Main Applications of MMO Coated Titanium Anodes in Cathodic Protection

In today's industrial landscape, corrosion is a silent threat costing billions of dollars annually in maintenance, repair, and replacements. One of the most advanced and reliable solutions is MMO coated titanium anodes for cathodic protection. These high-performance anodes are widely used in pipelines, offshore structures, storage tanks, and reinforced concrete systems—ensuring durability, efficiency, and longevity.

What Are MMO Coated Titanium Anodes?
MMO coated titanium anodes (Mixed Metal Oxide coated titanium anodes) are a type of dimensionally stable anode (DSA) consisting of a pure titanium substrate coated with a mixture of metal oxides such as IrO₂, RuO₂, and Ta₂O₅. These coatings are electrochemically active yet highly corrosion-resistant.

How Do MMO Coated Titanium Anodes Work in Cathodic Protection?
In cathodic protection systems, these anodes provide current to sacrificially protect steel or other metal structures from corrosion. Unlike consumable anodes (like magnesium or zinc), MMO titanium anodes do not dissolve; instead, they function as long-lasting current sources.

The MMO coating catalyzes the electrochemical reaction that protects the structure without deteriorating itself, thanks to the inert and conductive properties of titanium.

Why Choose MMO Coated Titanium Anodes for Cathodic Protection?
1. Long Service Life and Cost Efficiency
MMO titanium anodes can operate effectively for 20+ years, even in aggressive environments like seawater and acidic soils.

Their dimensionally stable nature ensures consistent output voltage and current over time.

Long life cycles reduce maintenance frequency, resulting in lower life-cycle costs compared to traditional anode materials.

2. High Current Output and Energy Efficiency
The mixed metal oxide coating provides low overpotential, which minimizes energy loss.

Suitable for impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems that require stable and efficient current delivery over large areas.

3. Versatility Across Industries
From oil & gas pipelines to marine structures, from underground storage tanks to reinforced concrete bridges, MMO coated titanium anodes for cathodic protection are customizable and adaptable for various applications.

4. Environmentally Friendly Solution
Unlike sacrificial anodes, MMO-coated anodes do not corrode and introduce no harmful metals into the environment. This makes them ideal for environmentally regulated industries like drinking water systems and offshore wind farms.

Main Applications of MMO Coated Titanium Anodes in Cathodic Protection
Oil and Gas Pipelines
Buried pipelines are constantly exposed to corrosive soils and moisture. MMO coated titanium anodes provide reliable impressed current cathodic protection that prevents metal loss, improves pipeline integrity, and reduces maintenance costs.

Offshore and Marine Structures
Saltwater is one of the most aggressive corrosive environments. In structures like offshore platforms, ship hulls, and subsea equipment, MMO titanium anodes are preferred for their stability, long life, and resistance to biofouling.

Storage Tanks and Reservoirs
Both aboveground and underground tanks benefit from MMO anode systems, which can be installed internally (in water) or externally (in soil) to prevent corrosion and leakage.

Reinforced Concrete Structures
Bridges, piers, and parking structures with embedded steel reinforcement can experience severe corrosion. MMO anodes embedded in the concrete deliver targeted cathodic protection, extending service life by decades.

Water Treatment and Desalination Plants
In brine and chlorine-generating environments, MMO coated titanium anodes perform exceptionally well due to their chemical stability and low chlorine evolution overpotential.

Technical Specifications of MMO Coated Titanium Anodes

Property	Description
Substrate	Pure Titanium (Grade 1 or 2)
Coating Material	IrO₂, RuO₂, Ta₂O₅ combinations
Operating Life	20–50 years (depending on environment)
Current Density	Up to 200 A/m² (seawater), 1000 A/m² (freshwater)
Shape Options	Rod, tubular, mesh, wire, ribbon, disc, custom
Temperature Range	Up to 80°C continuous

Types of MMO Coated Titanium Anodes for Cathodic Protection
MMO Wire Anodes
Ideal for horizontal or deep well applications.

Lightweight and flexible.

Long continuous lengths for linear installations.

MMO Mesh and Ribbon Anodes
Common in concrete structures.

Excellent surface coverage and current distribution.

Easy to embed in concrete during construction or retrofit.

MMO Tubular and Rod Anodes
Used in tank bottoms and seawater applications.

High current capacity.

Rigid structure suitable for vertical installations.

MMO Disc and Plate Anodes
Suitable for localized CP needs.

Compact, robust design.

Easy to install in confined spaces.

Advantages Over Traditional Anode Materials

Feature	MMO Titanium Anodes	Magnesium/Zinc/Aluminum Anodes
Lifespan	20–50 years	1–5 years
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy
Eco-Friendliness	No metal dissolution	Generates metal waste
Maintenance	Minimal	Frequent replacement
Current Efficiency	High	Low to moderate

Factors to Consider When Selecting MMO Coated Titanium Anodes
1. Environmental Conditions
Soil resistivity, moisture content, and chemical composition influence anode type and configuration.

Seawater applications require specific coatings like IrO₂/Ta₂O₅ for higher chlorine resistance.

2. Desired Service Life
Anodes can be customized to operate for 20, 30, or even 50 years based on coating thickness and current output.

3. Structure Size and Layout
Linear anodes (wire/ribbon) are suitable for pipelines.

Mesh or rod anodes are ideal for tanks and reinforced concrete.

4. Installation Method
Prepackaged anodes are easier to install in deep wells.

Retrofit vs. new-build scenarios affect anode design choices.

Certifications and Quality Assurance
When sourcing MMO coated titanium anodes for cathodic protection, it's essential to choose suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and third-party quality verification. Anodes should meet standards such as:

NACE SP0169 – Cathodic Protection Criteria

ASTM B348 – Titanium Bar & Rod Standard

DNV, ABS, or BV marine certifications (for offshore applications)

Global Trends in Cathodic Protection with MMO Titanium Anodes
As sustainability and durability become top priorities in infrastructure and energy sectors, MMO coated titanium anodes for cathodic protection are gaining traction across industries:

Offshore wind farms and renewable energy structures rely on MMO anodes for extended corrosion resistance.

Urban infrastructure renewal projects are increasingly embedding MMO mesh anodes in concrete to extend lifespan.

Hydrogen production plants and electrolysis systems are adopting MMO titanium anodes for their dual CP and electrolytic performance.

Why Partner With a Reliable Manufacturer?
Choosing a reputable MMO coated titanium anode supplier ensures:

Customized engineering support for your unique CP system

Consistent product quality backed by rigorous testing

Global logistics capabilities to meet large-scale infrastructure needs

The Future of Corrosion Protection is MMO Coated Titanium Anodes
Whether it's protecting a buried gas pipeline or reinforcing a coastal bridge, MMO coated titanium anodes for cathodic protection offer unmatched durability, performance, and environmental benefits. Their ability to deliver long-term protection in aggressive environments makes them the preferred choice for engineers and infrastructure developers worldwide.

As industries continue to move toward smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable solutions, MMO titanium anodes will remain at the forefront of corrosion prevention technology.
Contact Us Today:
Baoji City Shenao Metal Materials Co., Ltd.
Address: Baoji High-tech Development Zone, Shaanxi, China
Tel: 18729731603
Email: zh@baojiti.com.cn
Website: shenaocladplate.com​​​​​​​