Corrosion is a persistent challenge for underground storage tanks, buried pipelines and industrial steel structures exposed to soil, groundwater or other conductive environments. Without effective protection, corrosion can gradually weaken structural integrity, increase maintenance costs and shorten equipment service life. Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is widely used to control corrosion in these applications. The system uses an external DC power source and auxiliary anodes to deliver protective current to the structure.
The anode must maintain reliable electrochemical performance under the specified operating conditions to support the overall protection system. NAVI Titanium manufactures iridium-tantalum mixed metal oxide (Ir-Ta MMO) coated titanium ribbon anodes for engineered cathodic protection projects. By combining a Grade 1 titanium substrate with a controlled MMO coating, these anodes provide a practical solution for installations requiring stable current delivery, corrosion resistance and long-term performance.
Ir-Ta MMO Coating Technology
The performance of an MMO titanium ribbon anode depends heavily on its active coating and the quality of the manufacturing process.
The titanium substrate provides mechanical support and corrosion resistance, while the Ir-Ta mixed metal oxide coating supplies the electrocatalytically active surface for anodic reactions. The coating formulation must be compatible with the intended electrolyte, current density and operating conditions.
NAVI Titanium specifies an iridium-to-tantalum ratio of 7:3 for the coating configuration described in this case. The combination of iridium oxide and tantalum oxide is designed to balance electrochemical activity and coating stability under the intended service conditions.
The manufacturing process includes multiple thermal sintering cycles. Approximately 10 cycles are specified for this configuration to support the development and bonding of the active coating on the titanium substrate. Consistent process control is important because inadequate coating adhesion can contribute to cracking, peeling or delamination during operation.
Coating thickness alone does not determine anode performance. Precious-metal loading, coating composition, substrate preparation, thermal treatment and operating conditions must be considered together when evaluating a product for long-term cathodic protection.
Key Advantages of Ir-Ta Titanium Ribbon Anodes
Controlled Coating Composition and Loading
Noble-metal loading ≥ 8 g/m² with 6 μm coating thickness. Stable coating formula avoids insufficient active material; performance shall be verified on site.
Long-Term Corrosion Protection
MO titanium anodes feature low substrate loss for a 50-year design life. Actual service life depends on current density, electrolyte and installation quality.
Flexible Ribbon Installation
The continuous ribbon can be arranged in lines or grids for uniform current distribution. Dimensions, coil lengths and connections are customizable per project needs.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements
MMO anodes need fewer replacements than consumable anodes. They lower excavation work and downtime for large industrial cathodic protection systems.
Typical Applications
Ir-Ta MMO titanium ribbon anodes can be considered for the following applications when the coating system and installation method are suitable.
- Storage tank bottoms: Distributed anode layouts for protecting steel tank bottoms, typically installed in an engineered conductive backfill layer.
- Buried steel pipelines: External corrosion protection through properly designed impressed current systems.
- Reinforced concrete structures: Selected applications involving steel reinforcement, using a compatible anode configuration and installation method.
- Industrial water infrastructure: Tanks, water-handling facilities and other steel structures requiring engineered corrosion control.
- Marine and coastal infrastructure: Project-specific installations evaluated for electrolyte compatibility, operating conditions and required anode reactions.
The appropriate anode design should be confirmed against the project environment, current demand, electrical connections and installation details. A ribbon anode developed for one application should not automatically be assumed suitable for every electrolyte or operating condition.
NAVI Titanium Ir-Ta Ribbon Anode Specifications
NAVI Titanium provides reference dimensions and customized production options according to customer drawings and project requirements.
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|
Product |
Ir-Ta MMO titanium ribbon anode |
|
Titanium substrate |
Grade 1 (Gr1 / TA1) |
|
Material standard |
ASTM B265, as specified |
|
Coating composition |
Ir-Ta MMO |
|
Iridium-to-tantalum ratio |
7:3 |
|
Total noble-metal loading |
≥ 8 g/m² |
|
Coating thickness |
6 μm |
|
Thermal sintering cycles |
Approximately 10 |
|
Ribbon width |
6.35 mm / 12.7 mm |
|
Ribbon thickness |
0.635 mm / 0.9 mm |
|
Coil length |
152 m |
|
Design-life target |
30 years, subject to project conditions |
|
Warranty |
30-year performance warranty, subject to agreed terms |
|
Customization |
Dimensions and conductor-bar configurations subject to confirmation |
Note: The listed dimensions are reference options, and not every width-and-thickness combination is necessarily a standard configuration. Final specifications, coating requirements, conductor-bar details and warranty conditions should be confirmed in the approved technical documentation and purchase agreement.
Manufacturing Quality Control and Inspection
For a cathodic protection project targeting long-term operation, supplier evaluation should extend beyond product dimensions and appearance. Material traceability, coating process consistency and appropriate inspection records are also important. NAVI Titanium has 18 years of manufacturing experience in titanium anodes and related products. The titanium substrate grade for this configuration is Grade 1. Previous-batch Material Test Certificates (MTCs) can be provided for reference, while the corresponding material and inspection documentation for the actual production batch will be supplied with the shipment as agreed. Technical data sheets for both the ribbon anode and conductor bar can be reviewed before ordering. Customers may also arrange third-party inspection through organizations such as SGS or Bureau Veritas, subject to confirmation of the inspection scope and applicable testing methods. Inspection costs are borne by the customer unless otherwise agreed. This process allows customers to establish acceptance criteria before production and shipment, supporting more transparent supplier qualification and project documentation.
Why Choose NAVI Titanium?
Manufacturing Experience
With 18 years of experience in the titanium anode industry, NAVI Titanium® understands the importance of coordinating substrate selection, coating specifications and manufacturing controls for industrial applications.
Defined Coating Requirements
For the configuration described in this case, the technical requirements include a 7:3 iridium-to-tantalum ratio, noble-metal loading of at least 8 g/m², a 6 μm coating thickness and approximately 10 thermal sintering cycles. These parameters provide a clear basis for technical review and product acceptance.
Customized Product Dimensions
Ribbon width, thickness, coil length and conductor-bar arrangements can be evaluated according to project drawings. This allows the proposed anode configuration to be coordinated with installation space, electrical connections and the required current distribution.
Documentation and Independent Inspection
NAVI Titanium can provide agreed material and batch inspection documentation and supports third-party inspection arrangements. This gives engineering contractors and procurement teams additional options for verifying compliance with the specified requirements.
Long-Term Performance Commitment
A 30-year performance warranty is offered under the agreed warranty terms. The applicable design conditions, operating limits, installation requirements and warranty coverage should be confirmed before order placement.
Request a Technical Quotation
Selecting an Ir-Ta MMO titanium ribbon anode requires more than choosing a ribbon width or coil length. Coating composition, noble-metal loading, operating current, electrolyte conditions and installation design all influence product suitability.
Contact NAVI Titanium with your project drawings, required dimensions, operating environment and target service life. Our team can review your requirements and provide a customized proposal for your cathodic protection project.
NAVI Titanium - Titanium Anodes & Sintered Metal Filters. Custom Porous Metal Industrial Solutions.
