What are the Main Applications of ICCP Systems?

Question:

Where are Impressed Current Cathodic Protection systems commonly applied?

Answer:

ICCP systems are highly versatile and are employed across various industries to protect a wide range of metallic structures exposed to corrosive environments, particularly in soil or submerged in water. Their ability to provide adjustable and long-term protection makes them ideal for large and critical infrastructure.

Common Applications Include:

  Pipelines: Protecting buried oil, gas, and water pipelines from external corrosion [6].
  Marine Structures: Safeguarding ships' hulls, offshore platforms, jetties, and subsea pipelines in seawater environments.
  Storage Tanks: Preventing corrosion in the external bottoms of above-ground storage tanks and the internal surfaces of water storage tanks.
  Reinforced Concrete Structures: Protecting steel rebar in concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings from chloride-induced corrosion.
  Power Plants: Protecting cooling water intake structures and other submerged components.
  Industrial Facilities: Various metallic structures within chemical plants, refineries, and other industrial settings.

Data Support:

Impressed current systems (ICS) are defined as cathodic protection systems used in applications with high power demands, such as large water storage tanks, offshore platforms, and pipelines.[7]

References:

• 1] Repreve. (2025). *9+ What is a Cathodic IPS System? & Uses*. Retrieved from [https://signup.repreve.com/what-is-a-cathodic-ips-system/

• 2] Corrosionpedia. (n.d.). *Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)*. Retrieved from [https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/1237/impressed-current-cathodic-protection-iccp

• 3] AM Carbon. (2023). *What Is Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)?*. Retrieved from [https://amcarbon.com/understanding-impressed-current-cathodic-protection-iccp/

• 4] Matcor. (n.d.). *Cathodic Protection—What is it? How Does it Work?*. Retrieved from [https://www.matcor.com/resources/cathodic-protection/

• 5] Cathwell. (2023). *Cathodic protection explained*. Retrieved from [https://cathwell.com/cathodic-protection-explained/

• 6] VA Engineering. (2023). *GACP vs. ICCP - Which Cathodic Protection System is Right for My Project?*. Retrieved from [https://www.vaengineering.com/blog-1/2023/3/21/gacp-vs-iccp-which-cathodic-protection-system-is-right-for-my-project

• 7] ScienceDirect. (n.d.). *Impressed Current System - an overview*. Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/impressed-current-system

• 8] ScienceDirect. (n.d.). *Cathodic Protection System - an overview*. Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/cathodic-protection-system

• 9] Inspectioneering. (n.d.). *Overview of Cathodic Protection*. Retrieved from [https://inspectioneering.com/tag/cathodic+protection

• 10] USACE. (2021). *EM 1110-2-2704, Cathodic Protection Systems (CPS) For Civil Works Structures*. Retrieved from [https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Users/182/86/2486/11EM_1110-2-2704%20(003).pdf.pdf)