-to-cable connection falls below 0.0004 ohms (0.4 milliohms).
The connection is then sealed with an electrical sealing compound, a
foam buffer (to compensate for internal sealant expansion), and is
capped with a two-part epoxy.
Several types and sizes of customer
specified cable are available for installation in the graphite anode.
Cable size ranges from #10 AWG to #6 AWG. We recommend High Molecular
Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) insulation or Halar™ / HMWPE insulation for
high chloride environments.
