Overview
EN ISO 9351:2025 - published by CEN as the European adoption of ISO 9351:2025 - specifies requirements and recommendations for cast galvanic anodes used for cathodic protection in seawater, saline sediments and brackish water. The standard covers anodes based on aluminium, magnesium and zinc‑based alloys, defining chemical composition, electrochemical properties, physical tolerances, and test & inspection procedures. Annex A gives information on salinity ranges relevant to selection and testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Materials and alloys: Requirements and recommendations for aluminium, magnesium and zinc‑based alloy compositions (see Annex C for composition and performance guidance).
- Electrochemical properties: Specified performance characteristics and electrochemical test methods to verify anode behaviour in marine environments (short‑term quality control and performance testing - see Annex D).
- Anode consumption rate: Defined term and approach to quantify mass loss per ampere‑year (kg/(A·y)), for system design and lifetime prediction.
- Physical tolerances and shapes: Acceptable dimensional tolerances and applicable cast shapes (trapezoid, circular, half‑spherical cross‑sections, bracelet type) - normative tolerances in Annex B.
- Manufacturing and inspection: Test and inspection procedures, batch definitions and recommended Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) in Annex F.
- Environmental impact: Guidance on environmental considerations for galvanic anodes and their deployment (Annex E).
- Scope limits: The standard excludes other galvanic materials (e.g., soft iron) used to protect more noble metals.
Applications
EN ISO 9351:2025 is applied where reliable galvanic cathodic protection is required in marine and coastal contexts, including:
- Offshore oil & gas structures and platforms
- Subsea pipelines and submarine pipeline bracelet anodes
- Ships, hulls and marine vessels
- Port, quay and harbour structures, piles and jetties
- Offshore wind foundations and marine renewable infrastructure
- Coastal and brackish water installations
Who should use this standard
- Cathodic protection engineers and corrosion specialists
- Anode manufacturers and foundries producing cast aluminium, magnesium or zinc anodes
- Design consultants and asset owners specifying CP systems
- Inspection, testing and quality control personnel
- Regulators and procurement teams requiring standardised anode verification
Related standards and references
EN ISO 9351:2025 supersedes EN 12496:2013 and references standards such as ISO 630, ISO 1461, ISO 8501‑1 and welding and inspection standards cited in its normative references. For implementation, consult the full text (EN ISO 9351:2025) and relevant national adoption notices.
Keywords: galvanic anodes, cathodic protection, seawater, saline sediments, aluminium anodes, magnesium anodes, zinc anodes, ISO 9351:2025, EN ISO 9351.