Sacrificial Magnesium Anodes
BSS Technologies manufactures Sacrificial Magnesium Anodes engineered for buried steel pipelines, underground storage tanks, potable water vessels, and high-resistivity soil environments.
What Are Magnesium Anodes and Why They Are Used in Cathodic Protection?
Magnesium sacrificial anodes are crafted from high-purity magnesium or specialized alloys (like Mg-Mn and Mg-Al-Zn) to protect buried and submerged metallic infrastructure. Their exceptional reactivity makes them the ideal choice for high-resistivity soils and freshwater environments where lower-potential materials fall short.
Delivering an industry-leading −1.75 V (vs. CSE) potential, magnesium easily drives protective current through highly resistant environments without the need for external power. To maximize performance in soil, these anodes are supplied in a specialized, moisture-retaining backfill that minimizes earth resistance and actively keeps your steel assets protected.
The Galvanic Principle & Performance
Sacrificial magnesium anodes provide the highest driving voltage of all galvanic materials. High-potential alloys deliver an open-circuit potential of −1.70 V to −1.77 V (vs. Cu/CuSO4), while standard magnesium alloys maintain −1.57 V to −1.62 V. When connected to buried carbon steel, this voltage efficiently drives current through high-resistivity soil electrolytes.
Magnesium offers a theoretical current capacity of 2,200 Ah/kg and an actual operational capacity of 1,100 Ah/kg to 1,115 Ah/kg at an electrochemical efficiency of 50%. With a low metal density of 1,740 kg/m³, magnesium provides lightweight current discharge, making it the preferred choice for buried pipelines, storage tanks, and fresh water structures where soil resistivities exceed 2,000 Ω-cm.
Key Technical Factors for Anode Selection
Selecting the correct magnesium anode configuration requires precise engineering calculations. BSS Technologies determines optimal anode weight, alloy type, and backfill volume based on:
Soil resistivity profile along the pipeline alignment.
Structure surface area, coating type, and expected coating breakdown factor over time.
Required operational design life (typically 10 to 30 years).
Electrolyte medium (soil, fresh water, brackish water, or internal vessel fluid).
Types of Magnesium Anodes We Provide
From standard hull and tank configurations to custom-cast solutions for complex offshore structures, we manufacture and supply reliable corrosion defense tailored to your project requirements.
High-Potential Cast Magnesium Anodes
Cast from high-purity alloy providing −1.75 V solution potential.
Delivers high current discharge in high-resistivity soils.
Equipped with galvanized steel core wire for secure cable bonding.
Ideal for cross-country pipelines and buried storage vessels.
Compliant with strict ASTM B843 M1C and AMPP/NACE standards.
Standard AZ63 Alloy Magnesium Anodes
Formulated with 6% Aluminium and 3% Zinc for stable current.
Provides −1.55 V solution potential w.r.t. Cu/CuSO4 reference.
Self-regulating dissolution prevents over-polarization on coated pipe.
Suitable for well-coated utility pipelines and tank bottoms.
Fully compliant with ASTM B843 AZ63 specifications.
Pre-Packaged Magnesium Anodes
Pre-packaged with 75% Gypsum 20% Bentonite 5% Sodium Sulfate.
Backfill maintains moist environment to ensure low ground resistance.
Supplied with pre-attached XLPE/PVC or TW copper cable tails.
Vibrated backfill packing prevents ingot shifting during transport.
Accelerates field installation for pipeline and UST contractors.
Flexible Magnesium Ribbon Anodes
Continuous 3/8" x 3/4" profile with central 10-gauge steel wire.
Conforms easily to pipe contours and narrow trench excavations.
Provides rapid temporary cathodic protection during construction.
Ideal for casing-carrier annuli and grounding parallel utility lines.
Supplied in standard 100 ft 200 ft or custom coil lengths.
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Technical Specifications
BSS Tech magnesium anodes are engineered for reliable performance in demanding environments. They are manufactured under strict quality control to ensure consistent chemical composition and electrochemical output.
Applicable Environments:
High-resistivity soils, fresh water, potable water tanks, well casings, and cased crossings.
Solution Potential (High Potential):
−1.70 V to −1.77 V w.r.t. Cu/CuSO4 (−1.60 V to −1.64 V w.r.t. Ag/AgCl).
Solution Potential (Standard AZ63):
−1.57 V to −1.62 V w.r.t. Cu/CuSO4 (−1.50 V to −1.55 V w.r.t. Ag/AgCl).
Electrochemical Capacity:
1,100 Ah/kg minimum (50% current efficiency).
Anode Density:
1,740 kg/m³.
Temperature Threshold:
75% Hydrated Gypsum, 20% Powdered Bentonite, 5% Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate.
Quality Compliance:
Fully compliant with ASTM B843, ASTM G97, NACE SP0169, and BS 7361 standards.
Element | High Potential (M1C) | Standard Alloy (AZ63B) | AZ63C / Standard | Ribbon Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aluminium (Al) | 0.01 max | 5.3 – 6.7 | 5.3 – 6.7 | 0.01 max |
Zinc (Zn) | — | 2.5 – 3.5 | 2.5 – 3.5 | — |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 1.30 | 0.15 – 0.70 | 0.15 min | 0.50 – 1.30 |
Copper (Cu) | 0.02 max | 0.02 max | 0.05 max | 0.02 max |
Silicon (Si) | 0.05 max | 0.10 max | 0.30 max | 0.05 max |
Iron (Fe) | 0.03 max | 0.003 max | 0.003 max | 0.03 max |
Nickel (Ni) | 0.001 max | 0.002 max | 0.003 max | 0.001 max |
Others (Each) | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max |
Magnesium (Mg) | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder |
Element | High Potential (M1C) | Standard Alloy (AZ63B) | AZ63C / Standard | Ribbon Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aluminium (Al) | 0.01 max | 5.3 – 6.7 | 5.3 – 6.7 | 0.01 max |
Zinc (Zn) | — | 2.5 – 3.5 | 2.5 – 3.5 | — |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 1.30 | 0.15 – 0.70 | 0.15 min | 0.50 – 1.30 |
Copper (Cu) | 0.02 max | 0.02 max | 0.05 max | 0.02 max |
Silicon (Si) | 0.05 max | 0.10 max | 0.30 max | 0.05 max |
Iron (Fe) | 0.03 max | 0.003 max | 0.003 max | 0.03 max |
Nickel (Ni) | 0.001 max | 0.002 max | 0.003 max | 0.001 max |
Others (Each) | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max |
Magnesium (Mg) | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder |
Benefits of BSS Tech Sacrificial Aluminium Anodes
Maximum Driving Voltage
High solution potential of −1.75 V provides strong current discharge in high-resistivity soil environments.
Pre-Packaged Convenience
Factory-packed in bentonite-gypsum backfill bags to ensure rapid field installation and stable soil moisture.
Self-Regulating Protection
Delivers reliable galvanic cathodic protection without requiring external power supplies or transformer rectifiers.
Strict Alloy Quality
Guarantees strict compliance with ASTM B843 and AMPP/NACE chemical purity standards.
Versatile Product Range
Available in cast ingots packaged assemblies extruded rods and flexible ribbon coils for diverse site needs.
Applications of Magnesium Anode
Areas
Water heaters
Oil & gas pipelines
Water mains
Fuel storage tanks
Water storage tanks
Freshwater boat hulls
Marine boat motors
Heat exchangers
Deep well casings
Metal dock piers
Metal foundation pilings
Buried utility cables
Why Choose Magnesium Anodes from BSS Tech?
BSS Technologies manages the complete assembly, testing, and packaging of magnesium anodes at our facility. Our AMPP/NACE certified engineers calculate precise soil current requirements and custom-design cable connections, delivering fully certified anodes that safeguard your buried pipelines and tanks throughout their operational design life.
Rigorous testing guarantees complete alloy traceability.
Pre-packaged options with vibrated bentonite backfill.
Fully compliant with ASTM B843 and NACE standards.
In-house NACE experts calculate exact current demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacrificial Aluminium Anodes
