Firkin – Time Release Anodes

Time Release anodes not releasing.

NOTE: This issue (no. 81) has been transferred from the old CAR system to the new, as new data could no longer be added to the old CARs. Ron Firkin ordered 6000 time release anodes (CDMR-M2-21-0030) Invoice no. 28916. He rang in FEB14, saying that the anodes were not releasing at the same speed as the previously purchased batch. BL requested that Ron post 3 unused samples for spectrographic analysis and also 2 anodes that did not release in the desired time. We received the samples, RN tested them on the spectrometer and they came back as M2 alloy (as expected). The samples that were in the water and did not release were surrounded by electrical tape, which appeared to trap the Mg oxide material (white deposit) close to the active surface of the Mg, possibly restricting its activity making it release more slowly (refer to samples in lab and photos). BL discussed this with Ron, but Ron suggested that this is the way they have done it for years, stating that the electrical tape gives the anodes a longer release time. Obviously in this case, too long. BL asked if any other processes had changed. Ron said no, been doing it the same way for many years. Ron and BL also spoke to Scott Westerly at Sussex inlet (Seeking Marine). Scott still has some time release anodes from the previous batch, which he has posted to RN for spectrographic Analysis. Spectro testing revealed that they are M2, same alloy composition as those previously purchased. AS OF 15DEC14: Spoke to Mike (Ron's son), who is still having trouble. He noticed that there were 2 different types of eyelets in the most recent batch (of 6000 anodes). He has sent 3 of each to RN for testing. Mike conducted some comparison tests with the eyelets being the only variable. The anodes with the Galvanised MS eyelets failed, while the SS eyelets were OK. Mike ran a test where two anodes were put in the water, one with large SS eyelets and one with small Gal MS eyelets, same conditions, same duration. The SS eyelets were heavily corroded and the smaller Gal eyelets had minimal corrosion. AS OF 17FEB15: Gang has agreed to replace the Gal MS Time Release Anodes. We are arranging to pick them all up and sort into Good and Bad. Send the good back to Mike, then let Gang know how many bad ones there are, then get Gang to replace them. 02MAR15: We have received the Time release Anodes from Mike Firkin. Peters: 2,389 were incorrect, 529 were correct. Rons: 2,634 were incorrect, 10 were correct. Of a total of 6,000: 5,023 Gal Mild Steel inserts (incorrect) 539 Stainless Steel inserts (correct) = 89.3% incorrect That leaves 438 that were either installed, used by our customer for testing or sent back to us for testing. If we apply the same %, that makes 391 additional faulty anodes. Total required to be replaced: 5,023 + 391 = 5,414 NOTE: May need to increase the number as the ones that were lost, used for testing may be more. Also, need to let Gang know that each box needs to have quantity and “Peter” or “Ron” on the outside. Once Gang has got back to me, email the complete tally to Mike. 31MAR15: Gang has sourced the 304 SS eyelets and expects to have the anodes completed and ready for dispatch in late April.

Verification –09NOV15: Spoke to Mike Firkin. He has not got any of the new ones in the water yet. So still no feedback on whether OK. 14DEC15: 1st trial released after 20 days (water temp 19.8degC). This result is within the expected range. MAR16: Followed up with Mike to see how further trials have gone. All fine. About 19 days to release in cooler water. Less time for warmer water. ISSUE CLOSED 01JUN16: Rang Mike, left message, just checking all is OK
Reported by –Brent Linde
Closed by –Brent Linde
Date closed –October 14, 2015