What should be routinely checked to ensure the proper function of sacrificial anodes?

The proper function of sacrificial anodes relies heavily on examining surface corrosion. Sacrificial anodes are designed to corrode instead of the metal they protect (like a tank) by utilizing a principle known as galvanic corrosion, where the anode will corrode preferentially when electrically connected to a more noble metal. By routinely checking for surface corrosion, you can determine if the anodes are functioning effectively; if excessive corrosion or damage is observed on the protected surface, it may indicate that the anodes are either depleted or not properly installed. Thus, monitoring surface corrosion directly relates to the effectiveness of the corrosion protection system in place.

Soil resistivity and deployment angle, while they can influence the performance of anodes, are less direct indicators of their current operational status. Soil resistivity affects how well the anode can discharge, but it doesn’t reflect the immediate condition of the anodes themselves. Similarly, while the deployment angle may impact the effectiveness of the anodes in some scenarios, it does not provide as direct or routine a measure of their functionality as checking for surface corrosion does. Water table levels are generally not a routine check in relation to sacrificial anodes even though moisture can influence corrosion processes indirectly.