NACE 6A100

Abstract

<strong>Introduction</strong> <br>The decision to use protective coatings, cathodic protection, or both is often based on economic, safety, and environmental issues as well as the particular conditions of the structure under consideration. A well-trained and competent corrosion-control specialist weighs all factors to determine the methods of protection to be used for a particular structure and environment. <br>If a structure is coated but not cathodically protected, holidays or small defects can develop, resulting in pitting and possibly corrosion leaks. If the same structure is cathodically protected without coating, the operational costs would likely be prohibitive. The use of coatings in conjunction with cathodic protection is often considered the most effective and economically viable alternative. <br>The parameters for selection of a coating system and the design of a cathodic protection system can be determined after the mechanisms of performance and protection for each system are studied independently. <br>The desired corrosion-control objectives of a system can be realized only if the cathodic protection system is compatible with the coating selected. Most protective coatings are compatible with cathodic protection systems. However, cathodic protection can adversely affect a coating if both are used together in an improperly designed system. The determination of whether the cathodic protection system or the coating system is the primary means of protection occurs after determining whether one is compatible with the other.