Controlling concrete's interior

Controlling concrete's interior

Keywords: Steel, Concrete, Corrosion

Established electrochemical system design and installation contractor Makers UK Ltd has introduced a new electrochemical system called X-Cel^™,which is able to control steel corrosion in concrete by reducing its moisture content. Together with consultants Mott MacDonald, the X-Cel^™system was successfully trialled in 2001 on the Widnes Approach Viaduct, for Halton Borough Council, before being recently launched.

The new process amalgamates the already-established electrochemical techniques of electro-osmosis and cathodic protection. It employs structured phases of both positive (driving) and negative (cleaning) low voltage electrical pulses, through an X-Cel^™ probe and a negative probe, to control the flow of moisture within the concrete's pore structure. The specially created osmotic field, together with the natural force of capillary action,makes it possible to control the relative humidity within the concrete and induce the cathodic polarisation of embedded steel to levels at which corrosion cannot occur. Effectively, the system facilitates the controlled movement of entrapped moisture in any direction desired and in particular, of course, away from the embedded steel.

In addition to creating innovative, tailor-made solutions to corrosion problems and providing the necessary testing, design, installation and monitoring support, Makers expertise extends to partnering arrangements, car park, building, structural and heritage refurbishment, civil engineering,cladding and roofing.

Further information regarding the X-Cel^™ system can be obtained from: Makers UK Ltd, Third Floor, Lyon Court, Walsworth Road, Hitchin,Herts SG4 9SX. Tel: 01462 477333; Fax: 01462 477339; E-mail: marketing@makers.co.uk; Web site: www.makers.co.uk