The Effects of Temperature on Anode Performance

Over the past 20 years, Vector Corrosion Technologies has learned a great deal about how galvanic anodes perform, age and protect steel in reinforced concrete. The factors that influence galvanic anode performance and service life are the surface-to-mass ratio of the zinc core, the zinc core activation method (alkali vs. halide) and the environmental exposure condition, including the level of chloride contamination, moisture and temperature.

This video will focus on the temperature factor by visualizing the relationship between environmental temperature and anode performance and service life.

1. When temperature increases, the rate of most chemical reactions, including corrosion of steel, zinc and other metals, increases due to the increased frequency of molecular collisions.
2. When corrosion of reinforcing steel or a zinc anode increases, there is a corresponding increase in current discharge resulting in an increased consumption rate of the zinc core.
3. For every 10 degrees Celsius (50-60 Fahrenheit) increase in the temperature of the environment the anode is placed in, there is a corresponding doubling of current discharge resulting in a doubling of the zinc consumption rate resulting in a halving of life.
4. Vector Corrosion Technologies’ anode spacing tables are designed for environments with average annual temperatures of 10-15C (50-60F).
5. If the average annual temperature of an environment exceeds 15C (60F), the engineer should consider the Galvashield XPX or CCX to achieve the 20-year target service life of all XP and CC anodes.

Find more documentation on this topic here: https://www.vector-corrosion.com/tech...