Galvanic corrosion causes metal parts to decompose. This destructive process is caused by electrolysis, an electrical current set up between the metal parts of the ship, with salt water as the electrolyte. Corrosion is greater where dissimilar metals are used, for example, a steel hull and a bronze propeller. The results are unattractive, affect operating performance and cause excessive maintenance of hull, propellers, engine, accessories and fittings.

     The technique of providing Cathodic protection for ships, piers and other structures is a refined science. This electro-chemical process involves preferential galvanic action through the use of Alchemy’s sacrificial anodes to avoid corrosion of other metals. The process supplies enough electrons from the sacrificial anodes to the atoms of the submerged surfaces of other metals to stop them from losing sufficient electrons, losing bond, and going into solution in the salt water electrolytic as ions.

     Metals are rated according to their voltage potential beginning with the Anodic, least noble, through the Cathodic, or most noble. Electrical current flows from the more active metal, the “Positive Anode”, to the less active metal, the “Negative Anode”. The closer metals are to each other in this series, the lower the tendency to produce galvanic corrosion from one to the other.

     Alchemy’s anodes are highly active and provide long-term galvanic performance characteristics, even consumption and longer active life. Cathodic protection is achieved by electrically and physically attaching zinc anodes to the metal surfaces. The number, size and style of anodes required will depend on the specific application. Anodes are low-cost replacement parts and should be inspected and replaced as required during regular maintenance.