Product Overview
Magnesium ribbon anodes are extruded for cathodic protection systems requiring a high driving potential and flexibility in restricted spaces. Produced from high-purity magnesium or AZ63 alloy, the ribbon features a centrally embedded galvanized steel core wire that ensures mechanical strength and continuous electrical continuity. Its high surface-area-to-mass ratio makes it suited for high-resistivity soils, AC mitigation grounding mats, and internal protection of buried pipelines or storage tanks where standard cast anodes cannot fit.
Key Features
High Driving Potential: Delivers an open-circuit potential of -1.55 V to -1.70 V vs. CSE, ensuring effective polarization in soils with resistivity exceeding 2,000 Ω·cm.
Continuous Steel Core: A mild steel core wire (Ø 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm) runs through the entire length, preventing separation during pulling and simplifying electrical connections.
Flexible Geometry: Flat, thin profile allows direct installation in tight boreholes, rocky trenches, and annular spaces around coated pipes.
Controlled Current Efficiency: Optimized alloy microstructures limit self-corrosion, maintaining consistent electrochemical output over the project design life.
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
High-Purity Grade (ASTM B843 Alloy M19310) |
AZ63 Grade |
|
Aluminum (Al) |
≤ 0.01% |
5.3% - 6.7% |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
≤ 0.03% |
2.5% - 3.5% |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.50% - 1.3% |
0.15% min |
|
Copper (Cu) |
≤ 0.02% |
≤ 0.05% |
|
Iron (Fe) |
≤ 0.003% |
≤ 0.005% |
|
Open Circuit Potential (vs. CSE) |
-1.55 V to -1.70 V |
-1.50 V to -1.55 V |
|
Current Efficiency |
≥ 50% |
≥ 50% |
|
Consumption Rate |
≈ 7.4 kg/(A·year) |
≈ 7.9 kg/(A·year) |
Standard dimensions available upon request (e.g., 10.7 × 6.35 mm, 12.7 × 3.18 mm). Custom width-to-thickness ratios extruded to project tolerances.
Materials & Available Options
Alloy Composition: Available in High-Purity Magnesium (for low chloride environments / high resistivity) and AZ63 / AZ31 (for standard industrial applications).
Core Wire Materials: Galvanized mild steel wire standard; stainless steel core options available for corrosive marine or acidic backfill conditions.
Packaging Formats: Supplied on wooden reels or coiled in cardboard drums, configured for horizontal or vertical unspooling equipment.
Applications
AC Mitigation: Installed parallel to high-voltage transmission lines to drain induced AC currents and reduce touch-potential hazards.
Underground Pipelines: Supplemental cathodic protection in high-resistivity soil crossings, road casings, and congested utility corridors.
Storage Tanks: Bottom-plate protection in above-ground storage tanks where under-tank clearance is minimal.
Water Heaters & Vessels: Internal anode installation for domestic and industrial glass-lined water storage tanks.
Customization Options
Dimensional Tolerances
Ribbon width and thickness adjustable within ± 0.1 mm per client engineering drawings.
Core Wire Diameter
Custom core sizing (1.5 mm to 3.2 mm) to match specific crimping or welding connector requirements.
Coil Length
Continuous spooling up to 305 m (1,000 ft) per reel to minimize field joints.
Quality Control & Manufacturing Standards
Extrusion Process: Direct hydraulic extrusion presses maintain uniform cross-sectional density and eliminate internal gas porosity.
Spectrochemical Analysis: Every melt lot is tested using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) to verify trace element limits per ASTM B843.
Mechanical Testing: Tensile strength and elongation testing performed on core wire bonds to ensure structural integrity during trench laying.
Documentation: Each shipment includes a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) detailing chemical composition, weight per meter, and open-circuit potential test results. Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV) accommodated prior to dispatch.
Packaging & Shipping
Reel Protection: Spooled on moisture-resistant plywood reels, secured with steel strapping, and wrapped in anti-corrosion VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitory) film.
Palletization: Packed on ISPM 15 heat-treated wooden pallets configured for forklift handling and container stuffing.
Export Compliance: Standard seaworthy packaging designed for international LCL/FCL ocean freight and air cargo transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical service life of a magnesium ribbon anode?
A: Service life depends on current output, soil resistivity, and total mass per meter. Engineers calculate design life using Faraday's Law based on the specific operating current density and anode weight specified in the project drawings.
Q: Can magnesium ribbon anodes be used in concrete structures?
A: No. Magnesium anodes expand significantly as they corrode, which can crack concrete. Zinc or titanium ribbon anodes are recommended for reinforced concrete structures.
Q: What backfill material should be used with ribbon anodes?
A: In soil installations, a low-resistivity prepared backfill (typically 75% gypsum, 20% bentonite, 5% sodium sulfate) is required to maintain uniform moisture retention and lower anode-to-soil resistance.
Q: How is electrical connection made to the ribbon anode?
A: Connection is typically made by stripping the magnesium to expose the steel core wire, then thermite welding (cadwelding) or mechanical compression fitting a copper cable to the core wire.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom dimensions?
A: MOQs depend on the alloy type and extrusion die availability. Standard sizes are stocked in regular production cycles, while custom profile runs typically require a 500 kg minimum order quantity.
Q: Do you provide third-party inspection reports?
A: Yes. Factory acceptance testing (FAT) data is standard, and we fully support independent third-party inspections upon request.
Request a Quote (RFQ)
To receive a formal engineering quotation within 24 hours, please submit your project parameters:
Alloy Grade Required: (e.g., High-Purity ASTM B843 / AZ63)
Ribbon Dimensions: Width × Thickness (mm)
Core Wire Diameter: (mm)
Total Quantity: (Total meters or total weight in kg)
Destination Port / Zip Code: (For freight calculation)
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