In the material section of CCPTools, there is a specific section related to cathodic protection anodes. You can find information about anodes in both Impressed Current (ICCP) and Sacrificial Anode systems. In addition, more descriptions of backfill materials for all the anodes, their consumption rate, and related calculations for anode resistivity are present in separate sections.
Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA)
In an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP), which tends to have a long design life, the anodes are usually dimensionally stable (DSA). In this type of anode, the consumption or deterioration is slow, and the physical dimensions remain quite constant over time. Three typical types of DSA anodes are Ti-Mixed Metal Oxide (Ti-MMMO), High Silicon Cast Iron (HSCI), and lead-silver. In general, the last is most applicable in seawater environments, while the first two are for soil and marine applications. Some other types of DSA anodes in the market, such as conductive polymers or graphite, are not discussed in the first revision of the CCPTools. However, you can find these three anodes’ typical dimensions and working conditions in CCPTools. More details are available in the producer’s catalog.
Sacrificial Anodes
In a sacrificial anode system, three types of anodes are applicable: Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), and Zinc (Zn). Each one has a range of applications. For example, Al anodes are generally best in seawater environments, and Mg in soil or hot water systems. Moreover, each anode type has its own electrochemical properties. The main electrochemical properties of the anodes in cathodic protection applications are free corrosion potential, electrochemical capacity, and utilizing factor. This basic information appears in the sacrificial anode subsections. The shapes, dimensions, and specific electrochemical properties of the anodes may vary from producer to producer, so their datasheets are more valuable. There is a dedicated section in CCPTools for design with sacrificial anodes, with some editable default values.