Inexperienced people who would like to buy sacrificial anodes may end up with an inappropriate anode if they do not know the specific form that is ideal for a given application. This article discusses some of the basic forms of magnesium anodes. Use this information as you select the most appropriate anodes for your project.
Rod anodes
Many homeowners are familiar with the rod-shaped anodes because these are the ones that are used in some hot water heaters. Rod anodes vary in length and diameter. They have plain ends that one can use to connect the anode to the material that requires protection from corrosion due to the presence of dissimilar metal in an electrolyte, such as water. The end of the rod is usually threaded so that it can sit firmly once installed.
Service anodes
Another common form of magnesium sacrificial anodes is the service anode. This anode may be D-shaped or circular. Service anodes are ideal for protecting short sections of service pipes, such as water pipes. Some of these anodes come with an insert that you can screw into a slot on the pipe called a blind tee. That insert provides a firm connection that ensures that any electrical activity will focus on the anode instead of the metal that is being protected. Other service anodes come packaged. Such anodes come in two or more components that have mechanisms for controlling the flow of electrons within the electrolyte, such as damp soil.
Ribbon anodes
Magnesium anodes are also available in the form of ribbons. These anodes are made in coils of standard lengths unless a client orders a custom length. Ribbon anodes can also be used in situations where service anodes can work. The ribbons can be welded onto the surface that needs to be protected from corrosion. Ribbon anodes can turn out to be cheaper than service anodes in case you want to place these devices at different points on a pipeline. This is because one only needs to cut the appropriate section from a coil instead of buying individual service anodes.
Each of these types of magnesium anodes has their pros and cons. It is therefore beneficial for you to describe your exact requirements so that an expert can help you to select the anodes that are best suited to those service requirements. Alternatively, you can ask the professional to visit your facility so that an on-spot assessment of your needs can be done before advice is given.
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