JETTY AND PORTS

Summary

Jetty and port piles cathodic protection system is a specialised corrosion prevention method designed to protect piles in jetties and ports from the corrosive effects of seawater. It involves the installation of anodes, typically sacrificial zinc or aluminium anodes, on the piles. These anodes sacrificially corrode over time, diverting the corrosion process away from the piles and effectively preserving their structural integrity.

On the other method which is ICCP (impressed current cathodic protection) by providing a direct electrical current to the piles, the cathodic protection system creates a protective environment that prevents corrosion. This ensures a longer lifespan for the piles, reducing the CP system renewal costs and enhancing the overall durability of the marine infrastructure. The jetty and port piles cathodic protection system acts as a shield, safeguarding the piles from the corrosive nature of seawater, thereby ensuring their long-term performance and reliability.

Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Piles in Jetties and Ports CP System

• Installation Costs
• Maintenance and Operational Costs
• Corrosion Mitigation
• Risk Assessment
• Comparative Analysis

The below graph is to show both type of the cathodic protection systems comparison; based on their cost versus the structure size (simply, the total submerged steel surface area to be protected against corrosion). As it could be seen that the Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System is costly for small structures compared to the galvanic (sacrificial) CP system. Because, there are cables, transformer rectifier units, most commonly Mixed Metal Oxide Titanium Anodes, evenly distributed reference electrodes for automatic mode of TR Units, junction boxes, distribution boxes etc… need to be installed. However, it is better to select ICCP system if the structure has a few more phases to be built in the future but it should be made sure that the whole phases pass the cross section of the two graphs to the positive X direction. 

On the other galvanic CP system, the cost and the surface area is directly proportional (of course there are some factors such as coating break down factors, splash zone current density, loss of anodes… affect the line to become not linear but lets think its linear for now).

Design Considerations for Piles in Jetties and Ports Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems

Jetties and ports are critical infrastructures that play a crucial role in facilitating maritime trade and transportation. However, the exposure of these structures to harsh marine environments can lead to corrosion and degradation of the piles that support them. To mitigate the detrimental effects of corrosion, impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems are employed. This article serves as a comprehensive guide that we follow for our design considerations of piles in jetties and ports ICCP systems, with a specific focus on the use of MMO (Mixed Metal Oxide) titanium anodes and the choice between remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes at each pile.

Titanium anodes have emerged as a popular choice for ICCP systems in marine environments due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion and high current output capabilities. When designing a cathodic protection system for piles in jetties and ports, the selection of anode materials is of paramount importance. Titanium anodes offer a long service life, compatibility with seawater and efficient current distribution, making them ideal for protecting piles from corrosion.

One crucial consideration when designing ICCP systems is the configuration of the anode system. Two common options are remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes at each pile. Remote anode groundbeds involve the installation of a separate anode bed located away from the piles, connected to the structure through cables. On the other hand, homogenous distributed anodes involve placing individual anodes directly on each pile.

The choice between remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes depends on several factors. Remote anode groundbeds are typically preferred for larger structures where it is more practical to have a centralised anode system. They are suitable for situations where there is limited space or access for installing individual anodes on each pile. Additionally, remote anode groundbeds offer ease of maintenance and monitoring, as the anodes are concentrated in a single location. But high risk of system failure due to the cable breaks.

Homogenous distributed anodes, on the other hand, are advantageous for smaller structures or situations where piles are closely spaced. Installing an individual anode on each pile ensures more precise and localised protection. It allows for greater control over current distribution and avoids potential interference between different piles. Moreover, the distributed anodes can be easier to inspect and maintain, as they are readily accessible.

In conclusion, the design of piles in jetties and ports ICCP systems involves careful consideration of various factors. The use of titanium anodes provides excellent corrosion resistance and current output, making them a preferred choice. The selection between remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes depends on the specific project requirements and constraints. By considering these design considerations and incorporating appropriate monitoring and control systems, effective cathodic protection can be achieved, extending the service life of the piles and ensuring the longevity of jetties and ports.

Design Considerations for Piles in Jetties and Ports Galvanic Cathodic Protection Systems

Piles in jetties and ports are exposed to harsh marine environments, making them susceptible to corrosion and degradation. To combat this issue, sacrificial anode (galvanic) cathodic protection (CP) systems are commonly utilised. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the design considerations that we comply for piles in jetties and ports when using sacrificial anode CP systems. Specifically, it focuses on the use of zinc and aluminum anodes, the choice between remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes and the importance of selecting long slender stand-off anodes based on DNV guidelines for enhanced efficiency.

Designing piles in jetties and ports with sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems requires careful consideration of various factors. Zinc and aluminium anodes are commonly used due to their sacrificial properties. The choice between remote anode groundbeds and homogenous distributed anodes depends on the specific project requirements. For optimal efficiency, selecting long slender stand-off anodes based on DNV guidelines can provide enhanced corrosion protection. By considering these design considerations, an effective sacrificial anode CP system can be implemented, prolonging the service life of the piles and ensuring the durability of jetties and ports.