An Electrode Array Probe Regulated Closed-Loop Cathodic Protection Technology for Localized Corrosion Prevention and Control

Abstract Although cathodic protection (CP) has been widely used for general corrosion prevention, conventional CP does not have the capability of adjusting its protection potential and current levels based on changing corrosion conditions and mechanisms, therefor conventional CP can have issues with under-protection or over-protection that limit the ability of controlling localized corrosion in complex and varying environments or cause cathodic disbondment of coatings and hydrogen embrittlement. Recently, a new CP technology has been developed to address these issues by means of an electrochemically integrated multielectrode array and closed-loop CP control. This paper presents basic principles of the technology and typical cases of using the technology to mitigate localized corrosion under disbonded coatings on underground pipelines. Discussion is extended to future perspectives of using this technology to prevent the pre-mature failure and extend the safe operational life of renewable energy structures.