Stress corrosion cracking prevention using solar electricity.

Khanji Harijan; M. A.  Uqaili; Mushtaq Mirani

Author(s)

Khanji Harijan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

M. A. Uqaili Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Mushtaq Mirani Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Abstract

Metallic structures exposed to soil and water naturally experience corrosion due to electrolytic action. These structures are also subjected to sustained tensile stresses. The combined effects of corrosion and stress results in stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Removal of either of these i.e. stress or corrosion prevents SCC. The cathodic protection (CP) prevents corrosion, and hence prevents stress corrosion cracking. Solar photovoltaic (PV) generated electricity can be best external power source for CP systems especially in remote areas. This paper presents CP system using solar PV generated electricity as an external power source for prevention of SCC of metallic structures. The paper also compares CP systems using solar electricity with those of CP systems using conventional electricity. The paper concludes that a solar electricity power system provides a reliable solution for powering CP stations especially in remote areas, enables the placing of CP units in any location, and thus ensures optimal current distribution for the exact protection requirements. The paper also concludes that solar electricity CP systems are well suited for SCC protection of metallic structures especially in remote areas of an energy deficit country like Pakistan.

Publication Details

Page(s) 27-36

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Quaid-e-Awam University Research Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, Volume: 5, Issue: 1, Year: 2004

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