LIDA® wire anodes are copper titanium wire with a mixed metal oxide coating. The mixed metal oxide is a crystalline, electrically conductive coating that activates the titanium and enables it to function as an anode.
LIDA® wire anodes are manufactured in two diameters, 1.5 millimeter and 3.0 millimeter.
When applied on titanium the coating has an extremely low consumption rate measured in terms of milligrams per year. As a result of this low consumption rate, the wire diameter remains nearly constant during the life of the anode.
The low consumption rate of the mixed metal oxide coating at the recommended operating current densities result in projected anode lifetimes from 15 to 20 years. Longer or shorter lifetimes may be obtained by varying the current output per foot per wire.
LIDA® wire anodes can be used in a wide variety of cathodic protection applications. Their lightweight and malleability allow forming to complex configurations.
The copper core provides high conductivity resulting in better current distribution along the entire length of the wire.
| Wire Size mm | 1.5 | 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical RES.ohm/m@25°C | 0.0174 | 0.003 |
| Electrical RES.ohm/m@70°C | 0.0204 | 0.0035 |
| Max. Wire Amperage @25°C, Amps | 21 | 36 |
| Max. Wire Amperage @70°C, Amps | 7 | 12 |
Anode Coating
The coating used on wire is suitable for most cathodic protection applications, but output varies with application. LIDA® mixed metal oxide coating demonstrates a very high chemical stability, even in environments with very low pH values. Unlike other impressed current anodes, the LIDA® coating is not affected by the generation of chlorine.
Lead Wire Connection
A typical connection between the LIDA® wire anode and a header cable, have been used successfully in canistered anodes since 1987.
Applications
• Canistered Anodes
• Continuous Horizontal Groundbeds
• Discontinuous Horizontal Groundbeds
• Shallow Vertical Groundbeds
• Deep Anode Groundbeds
• Above Ground Storage Tanks
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Natural Water
• Electrical Cable Shielding
• Water Storage Tanks
• Water Treatment Equipment
Resistivity Versus Length
Proper current distribution is an important factor in the design and proper use of an anode wire for each application. For example, if a wire voltage drop of 10% or less is desired for proper current distribution in 1000 ohm-cm water, anode segments of 45 feet should not be exceeded between electrical connections to a header cable with the 1.5 mm diameter wire. By comparison, use of the 3.0 mm diameter wire will permit the use of 110-foot segments, while still allowing the desired 10% voltage drop.
As with all electrical conductors, the operating temperature of the wire effects the resistance. The table below, shows this effect by assuming the wire will operate at the temperature of the surrounding electrolyte. The change in resistivity also changes the maximum ampacity of the wire.
