Low signature cathodic protection systems
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When a steel
hull corrodes in water, electrical currents for the corrosion process exist in
the water around the vessel. Super-imposing controlled electrical currents from
ship-borne power supplies onto the hull can halt the corrosion process. This
method of controlling corrosion is known as Impressed Current Cathodic
Protection (ICCP).
Any
electrical currents flowing around a vessel, whether naturally occurring
corrosion currents, or those from an ICCP system, will cause the vessel to have
a detectable signature which must be minimised on military vessels.
Since the
requirement for reduced electrical signatures was identified in the early
1980’s. Aish Technologies has become the world leader in the supply of Low
Signature ICCP Systems.
The
latest generation of Aish equipment, (AishC3P) is computer controlled, which
allows hitherto unavailable flexibility in terms of system design and operation,
and permits operation with third party software. It therefore provides the ideal
hardware and software base for future systems, where Low Signature performance
needs to be combined with the ability to upgrade and keep pace with
ever-changing Mine-threat and Detection technologies.
AishC3P
also has application on ocean survey vessels where minimal background noise is
required by sensitive hull-mounted equipment.
Because AishC3P
can monitor trends in hull potentials and protection currents, it can contribute
to a Condition Based Maintenance programme, further reducing through-life costs.
AishC3P is software upgradeable to keep pace with advancing detection and mine threats, making it the ultimate in corrosion protection and signature control.
Other features:
- Hull
potentials and anode currents are displayed in real time.
- Fully
automatic unattended operation.
- Daily
or hourly readings accurately recorded on disc.
- Flexible
design for the protection of any marine structure.
- Compatible
with a wide range of anodes and reference cells.
- Major
contribution to Condition based maintenance programmes