Cathodic protection is a technique used to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces, especially those submerged in water or buried underground. It works by making the metal surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell, which reduces the oxidation process that causes rust and deterioration. This is often achieved by attaching a more reactive metal, known as a sacrificial anode, to the structure, which corrodes instead of the protected metal.
There are two main types of cathodic protection: galvanic and impressed current. Galvanic protection uses the natural electrochemical properties of metals, while impressed current systems use an external power source to provide a continuous flow of electrical current. Both methods are widely used in industries like oil and gas, marine, and infrastructure to