FAQ
Q. What does the name SCIPSA SYSTEM stand for?
A. Pronounced (Sip-sa SYSTEM) is an acronym that stands for:
Self Contained Ionic Pathway Sacrificial Anode System. Simply put, it means the pipe contains the fluid (Ionic Pathway) that makes it possible to apply sacrificial anodes to a non-buried or non-submersed pipe.
Q. What is a sacrificial anode?
A. A sacrificial Anode or sacrificial rod is a metallic anode used in cathodic protection, where it is intended to be dissolved to protect other metal components. The more active metal (the anode) is more easily oxidized than the protected metal (the cathode) and corrodes first (hence the term sacrificial).
The anode generally must oxidize nearly completely before the less active metal will corrode, therefore acting as a barrier against corrosion for the protected metal.
Q. How do Sacrificial Anodes work?
A. When the Anode is attached to a metal structure to be protected and the two are simultaneously submersed in water or buried in the earth, this creates an electrochemical cell. The earth or the water provides the ionic pathway necessary for cathodic protection to take place. Therefore, simply bolting a piece of active metal such as zinc to a less active metal, such as mild steel and leaving it in the open air will not provide any corrosion protection.
Q. Where are sacrificial anodes being used today?
A. They are most commonly used to protect but are not limited to:
- Underground water or fuel pipe lines.
- Underground storage tank.
- Steel pier piles.
- Ship Hulls (Both ocean and fresh water).
- Offshore oil platforms.
- Outboard marine engines (Both ocean and fresh water).
- Household hot water tanks.
Q. How successful are Sacrificial Anodes at corrosion control?
A. The Army Core of Engineers have set a standard for all three anodes types (aluminum, magnesium, zinc); it is referred to as a “mil spec”. When quality anodes are used, they are extremely effective in corrosion control. Anodes are currently being used all over the world to protect billions of dollars’ worth of structures.
If sacrificial anodes did not work, the corrosion rate to the above mentioned structures would be greatly increased, not to mention the overall cost of corrosion to individuals, businesses and government, would be devastating. The good news is that once an anode has expired, it can simply be replaced with a new one and the structure will continue to be protected from corrosion.
Q. Until now, why have Sacrificial Anodes never been used to protect surface pipes?
A. It is important to remember that in order for a sacrificial anode to work; both the structure and anode must be simultaneously buried or submersed in water. It is the earth or the water that provides the ionic pathway to complete the electrochemical cell necessary for cathodic protection. Therefore, attaching an anode to a non-submersed or non-buried pipe would provide no protection whatsoever.
Q. How has SCIPSA SYSTEM made it possible to use sacrificial anodes on surface pipes?
A. SCIPSA SYSTEM has designed and patented a special sleeve that will allow you to easily install an unobtrusive anode inside the pipe. The anode will utilize the pipes own fluid as the ionic pathway necessary for cathodic protection to take place. Hence the term (Self Contained Ionic Pathway).
Q. Does the grooved sleeve interfere with the coupling and pipe assembly?
A. No, after you install the anode, you simply assemble the coupling as you normally would.
Q. Why should we incorporate SCIPSA SYSTEM into our facility?
A. It is more cost effective, efficient and logistically friendly to install and replace anodes then it is to replace pipe lengths or entire pipe systems that have failed due to corrosion.
One case of anodes measures 10” x 15” x 20” and contains 12 anodes. That will protect 12 pipe lengths or 120 feet. (4inch schedule 10 rolled grooved pipe.)
One pallet of anodes contains 18 cases or 216 anodes. That will protect 216 pipes or 2160 feet. Three of these pallets will fit on one truck going underground (in a mining operation). The equivalent of bringing down 648 pipes or 6480 feet.
Q. What diameter pipe is SCIPSA SYSTEM compatible with?
A. SCIPSA SYSTEM is compatible with all rolled grooved and cut grooved pipe diameters from 3 inches and bigger.
Q. On the website it talks about pipe markers, field books and a computerized database, what is that all about?
A. The principle behind SCIPSA SYSTEM is to install record and maintain your pipe systems in order to get double or triple the expected life from them. Through the use of pipe markers and field books, all the pertinent information about each individual pipe system is then stored on a computer data base. This information will be used to track the life of your anodes and regulate pipe maintenance.
In addition:
- The database allows you to see each and every pipe system within your facility, including the entire history of the pipe system and its current condition.
- It will allow you the ability to track pipe installation progress.
- Installation and inspection reports promote communication between pipe installers and management.
- You will have the ability to compare installed pipe footage to purchased footage for inventory and usage purposes.
- Using field books, pipe markers and the database is essential when installing anodes, but the field books and database can also be used to manage all of your other services such as air and ventilation should you choose.
- Essentially, SCIPSA SYSTEM provides you the ability to see and manage all of your piping infrastructures from one convenient location no matter how big or small your facility may be.
Q. Is SCIPSA SYSTEM complicated or hard to use?
A. Absolutely not, we will take the time to show you and your staff everything there is to know from installing anodes to recording information in the user friendly database. In addition, any assistance you require will never be more than a phone call away.