What is the primary purpose of a sacrificial anode?

The primary purpose of a sacrificial anode is to prevent corrosion of another metal. Sacrificial anodes are specially designed pieces of metal that are more reactive than the metal they are meant to protect. When used in various applications, such as in underground pipelines, water heaters, or boats, they corrode or oxidize preferentially. This means that the anode will corrode instead of the more valuable or structural metal, effectively protecting it from degradation.

This process is part of cathodic protection, which helps extend the lifespan of metal structures by using the sacrificial anode to divert corrosion away from them. In many environments, especially those where moisture is present, the use of a sacrificial anode is critical to securing the longevity and integrity of the main metal structure, allowing it to function properly without the risk of failure due to corrosion.