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In modern industrial and infrastructure development, corrosion of metal structures is a key factor affecting safety and durability. Cathodic protection technology, as an effective anti-corrosion method, is widely used to protect metal structures in various harsh environments. MMO tubular anode strings, as an important component of impressed current cathodic protection systems, have become an ideal choice in the field of cathodic protection due to their excellent performance and broad application scenarios.
The core of MMO tubular anode strings is the mixed metal oxide (MMO) coating, which is typically composed of noble metal oxides such as iridium (IrO₂), tantalum (Ta₂O₅), and ruthenium (RuO₂), applied to a titanium substrate. This design endows the anode strings with the following significant features:
High Corrosion Resistance: The MMO coating can remain stable in acidic, alkaline, and seawater environments, effectively resisting corrosion.
Low Consumption Rate: The anode has a very low consumption rate (≤6mg/A·a), which means it has a long service life and reduces the frequency of replacements.
Efficient Current Output: The current output range is wide (52mA/m to 600mA/m), which can meet the cathodic protection needs of different scales.
Good Flexibility: Compared with traditional rigid anodes, MMO tubular anode strings have better flexibility and can adapt to complex installation environments.
The marine environment is extremely corrosive to metal structures. Factors such as salinity, microorganisms, waves, and tides in seawater can all accelerate the corrosion of metals. MMO tubular anode strings, with their excellent corrosion resistance, are widely used in the anti-corrosion protection of submarine pipelines, offshore platforms, and dock facilities. For example, in the cathodic protection of large marine steel structures, MMO tubular anodes can be combined into remote anodes, which have the advantages of simple installation and wide protection range.
Pipelines and storage tanks in the petrochemical field often need to withstand the tests of high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media. MMO tubular anode strings can continuously provide protective current to the protected body, effectively prevent corrosion, and extend the service life of equipment.
Municipal infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and subways also face severe corrosion challenges. Once these facilities suffer from corrosion damage, it will not only affect their normal use but also pose a threat to the life and property safety of the people. As an efficient and reliable anti-corrosion material, MMO tubular anode strings have been widely used in these fields.
Long-distance oil and gas pipelines usually adopt a corrosion protection system of "anti-corrosion coating + cathodic protection." As the pipeline operation time extends, the anti-corrosion coating may age and cause its insulation resistance to decrease, weakening its anti-corrosion performance. At this time, MMO tubular anode cathodic protection systems can be added to the sections that are insufficiently protected to achieve an economical and effective update of the pipeline corrosion protection system.
The installation process of MMO tubular anode strings is relatively simple and quick, and they do not require frequent maintenance checks during use, greatly reducing maintenance costs. For example, pre-packaged MMO tubular anodes include an external steel casing, internal MMO tubular anodes, porous coke particles with good air permeability, and an internal exhaust pipe. This design ensures the maximization of current output from the anode surface and avoids gas blockage.
MMO tubular anode strings, with their excellent corrosion resistance, efficient current output, good flexibility, and low maintenance costs, have shown great application potential in the field of cathodic protection. Whether in marine engineering, the petrochemical industry, municipal infrastructure, or long-distance oil and gas pipelines, MMO tubular anode strings can provide reliable anti-corrosion protection, extend the service life of metal structures, and ensure the safe operation of facilities.
