ICCP Systems for the Marine Industry

By installing an ICCP system, operators can make significant cost savings in hull maintenance and achieve reductions in fuel costs by having a smooth hull surface.

Preventing Hull Corrosion with ICCP Systems

Although modern hull coatings can provide some protection against corrosion, they seldom offer a complete solution. For this reason, most operators choose to protect their vessels with a purpose-designed impressed current cathodic protection system (ICCP).

Using an arrangement of hull mounted anodes and reference cells connected to a control panel, the ICCP system produces a powerful impressed external current to suppress the natural electrochemical activity on the wetted surface of the hull. This eliminates the formation of aggressive corrosion cells on the surface of plates and avoids the problems, which can exist where dissimilar metals are introduced through welding or brought into proximity by other components such as propellers.

An essential feature of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems is that they constantly monitor the electrical potential at the seawater-hull interface and carefully adjust the output to the anodes. Therefore, the system is much more effective and reliable than sacrificial anode systems, where the level of protection is unknown and uncontrollable.

By installing an ICCP system, operators can make significant cost savings in hull maintenance and achieve reductions in fuel costs by having a smooth hull surface. Furthermore, the system will safeguard the owner’s investment and ensure greater safety through stronger hull integrity.

Anodes

Hull anodes are constructed with a titanium substrate and are coated with either platinum or mixed metal oxide to effectively emit current and reduce wear. Linear loop, elliptical, and circular designs are available to suit different hull profiles.

Liner Loop Anodes: Produce a powerful output from a relatively small surface area. The anodes are lightweight and easy to install.

Circular Anodes: Ideally suited for vessels where a smooth hull profile is required. The anodes can be flush mounted in areas where space is available.

Elliptical Anodes: The elliptical shape enahnces current distribution and provides the flexibility to fit into complex hull profiles.

Reference Electrodes

Reference Electrodes: Designed to measure the electrical ‘potential’ at the seawater/hull interface. The reference electrodes are available in zinc and silver/silver chloride materials.

Shaft Grounding System

Shaft Grounding Systems: The system provides electrical continuity and a return path for the current produced by the hull anodes. The systems are comprised of silver/graphite brushes running on a copper slip ring with a silver inlay.

Power Supply

Power Supply/Control Panels: Cathelco offers systems in modular and thyristor configurations. All control panels are equipped with a computerized digital dislpay and are built for NEMA 4X and IP65.

Cathelco have developed a range of ICCP systems for vessels of every type.  The C–Shield system, installed on over 6,000 commercial ships, combines advanced control panel design with an unusually wide choice of hull anodes. All systems are designed specifically to each vessel. The systems can be installed at new building or retrofitting.

The engineers will formulate the most effective arrangement of hull anodes, reference electrodes, and power supplies. Detailed installation drawings and instructions are provided to cover every aspect of the installation. Our service engineers are available for installation supervision, commissioning, operating staff instruction, and dry docking maintenance.

Please complete the ICCP vessel questionnaire to accompany the RFQ for a detailed quotation.

Cathelco offers “Minitek” and “Alutek” ICCP systems for smaller steel and aluminum hull vessels. These systems are ideal for yachts, tugs, ferries, and supply/crew vessels. These ICCP systems feature a compact control panel and flush mounted anodes and reference electrodes. The flush mounted arrangement reduces drag and fuel consumption. The components also allow for anode life up to 15 years. The systems also offer a complete automatic control panel which constantly monitors and adjusts output.

Please complete the ICCP vessel questionnaire to accompany the RFQ for a quotation.