ICCP Systems : Low signature Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems

When a steel hull corrodes in water, electrical currents for the corrosion process exist in the water around the vessel. Super-imposing controlled electrical currents from ship-borne power supplies onto the hull can halt the corrosion process. This method of controlling corrosion is known as Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP).

Any electrical currents flowing around a vessel, whether naturally occurring corrosion currents, or those from a ICCP system, will cause the vessel to have a detectable signature which must be minimised on military vessels.

Since the requirement for the reduced electrical signatures was identified in the early 1980’s Aish has become a world leader in the supply of Low signature ICCP Systems. Aish has equipped the following classes of vessel with Low Signature ICCP:

UK Vanguard Class Submarine
USA Seawolf Class Submarine
UK Albion Class Landing Platform Dock
USA Virginia Class Submarine

The latest generation of Aish equipment, (AishC3P) is computer controlled, which allows hitherto unavailable flexibility in terms of system design and operation, and permits operation with third party software. It therefore provides the ideal hardware and software base for future systems, where Low Signature performance needs to be combined with the ability to upgrade and keep pace with ever changing Mine-threat and detection technologies.

AishC3P will also find applications on ocean survey vessels where minimal background noise is required by sensitive hull-mounted equipment.

Because Aish3CP can monitor trends in hull potentials and protection currents, it can contribute to a Condition Based Maintenance program, further reducing through-life costs.

Aish Technologies Computer Controlled Cathodic Protection (AishC3P)
AishC3P takes proven military ICCP design forward to meet the requirements of new generation submarines and surface vessels.

It provides a low-noise, low-signature and energy-efficient system, which is compatible with most hull designs and ships data transfer systems.

User friendly graphic interfaces, fully automatic operation and data logging, combined with expert system on-line help.

AishC3P is software upgradeable to keep pace with advancing detection and mine threats, making it the ultimate in corrosion protection and signature control.

Aish utilises its software, electronics and mechanical design expertise to provide the AishC3P solution best suited to a particular class of vessel. This is done by cost-effectively tailoring AishC3P capabilities to provide best value for money.

Benefits
Hull potentials and anode currents continuously displayed
Fully automatic unattended operation
Daily or hourly readings accurately recorded on the disc
Flexible design for the protection of any marine structure
Compatible with a wide ranges of anodes and reference cells.

Options
Software upgradeable to keep pace with stealth requirements.
Remote (e.g. operations room) display of hull status or signature.

Click here to download our ICCP leaflet