AnodeFlex Flexible Anode Systems Overview


 

  1. AnodeFlex 1500 - Flexible anode for impressed-current cathodic protection for directional drill applications. Five-element construction: central copper conductor, conductive polymer jacket, coke breeze, fabric jacket, outer protective braid.
  2. AnodeFlex 3000 - Flexible anode for impressed-current cathodic protection of buried pipelines and on-grade and buried storage tanks. Five-element construction: central copper conductor, copper-cored, mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode, coke breeze, fabric jacket, outer protective braid.
  3. AnodeFlex Splice Kits - In-line splice, Tee splice, or end-cap splice kits for AnodeFlex 1500 system.

What is AnodeFlex™?

AnodeFlex is an impressed current, flexible cable anode system for use in cathodic protection of buried structures. Placed alongside a pipe or other buried metal structure, AnodeFlex provides uniform cathodic protection to every point, with a minimum of interference from adjacent structures.

The four basic elements in the AnodeFlex system:

  • A high performance coke breeze serving as the active matrix in which the anodic reactions take place.
  • A copper conductor serving as a low resistance busbar to deliver the required current over considerable distance without incurring substantial longitudinal voltage drop.
  • A special conductive polymer that seal the conductor from chemical attack, yet allows current to flow from the conductor to the environment all along its length.
  • A fabric jacket to hold the coke breeze in place around de anode cable. This jacket is designed to resist electrochemical attack, but to allow current flow from de anode to the surrounding soil.

Installation

Installation of AnodeFlex is done using standard cable laying equipment, such as a hydraulic back hoe equipped with reel pay off equipment. A typical trench is only about 1 foot deep, and 6" wide. No special backfill is required. Typical installation rates of 2 miles per day can be achieved. AnodeFlex is supplied on a reel. A set of specially designed splice kits is available to handle in-line splices, branch off, and end terminations.

 

Why use AnodeFlex systems?

AnodeFlex continuous anode vs. discrete anode
potential distribution along a pipeline.

AnodeFlex is used to achieve affective and homogeneous cathodic protection over the entire surface of the buried structure. Cathodic protection current should not be supplied to high demand areas at the expense of remote parts of the structure. Homogeneous distribution therefore is more important than current output. AnodeFlex is a unique and cost-effective way to keep the operation of a pipeline in compliance with cathodic protection DOT or other regulations.

The use of AnodeFlex on pipelines will eliminate many of the problems found with conventional groundbed anodes:

  • It equalizes cathodic protection at consistent levels all along the line.
  • Its low overall current output will stop further coating degradation caused by cathodic disbonding when higher current output anodes are used.
  • Since AnodeFlex is installed adjacent to the pipelines and its current output per feet is low, interference problems are significantly reduced.
  • In most cases, AnodeFlex can be installed in the pipeline ROW. Environmental and other ROW-related problems are therefore kept to a minimum.

 

Where are AnodeFlex systems used?

One of the major uses of AnodeFlex is in rehabilitation of pipelines, where aging and degrading coatings no longer provide adequate corrosion protection. Re-coating the pipe is a very expensive solution, often requiring to shut down the pipeline over an extended period of time. In addition, the pipeline operator is facing major problems of obtaining environmental permits and disposal of toxic materials.

Solving Potential Problems along a Pipeline:
  

A close interval survey shows the underprotected areas, caused by deteriorating pipeline coating.
Increasing current output of existing groundbed anodes is no longer an option, since this will aggravate the problem by further disbonding of the pipe coating.
Installation of an additional groundbed does not solve the problem, as underprotected areas remain.
The AnodeFlex systems offers a better, more cost effective, and environmental friendly approach to pipe rehabilitation. It is typically installed in the same right of way as the pipe, adjacent to the pipe, with only minimal disturbance of the environment. AnodeFlex provides cathodic protection on every point without causing any under or overprotection.