Body

Abstract

A sacrificial electrode system for cathodically protecting an iron and/or steel object against corrosion comprising of a sacrificial anodic material containing, but not limited to, zinc, magnesium, aluminum or a mixture of these materials, with a magnet, preferably of the ceramic type, coupled with a cap plate, embedded into the sacrificial anode material so that advantage can be taken of the magnetic flux for transfer of electrons from the anode material to the object being protected, the unit is affixed to the object being protected by use of an electrically conductive adhesive. The electrical connection is established via the combination of ceramic magnet and electrically conductive adhesive. The magnet is magnetized in the direction of its thickness and the conversion of Fe 2 O 3 into Fe 3 O 4 us furthered by the use of the electrically conductive adhesive and the magnet with cap plate.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of cathodically protecting a ferrous metal object against corrosion, comprising the steps of providing a magnet means having a ceramic magnet portion embedded into. Electrically conductive material having an equal or more negative potential than the object to be protected to the magnet means in a manner such that said electrically conductive adhesive constitutes the part of said magnet means which contacts the object to be protected. Mounting on and electrically connecting to sacrificial anode which constitutes said protective electrode and placing said magnet means with the protected object against which the object is to be protected by placing a surface of the anode in contact with the object is to be protected and the magnet means to the object to be protected and the magnet means does not accelerate the corrosion of the object to be protected after the protecting electrode is consumed.  
     
     
         2 . A method of attaching a sacrificial anode by means of an electrically conductive adhesive while enhancing the cathodic protection process through the use of a magnet embedded into the sacrificial anode utilizing the beneficial properties of the magnet in a new and unique way.  
     
     
         3 . A method of protecting objects that have been formally overlooked in the use of passive cathodic protection.