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Mag Anode Performance
Introduction
Magnesium anodes are the primary sacrificial anode used for underground cathodic protection. There is a great deal of technical information and many publications detailing the application of magnesium anodes. This review is intended to provide summary information and brief guidelines in the selection of anodes.
Magnesium Alloy
Two alloys are commonly used for cathodic protection applications. These alloys are generically known as High-Potential Magnesium and H-1 alloy. High potential alloys are produced from primary magnesium refined from saltwater. This alloy provides the maximum output with open circuit voltage exceeding -1.70 volts relative to copper sulfate. H-1 alloy also known as AZ-63 is produced from secondary magnesium sources through recycling facilities. This alloy provides a much lower driving voltage in the range of -1.40 volts relative to copper sulfate. The selection of alloy requires consideration of current requirements, soil resistivity, and costs. In most cases where current demand requires the use of multiple anodes, high potential alloy is the most economical choice.
Standard chemistry requirements for the two alloys are:
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* The H-1 alloy supplied is Grade A .