Silvion are proud of the fact that it's silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) reference electrodes have been used in concrete Cathodic Protection (CP) systems since 1987. Embeddable reference cells are a vital element for the performance monitoring of CP system installations. By measuring the potential of the steel with respect to the Ag/AgCl electrode the corrosion state and the effectiveness of the protection system can be judged. Our long life electrodes have a stable reference potential and are suitable for high alkaline or chloride contaminated concrete and can be used for the monitoring of rebar/electrolyte potentials or for the control of DC power supplies.

We currently supply three types of embeddable reference electrodes to allow permanent installation in reinforced concrete structures; WE10, WE50, WE100. The difference between the units is the size, the amount of silver and the area of the measurement interfaces. While the WE50 and WE100 are most commonly used for reinforced concrete, the WE10 units are often used for steel framed buildings where aesthetics are important. For each, we ensure that the predetermined chloride ion concentration around the element in our embeddable electrodes is maintained using an inert electrolyte fully compatible with the Ag/AgCl element. Ionic continuity to the environment is via a micro-porous ceramic sintered disc.

Typical applications: steel rebar in concrete bridges, seawater intakes, marine structures, steel framed buildings, cooling water towers etc.