Cathodic protection monitoring
MA-1™ monitored sacrificial anode

The cathodic protection "fuel gauge." Monitored anode performance allows operators to predict CP system life.

The Polatrak MA-1 provides a reliable, accurate method for monitoring anode performance and consumption. It can be hard-wired to the surface or connected to a SunStation subsea readout, making it suitable for any depth.

The MA-1 allows accurate logging of the total number of ampere-hours delivered by the anode. The time-consuming acts of cleaning an anode and visually estimating consumption (an inherently unreliable method) are no longer required. The unique design of the monolithic isolators provides 100% life-cycle reliability; there are no insulated flange joints or other unreliable components. The double-armored wires used on all Polatrak instruments ensure full life-cycle performance.

Polatrak monitors have an excellent record of success and are found on more offshore structures worldwide than any other fixed-monitoring system. The system has been applied to all galvanic anode types, including platform anodes, flush-mount anodes and onshore and offshore pipeline bracelets.

Applications

Offshore platform jackets

The standard MA-1 monitor is designed for new structures, including those where sacrificial anodes are used for cathodic protection. Monitored anodes can be hardwired to the surface or connected subsea, if necessary, to a SunStation subsea readout.

Offshore and onshore pipelines

With slight modification, the Polatrak monitor can be attached to any type of pipeline bracelet anode and used offshore or onshore for buried pipelines (pictured in Alaska). The anodes are hard-wired to monitoring panels above ground or water.

Custom anode applications

Polatrak anode monitors are available without anode, so they can be applied to any anode desired by the operator.

Subsea equipment (when used with SunStation subsea readout)

For deep-water subsea equipment with no topside area to house monitoring panels, a SunStation subsea readout is required. The MA-1 is wired to the readout, which is read by a visiting ROV. The light from the ROV activates the readout and the camera takes the reading.

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Key design points

1. The cathodic protection "fuel gauge"

The MA-1 allows an operator to accurately measure anode consumption and remaining life without interference with the anode. The data for a handful of anodes will give general trends for the entire cathodic-protection system.

2. Gives direct verification of CP-design criteria

Verification of certain anode performance allows corrosion engineers to evaluate not only the design of a particular system, but of design methodology in general.

3. Designed for any type of anode

The MA-1 system is available for all types of major sacrificial anodes (platform anodes, pipeline bracelets, etc.), and can be used offshore or onshore on buried pipelines. The system is also available without anode, allowing it to be attached to the desired anode in the fabrication yard.