Nautical Term: Sacrificial anode
Definition of Sacrificial anode
A sacrificial anode is a zinc anode that is attached to the underwater sections of a ship’s hull. This anode is designed to prevent the deterioration of the hull steel due to electrochemical reactions.
For example, a large cargo ship might have a sacrificial anode weighing several hundred pounds attached to its hull. As the ship sails through seawater, any corrosion that would naturally occur on the hull steel is instead drawn to the sacrificial anode. Over time, the anode will gradually corrode and dissolve, releasing harmless zinc ions into the water. By doing so, the sacrificial anode effectively protects the hull steel of the ship from corrosion and damage, allowing the ship to safely and efficiently sail through the water for many years to come.
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