Description
Optimum - Anode Current Controller (MACC3)
Cathtect USA are proud to announce the Revolutionary multimode Sacrificial Anode Current Controller (Optimum / MACCR3).
Auto control in one of the following modes:
- Control of Tank to Electrolyte Potential on Instant Off
- Constant Reference Electrode feedback control
- Constant Current control
- Net Current Pick up
- Eliminates IR Free errors
- Limits unnecessary Anode current
- Prolongs Anode life
- User friendly menu driven controls
- Regulates unnecessary wastage of Anode current
- Limits Tank Potentials to user-defined Potential levels
- Suited to remote off-grid tank and structure systems
- Long battery life >10Years
- Super resolution of 1mA
- High Contrast LCD display
- Suited to Magnesium, Aluminium and Zinc Anodes
- Suited to multiple Reference Electrode types
- Capable of control up to 6Amps with an automatic range/resolution control adjustment (typically required by today’s highly improved coatings).
- Extremely low current demand upon tank refurbishment to higher current demand as the coating deteriorates over time.
- Simplified control is brought about through digital electronics.
- Optional Remote Monitoring
- Industrialised, rugged and simple installation
- 4 High input impedance >20 megΩ
- Simple user-definable feedback reference Electrode (on the fly)
- Displays all Reference Electrodes, even in INSTANT-OFF control displaying “OFF” measurement as well as the last “ON BEFORE OFF” measurement.
When a metal is immersed in an electrically conducting liquid it takes up an electrode potential; this is known as its corrosion potential.
This potential is determined by the equilibrium between the Anodic and Cathodic reactions occurring on the surface and it is measured with reference to a standard electrode, such as a Copper-Copper Sulphate electrode, CSE. The coupling of two metals together increases the corrosion rate of the Anode (initially the metal with the more electronegative potential) and reduces, or even supresses, corrosion of the Cathode (the metal with the more electropositive potential).
Coupling a structure to a Sacrificial Anode can Cathodically protect the structure, subsequently understood as Cathodic Protection. Abandoning the two metals to operate in the electrolyte leads to wastage and the lack of optimisation in the abandonment of the metals to freely interact, becomes obvious.
Changing, introducing and understanding the impedances involved in the aforementioned process can lead to the reduction of waste and provide an environment that permits control and measurement.
The (MACC) optimises the interaction between the Anode and the Cathode by introducing a purposeful variable impedance into the circuit, thereby regulating the current to optimal levels and reducing overprotection and over current. The (MACC) having an external power source, in no manner adds to the consumption of the oxidising Anode and contributes to the further optimisation of the consumption of the Anode and reduces unnecessary coating stress through overprotection.
The (MACC) simply and effectively controls the flow of current with pertinent features such as Current and Reference Electrode measurement. The feedback elements, current and measured potential, permit the automatic control of the Anode consumptive protection process, limiting premature Anode consumption and possible early coating failure.
It has, over time, become evident that natural corrosion is averted if the measured potential between a Cu/CuSO4 Reference Electrode and a structure is measured to be more negative than -850mV CSE and in some cases -950mV.
In the presence of stray or interfering current flow, this measurement becomes obscured and thus the (MACC) provides for the measurement and automatic control of the structure to Reference Electrode potential in three distinct control modes;
- Constant Current
- Constant Reference
- Net Current Pick up
- Instant Off
The (MACC) is another product in a range of products actively designed to provide the user with productive worldwide expertise, garnered over more than 50 years of Cathodic Protection installation exposure.
Our expertise becomes your ease of operation and optimisation.
- The (MACC) is housed in a Poly Carbonate IP64 enclosure, suited for outdoor use.
- A 6V 10W solar panel is utilized for maintaining charge on the internal life battery.
- 4# Long life Cu/CuSO₄ Reference Electrodes
- Remote Monitoring module
- Vandalism environment shield
- Extended Reference Electrode cable (Min qty 30ft)
- Extended solar connection cable including plugs for easy client deployment.
- Mains power extension
DISPLAY
- White high visibility background with black letters
- Multiple user, real time interface screens manually negotiated via push button.
- AC Supply 96-264VAC single phase
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Optimum/MACCR3 be utilized on buried SACP systems?
A: Indeed, the Optimum/MACCR3 is well suited to Buried SACP systems. Economically it is best to have a single structure connection with the SACP anodes connected to a header cable in order for the Optimum/MACCR3 to control the circulating current up to 6A.
Q: What is included “in the box” with my purchase?
A: An Optimum/MACCR3 Unit, Field termination strip; Standard 3m AC Mains cable (90-264VAC 42-67Hz)
Q: Can the Optimum/MACCR3 unit be used for All sacrificial anode types – Magnesium, Aluminium and or Zinc Anode systems?
A: The Optimum/MACCR3 can be connected to all types of sacrificial anode systems, Magnesium, Aluminium and Zinc. The Optimum/MACCR3 does not convert the measurement and displays the actual value measured, be it Zinc, Magnesium or Aluminium.
Q: What are the Standard optional extras?
- AC Mains Cable with additional length for 10m (33ft) or 20m (65ft).
- 10W 6V Solar Panel
- Solar feed cables of different lengths (Refer O & M Manual)
- Solar panel Banister Mounting Brackets
- Solar Panel Vertical pole mounting bracket
Q: Which is the home screen on the Optimum/MACCR3?
A: The home screen is the screen containing the “Lifeline” Logo.
Q: What is the Optimum/MACCR3 Warranty?
A: TWO-year unconditional warranty.
Q: How is the back light on the LCD energised?
A: Any depression of any button will cause the LCD backlight to activate.
Q: How do we service, repair, program or return an Optimum/MACCR3 Unit should there be an issue?
A: Cathodic Protection is a relatively niche discipline although it is an electrical discipline it has some peculiar nuances and equipment, Cathodic Protection systems are best left to trained personal. Cathtect do include a fault-finding guide in the O & M manual to help remedy common issues or faults that might occur. For Further assistance please reach out to your distributor or Cathtect for technical and product support.