For many years, users have utilized modified forms of the NACE TM0190-90 two week constant impressed current test to assure the quality of sacrificial anode materials. With refinements which have been added periodically since the test was first discussed, the test has served well to ensure that the anodes do catholically protect our offshore structures and pipelines against corrosion. An alternative four day test recommended by Det Norske Veritas Industri Norge AS (Appendix A of DNV RP B40 1), offers some advantages and is strongly preferred by European vendors, thus a comparison of the two test methods has been conducted. Results show that for a set of sixteen Al/Zn/Si/In anodes, with mixed performance characteristics, the two test methods are not directly comparable. However, with adjustment of the accept/reject criteria, the results become more comparable. Substitution of the Four day test for the two week test may produce a modestly increased risk of substandard anode performance. The cathodic protection (CP) design engineer may evaluate this risk and decide if it is acceptable, or alternatively may adjust the CP design conservatism slightly to compensate. Lastly, conditions in the Four day test are even further from actual service than in the two week test, thus results are probably less useful for predicting in-service performance.
Keywords: Anode Quality, Anode Testing, Anode Pcrformancc, Anode Composition. DNV RP B401,. NACE TM0190-90, Al/In Anodes, Accept/Reject Criteria