Cathodic Protection

Separator Spares & Equipment, LLC is an Authorized Distributor for MME Group. We provide MME Impressed Current Systems, MME Antifouling Systems, MME Sacrificial Aluminum and Zinc Anodes, and MME Harbinger Boarding Equipment. This strategic alliance will provide MME Group’s customers a local representative in the United States and Canada.

MME Group is based in the Rotterdam area, in The Netherlands. The company was established in 1963 and has since grown to become one of the most experienced and specialized companies in its field of activity. MME Group serves customers around the globe in industries such as machine building, oil & gas, offshore renewable energy (wind and tidal), shipping and shipbuilding.

Corrosion is one of the largest threats to the long-term integrity and profitability of assets. Ships, offshore rigs, offshore wind turbines, harbors installations, flood gates, and other marine structures need effective protection against corrosion. This should therefore be made a priority during planning, engineering, production, and operation of these assets. Failing to do so, could negatively impact your ROI because of increased maintenance cost.

Cathodic Protection Solutions

Sacrificial Anodes

A sacrificial anode is part of a cathodic protection system and is attached to a steel structure to protect it against corrosion. It is made of a more active, less noble metal (usually zinc or aluminum) than that of the structure itself. When both are immersed in an electrolyte such as seawater, the anodes slowly dissolve, protecting the structure against corrosion.

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

ICCP systems consist of one or more reference electrodes and several ICCP anodes which are all connected to a power unit. The reference cells measure the underwater electrical protection potential and based on this data, the power unit regulates the required output to the anodes. The resulting impressed current prevents the corrosion process from taking place. These advanced systems allow for real-time monitoring and guarantee the required protection level at all times. A correctly installed, operated, and serviced ICCP system can function for 25 years or more. We can configure ICCP systems from standard components or work out a custom-built solution for specific vessels or structures.

Impressed Current Anti Fouling (ICAF)

Marine fouling in seawater cooling systems is a threat to the performance of ships and installations. Removal of marine growth in a ship’s seawater lines also leads to increased cost and delays during maintenance. To reduce this risk, MME Group developed the Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS), also known as Impressed Current Anti Fouling (ICAF).

MGPS / ICAF systems use copper anodes that are connected to a compact control unit. An impressed current is sent to the anodes which releases a small amount of copper ions into the water flowing through the ship’s sea water system or sea chests, creating an environment which prevents the settlement of micro-organisms.

How do sacrificial anodes work?

Marine structures are predominantly made of steel. This makes them highly susceptible to corrosion. Seawater acts as an electrolyte, which causes a transfer of electrons from the steel structure through oxidation. If not dealt with, this process of gradual material reduction can degrade the structural integrity to the point of failure.

Besides coating, the standard protection method is the use of sacrificial anodes. These are made of a more active or less noble metal (usually zinc or aluminum). The sacrificial anodes are attached to the steel structure and since they oxidize more easily, they turn the structure itself into a cathode. The electrons leave the structure through the anodes which slowly dissolve. Applying this physics principle protects the steel structure against corrosion.

What is the difference between aluminum and zinc anodes?

Aluminum has a higher potential difference with other metals than zinc. We recommend aluminum anodes in fresh water because fresh water has a higher electrical resistance than salt water. In saltwater, both aluminum and zinc anodes are suitable.

What kind of zinc is used for MME Group anodes?

MME Group anodes meet the U.S. Military A18001K specifications. This composition of zinc anodes is the result of more than forty years of studies and experiments conducted by corrosion scientists.