Cathodic Protection - Anti-Fouling and Corrosion Solutions

Cathodic Protection Co (CPC) is a leading supplier of electrolytic anti-fouling systems to the offshore industry. Since introduction of the first unit in the North Sea in 1973, Cuprion™ units have been protecting fire, cooling and service water pumps against marine growth. The system has proven 100% effective against all forms of hard and soft fouling, including barnacles, mussels and tube worms.

CPC also supplies cathodic protection solutions to the oil and gas industry. Specialising in Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP), CPC has provided systems to protect jetties, piles, pipelines, and storage tanks from corrosion in all corners of the world.

MIXED METAL OXIDE ANODES

CPC also supplies the full range of Elgard™ mixed metal oxide anodes. These patented and market-leading anodes completely protect reinforcing steel in concrete from corrosion. With design lives in excess of 50 years, Elgard anodes are protecting concrete structures in some of the harshest seawater environments, including water intakes and desalination plants.

COPPER ION MARINE GROWTH DETERRENT

Copper occurs naturally in seawater and a small increase in concentration is sufficient to deter marine growth. Copper ions are generated from an electrode unit mounted at the intake of the pump, by the passage of a low voltage DC current. Locally increasing the copper concentration around the pump intake gives complete protection from fouling without the need for chemical dosing. Output is regulated to match pump speed, preserving electrode life in 'standby' conditions.

ANTI-CORROSION PUMP SYSTEMS

Cuprion systems have an excellent environmental record without the health, safety, or corrosion issues associated with chlorine-based equipment. Routine maintenance is limited to a visual check of meter readings and typical service intervals are five years. Cuprion systems offer the lowest maintenance burden when compared to all alternative anti-fouling technologies.

Corrosion of pumps and caissons can be an unwelcome side effect of chlorine-based systems, particularly when excessive dosing takes place. This is not a problem with Cuprion systems, which actively work to protect the pump and caisson. Aluminium ions released as a 'floc' to assist the transport of copper for anti fouling purposes also passivate corrosion sites using the galvanic properties of aluminium. This is a unique feature of Cuprion‘s dual copper and aluminium based technology.

COST EFFICIENT OFFSHORE PUMP PROTECTION

Overall cost of ownership is becoming increasingly important to operators and maintainers of offshore equipment. This was an important factor in the recent award of a major contract to CPC by Centrica Storage Ltd (CSL). Cuprion equipment was selected for CSL’s rough storage facility to provide anti-fouling protection to seawater, cooling water and fire pumps.

Designed to replace CSL’s existing hyperchlorite system, Cuprion offered a significant reduction in life cycle cost. By tailoring the design to CSL’s requirements, the new systems were installed and commissioned with minimal disruption to operations. Servicing intervals were designed to coincide with scheduled pump overhauls, further reducing maintenance cost.

INTERNATIONAL CORROSION PROTECTION

From early beginnings in the North Sea, Cuprion systems are now used worldwide, supported from CPC’s head office in Grantham and through an international network of agents and distributors. Cathodic Protection's latest distributor, Brown Corrosion Services, Inc (BCSI) of Houston Texas are an established supplier of equipment and services to the offshore industry in North and South America and are equipped to provide full support to Cuprion equipment in these important regions.

Recognising the importance of the Middle East region, CPC has for many years operated a branch office in Abu Dhabi. In partnership with Al Mazroui Engineering, this office provides full workshop facilities together with technical and commercial support to existing and new customers.