An impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system uses an external DC power source to drive a controlled current through inert anodes to a protected metallic structure, suppressing the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. ICCP is specified where galvanic (sacrificial) systems cannot deliver the current required, such as on long pipelines, storage tanks, offshore platforms and marine vessels. Corrpro Europe designs, manufactures and installs ICCP systems for clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, with all major components produced at our UK facility.
A typical ICCP system has three primary components: a transformer rectifier (TR) that converts AC mains power into controlled DC output, a groundbed of inert anodes connected to the positive terminal, and the protected structure connected to the negative terminal. The DC current flows through the electrolyte (soil, water or concrete) from the anodes to the protected surface, polarising the steel to a potential at which corrosion is suppressed.
The system is sized so that the protective current density and potentials on the structure surface is sufficient to meet the acceptance criteria defined in ISO 15589-1, ISO 15589-2 or AMPP SP0169. Reference electrodes installed at representative points provide continuous feedback on the protection level achieved, and the TR output can be adjusted (manually/automatically or remotely) to maintain it.
ICCP is the preferred solution for:
For smaller structures, well-coated assets or applications where electrical isolation is practical, sacrificial cathodic protection systems remain a sensible alternative. The choice between ICCP and sacrificial CP is determined by current demand, electrolyte resistivity, design life and access for maintenance.
Corrpro Europe designs and supplies every major ICCP system component.
Supplied under the Hockway™brand, manufactured in the UK in air-cooled and oil-cooled configurations, for safer area or ATEX and IECEx certified models for hazardous area installations. See our dedicated Hockway™ Transformer Rectifiers page for full specifications.
Anodes are selected based on application:
Copper/copper sulphate, silver/silver chloride and zinc reference electrodes provide continuous potential measurement at representative locations across the protected structure. The reference cell type shall be selected depending on the environment.
Junction boxes allow current distribution and individual circuit monitoring. Cables, terminations and cathode connections are supplied to project specification.
Continuous performance data is captured through our Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring Systems, integrated directly with Hockway™ TR units via the Remote Monitoring and Control System (RMCS).
Corrpro Europe has designed and delivered ICCP systems across:
Each system is designed to the specific current demand, environmental conditions and design life of the asset, with system architecture and component selection driven by client specification and applicable standards.
Every Corrpro Europe ICCP system is designed and built to the relevant international standards:
Engineering is led by AMPP and ICorr certified specialists, with field installation supported by ICorr and AMPP certified technicians. Discuss your specification with our certified engineers.
Corrpro Europe has been delivering ICCP systems for over 50 years. Our UK manufacturing facility at Stockton-on-Tees produces transformer rectifiers, anodes, reference electrodes and junction boxes to order, supporting short lead times and bespoke specifications. Every project is supported from initial site survey through detailed design, manufacture, installation and ongoing performance monitoring as required.
We work with operators across oil and gas, marine, renewables, water and process industries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, with engineering authority held by AMPP and ICorr certified specialists
An ICCP system uses an external DC power source, typically a transformer rectifier, to drive a controlled current through inert anodes to a protected metallic structure. The current suppresses the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. ICCP is used for assets that cannot be adequately protected by sacrificial (galvanic) anodes alone.
A well-designed ICCP system delivers protection for 25 to 30 years or longer. The transformer rectifier is typically rated for 25 years of continuous operation, and modern MMO anodes can be designed for 30 years or more depending on current density and operating environment. Reference electrodes and monitoring components may require replacement during the design life.
ICCP is preferred where the current demand exceeds what galvanic anodes can practically deliver, where electrolyte resistivity is high, where the protected structure is large or where adjustable protection over the design life is required. Galvanic systems remain the preferred choice for smaller, well-coated assets, hot spots and areas where a passive solution is operationally simpler.
ICCP uses an external DC power source and inert anodes that are not dimensionally consumed by the protection process (although anodes do experience performance loss by time). Sacrificial cathodic protection uses anodes of a more electronegative metal (zinc, aluminium or magnesium) that corrode preferentially to protect the structure. Sacrificial systems are passive and need no external power. ICCP is active and adjustable.
ICCP systems are monitored through periodic site surveys (CIPS, DCVG, on/off potential measurement) and increasingly through remote monitoring systems that capture continuous data on TR output and reference electrode potentials. ISO 15589-1 sets out the minimum monitoring frequency required for compliant operation.
To discuss an ICCP system for a new project or to assess an existing installation, contact the Corrpro Europe engineering team. Our specialists are AMPP and ICorr certified and have delivered ICCP systems across every major asset class in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Download our ICCP system overview datasheet or speak to an engineer to start a project conversation.