Xylem 6-Series Multiparameter - Manual (Page 346)

Protective Zinc Anode Appendix L
YSI Incorporated Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual L-1
APPENDIX L PROTECTIVE ZINC ANODE
Shipbuilders have used the concept of the “sacrificial anode” for decades to minimize corrosion damage to
all metallic parts of ships. Elemental zinc is commonly used as the sacrificial anode because it is more
easily oxidized than most other metals. Thus, a replaceable block of zinc is installed in electrical contact to
other metals on the ship which are susceptible to salt water corrosion and the zinc is preferentially oxidized
(or corroded), preventing damage to the ship hull and other metal components.
The concept of the sacrificial anode can also be utilized for 6-series sondes which are deployed in corrosive
media – particularly seawater or brackish estuarine water. In this case, the zinc anode is used to prevent
corrosion of the stainless steel connector found on the top of most 6-series sondes. The instructions below
outline the installation procedures for the zinc anode offered by YSI as Model 6182 Kit. The anode
enclosed in the kit is divided into two C-shaped sections as shown in Figure 1 below. Note that each
section has a flat on one end.
Figure 1
Installing the Zinc Anode on 600R, 600XL, 6820V2-1, and 6820V2-2
Sondes
NOTE: Before beginning the installation, be sure to clean the sonde connector of mud, sediment
sediments, barnacles, etc. It is important for the surface to be clean in order to make good electrical
contact to the zinc anode.
Figure 2 Figure 3