What is the typical potential range for magnesium anodes in cathodic protection?

The typical potential range for magnesium anodes in cathodic protection systems is indeed between -1.55 volts to -1.75 volts. This range is important as it signifies the effective operating potential of magnesium anodes when used for cathodic protection, particularly in various electrolytic environments such as soils and waters.

Magnesium anodes are commonly utilized in applications where it is essential to protect metal structures from corrosion. The potential range indicates the voltage at which the magnesium anode sacrifices itself to prevent the underlying metal surface from corroding. This range is optimized to ensure sufficient driving force for corrosion protection while balancing the risks of overly negative potentials, which could lead to detrimental side effects or reduced effectiveness of the cathodic protection system.

Understanding this range is crucial for professionals working with cathodic protection systems as it impacts the selection and installation of anodes, as well as the overall performance of the cathodic protection strategy employed.