What is the primary purpose of a cathodic protection system?

The primary purpose of a cathodic protection system is to prevent corrosion on metal structures. This technology is effectively employed to protect structures such as pipelines, tanks, and steel reinforcements in concrete from the damaging effects of electrochemical corrosion, which can lead to structural failure and safety hazards.

Cathodic protection achieves this by shifting the electrochemical potential of a metal surface to a more negative value, thereby reducing the rate of corrosion reactions. This is accomplished through various methods, which include the use of impressed current systems and sacrificial anodes. Impressed current systems utilize a power supply to provide a continuous current to the structure, while sacrificial anodes, made from materials that corrode more easily, provide a source of electrons that protects the more important metal structure.

While the other options may involve related concepts within electrical engineering and materials science, they do not address the specific goal of cathodic protection systems, which is to combat corrosion and protect infrastructure integrity. Understanding this fundamental purpose helps clarify why cathodic protection is critical in many industries where metal structures are exposed to corrosive environments.