Features:
· Discrete Concentric Arcs (loops)
· Each Arc Has Individual Redundant Leads
· Arcs Follow Tank Bottom Symmetry
· Optimized for Current
· Optimized for Tank Annular Plate & Rim Protection
· Optimized Current Efficiency
· Optimized for Minimum Anode Current Constriction Resistance
· Optimized for Low Groundbed resistance
· Arrives On-Site and Ready to Lay in Place
· Very Easy to Install
· 100% Factory Connections
· 50 Year Anode Design Life
· Low Cost
Tank Bottoms
The CerAnode PiggyBack Tank Bottom Anode System is ideal for new construction tank bottom and replacement bottom protection where space is limited due to a close proximity plastic secondary containment liner. In fulfilling its purpose the plastic liner not only isolates the tank bottom from its general environment to prevent the possible leak pollution, but it also isolates the tank bottom electrically from traditional remote cathodic protection currents. The PiggyBack Anode System, consisting of a series of concentric loops (arc) in a narrow plane between the tank bottom and plastic liner is the ideal CP solution. The loops are spaced 2 to 8 feet (normally 5 feet) to provide the desired current distribution and to optimize the anode "throwing power". The spacing is designed to compensate for distance available between the anode and the tank bottom.
Details of Anode Loop Pattern Under the Tank Bottom
Instead of being closed loops, the two ends of each loop (arc) are brought out to a terminal box providing redundant connections for every loop. Each loop can be operated independently or even electrically disconnected, if the need should ever arise, and the remaining portion of the system will continue to function as normal.
The first loop is concentric with the tank rim and equidistant from the rim. It is spaced at a distance from the rim of no more than half the general loop spacing to make a consistent amount of current available all around the rim where it is most important. Since this under-tank area at the tank rim is most susceptible to corrosion due to its close proximity to the atmospheric elements, this anode system allows for easy optimization of protection currents in this area by loop spacing adjustment. The anode-to-tank rim symmetry helps to ensure optimal current transfer.
Each concentric anode assembly loop consists of a standard 10 AWG high molecular weight (HMWPE) leader cable, or other cable choice, with a 3 mm diameter mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode wire mounted PiggyBack the entire length as seen below. The anode 3 mm diameter wire being continuous around each loop results in significantly more anode length of anode wire for given application resulting in extra low groundbed resistance and close to ideal current distribution.
Details of the PiggyBack Anode Loop Assembly
Note that the MMO Anode wire is connected to the header cable at preset intervals around the loop. The spacing of the connection intervals is determined by the mathematical relationship between the wire's electronic resistance and the electrolyte resistivity to approximate isometric current distribution from the anode.
In some re-bottoming applications where the anode will be installed within inches of the tank bottom, the PiggyBack Anode System is available with an integral plastic mesh sleeve around the header-anode wire assembly for added protection against possible anode wire to tank bottom shorts. In all situations the tank construction specification used by the tank contractor should be written with sufficient tutorial to properly educate the tank bottom contractor of the importance of maintaining the anode integrity during construction.
Anode Construction Details
The type of materials selected to manufacture the anode assembly have withstood the test of time to assure a high level of product confidence. The header cable is standard HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) Cathodic Protection Cable unless otherwise specified. This cable has been recognized as a standard of the CP industry for many years. The Anode Wire also has a long and established history. It is made from Commercially Pure Grade 1 Titanium and is activated with mixed metal oxide of indium, tantalum and titanium. These are among the most corrosion resistant materials known to man. The result is an essentially inert dimensionally stable impressed current anode. Customized MMO activation provides the required current density for the design life of the anode system at the least cost. The all-important header cable-to-anode connection materials also have a well-established history.
The only connections necessary in the field are at the rectifier terminal box. All header-to-anode connections are manufactured at the factory in a controlled environment. The MMO Anode Wire is electrically connected to the header cable using a standard hydraulic 12 ton crimp to assure a positive low resistance electronic connection. The metallic components of this connection are then isolated from the electrolyte with three distinct seals. These redundant seals are designed and arranged in such a way to assure zero moisture and oxygen penetration into the metallic connection area over the life of the anode material. The connection's encapsulation in combination with the seals also provides the mechanical integrity needed to prevent any cable stretching effect or other cable movement from disturbing the connection's isolation from the environment.
A History of Quality Design and Quality Materials
Providing CP for applications that are almost impossible to replace if they should ever fail such as AST bottoms with secondary containment liners demands a solid CP design and the most reliable materials available. CerAnode has a history of manufacturing QUALITY into its anode products. From the materials used to the all-important anode connections, close attention has always been given and always will be given to the construction detail of each anode produced. This is an important moral commitment which also turns out to be profitable. The PiggyBack Anode System used in conjunction with appropriate high quality reference electrodes, integral plastic mesh (rock shield), secondary containment liners, sand, leak detection tubes, terminal box, rectifier and other construction materials combine to make one of the most cost efficient and effective anode system available.
CerAnode 7 Year Anode Warranty
"CerAnode Technologies of APS-Materials, Inc., will give you a new anode if our anode should stop functioning within 7 years when installed and operated according to the anode's specifications and/or instructions." (North American installations only but negotiable in other locations)
All CerAnode products other than anodes are covered under a 1 year warranty.