How Cathodic Protection Works
CoilShield uses cathodic protection—a proven technology that has protected critical infrastructure for two centuries. Here's how it works:
The Electrochemical Principle
When dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte (like condensate water on your coil), they form a galvanic cell. In an unprotected coil, aluminum corrodes to protect copper. CoilShield reverses this process by introducing a more active metal (magnesium in sacrificial systems) that becomes the anode, forcing the coil to become cathodic—and protected.
Sacrificial Anode Systems
Our economical passive protection system works automatically with no power required:
- Magnesium anode clamps directly to the suction line
- When the system operates, condensation forms on both the anode and the coil
- The condensate acts as an electrolyte, completing the galvanic circuit
- Magnesium's high driving voltage (-1.6V) forces protective current through the system
- The coil becomes cathodic (protected); the anode becomes anodic (sacrificial)
- Corrosion attacks the replaceable anode instead of your irreplaceable coil
ICCP Systems for Critical Applications
For larger systems or more aggressive environments, our Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system provides precise, adjustable protection:
- Inert titanium anode connects to the refrigerant system
- Controller monitors protection levels via reference electrode
- Precisely regulated DC current maintains optimal protection
- Adjustable for varying conditions and larger systems
- Real-time monitoring for critical facilities
Self-Regulating Protection
Here's the elegant part: CoilShield's protection activates automatically when the coil is wet—which is exactly when corrosion occurs.
- Dry coil = no electrolyte = no corrosion = protection not needed
- Wet coil = electrolyte present = corrosion possible = protection active
The system is inherently self-regulating. Protection scales with need.
200 Years of Proven Performance
This isn't experimental technology. Cathodic protection has protected trillions of dollars of infrastructure worldwide. Every new ship uses it. Every major pipeline uses it. Every underground fuel storage tank uses it. Now it protects your HVAC coils.