What is BS EN 12496 - Galvanic anodes for cathodic protection in seawater about?
BS EN 12496 is a European Standard on cathodic protection in seawater and saline mud that discusses the minimum requirements for the galvanic anodes quality levels and verification procedures.
The main aim of the BS EN 12496 series is to ensure optimal performance and service life of shipbuilding and marine structures.
BS EN 12496 specifies the minimum requirements and gives recommendations for the chemical composition, the electrochemical properties, the physical tolerances, and the test and inspection procedures for cast galvanic anodes of aluminium, magnesium and zinc-based alloys for cathodic protection in seawater and saline mud.
BS EN 12496 is applicable to the majority of galvanic anodes used for seawater and saline mud applications, i.e., cast anodes of trapezoidal, "D", or circular cross-section and bracelet type anodes.
The general requirements and recommendations of BS EN 12496 may also be applied to other anode shapes, e.g., half-spherical, button, etc., which are sometimes used for seawater applications.
Who is BS EN 12496 - Galvanic anodes for cathodic protection in seawater for?
BS EN 12496 on cathodic protection in seawater is useful for:
- Manufacturers and designers of galvanic anodes
- Manufacturers and suppliers of metals and steels used in the marine and shipbuilding industry
- Oil and gas industry
- Naval and defence authorities
- Regulatory bodies
- National authorities
Why should you use BS EN 12496 - Galvanic anodes for cathodic protection in seawater?
The anticipated performance, including design life, of the cast galvanic anodes for use in sea water and saline mud is determined by their composition and the quality of their manufacture.
BS EN 12496 specifies the minimum requirements for the galvanic anodes’ quality levels and verification procedures
BS EN 12496 covers galvanic anode materials and their properties such that the alloys used are suitable for the specific application.
Guidance on the anode design and acceptance criteria ensure that the anodes, including cores and supports give the specified performance during fabrication, transport, installation and operation. With BS EN 12496-compliant dimensions and shapes of anodes, the resistance of steel core and attachments to mechanical forces such as waves, currents, pile driving or vibration can be improved.
BS EN 12496 also provides best industry guidance on physical tolerances for galvanic anodes, composition and performance properties for galvanic anodes and walks your through various electrochemical tests to verify whether your products are fit for purpose.
Overall, BS EN 12496 can assist you in preventing corrosion of metals and thus in maintaining the performance, durability and structural integrity of galvanic anodes for intended marine operations.
