Improvement of the Reference Cell for Impressed Current Cathodic Protection

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system is the standard method utilized by the Navy for the corrosion protection of fleet ship hulls in seawater. Long term performance of existing and next generation digital controlled ICCP systems requires a high level of performance from the reference cells. However, existing reference cell designs have several performance and reliability issues that have resulted in nuisance alarms, non-optimal operation of the ICCP system, and substantial rework and repair. To address those challenges, during the Phase I project Lynntech developed and tested Advanced Reference Cells (ARC) with high reliability/maintainability by the use of (i) enhanced surface structure, resulting on a rugged, very stable reference electrode; (ii) a protective coating; and (iii) a self diagnosis tool to be incorporated into the digital controlled system for the on-board ARC diagnostic/prognostic. The goal of the Phase II project is to further develop and test rugged, long-life ARC with improved reliability and maintainability for ICCP system required for corrosion protection for use in naval applications. At the end of the Phase II Option, Lynntech will deliver ARC prototypes to the Navy.