One of the major causes of deep anode failures is the failure of cable insulation. This is especially evident in areas where brackish water is present in the ground. In this environment, anodes generate reactive gases such as chlorine and nacent oxygen. These gases cause rapid deterioration of conventional HMWPE insulation. Cathodic protection cable insulated with irradiated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is especially suited for deep anode lead wires. PVDF is inert to reactive compounds and has an outstanding ability to prevent the passage of gases.
PVDF/HMWPE cable is designed for anode lead wires in a wide range of environments. Due to its dual insulation construction, it can be installed directly in native soils or submerged in fresh, brackish, or salt waters. The cable is ideal for deep anode bed installations where chlorine and hydrogen gases are generated. The PVDF insulation will not embrittle at temperatures down to (-80F) and will maintain dimensional stability and dielectric strength at temperatures up to 250F. It is highly resistant to notch propagation.