Exam Question
(a) Briefly discuss the principle and the key components and elements of an ICCP system, outlining their functions in safeguarding the integrity of metal structures on ships. (8)
Class 2 (2nd Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Feb 2024
Reference Answer
### Principle of Operation
The principle of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system is to suppress the natural electrochemical corrosion of a ship's hull in seawater. Seawater acts as an electrolyte, and variations in the hull's steel structure and coatings create numerous small galvanic cells. In these cells, certain areas (anodes) corrode by losing electrons (oxidation), while other areas (cathodes) are protected.
The ICCP system counteracts this process by making the entire submerged hull surface a single, large cathode. It achieves this by:
1. **Impressing an External Current:** A controlled DC current is supplied from an external power source.
The principle of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system is to suppress the natural electrochemical corrosion of a ship's hull in seawater. Seawater acts as an electrolyte, and variations in the hull's steel structure and coatings create numerous small galvanic cells. In these cells, certain areas (anodes) corrode by losing electrons (oxidation), while other areas (cathodes) are protected.
The ICCP system counteracts this process by making the entire submerged hull surface a single, large cathode. It achieves this by:
1. **Impressing an External Current:** A controlled DC current is supplied from an external power source.
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