Concrete Reference Electrode
EDI bagged concrete reference electrodes, Model CB, have a thermodynamically stable Ag/AgCl element packaged in a cotton bag housing containing a proprietary backfill. This design provides good electronic and mechanical bonding to the structure through wide temperature variations. Model CB is typically used in bridge decks and substructures, parking garages, docks and buildings. Model CB reference electrodes are available with design lives of 15 years, 25 years and 50 years. See data sheet for details.
Model CM can be used in all types of concrete structures. When this electrode is used in seawater applications, where the chloride level of the pore water is expected to remain nearly constant, it functions as a reference electrode providing stable reproducible potential readings. When used in other structures in which the chloride level can vary slowly over time, Model CM provides short term stability suitable for depolarization measurements.
Design Life
The design life of a reference electrode is an estimate of the time based on test results it would take for enough salt to diffuse out from the inner core to lower the salt concentration to below saturation. At EDI, we use several techniques to extend this time as much as possible. One of these techniques is to increase the amount of salt reserve contained in the gel. This is one reason why longer life electrodes have physically bigger housings. Download our paper Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Reference Electrodes to learn more.
For More Information
Complete Product Information is available for downloading as pdf files. Click on the documents you wish to download.
Bagged Concrete Reference Electrode (Model CB) data sheet
Marine Concrete Reference Electrode (Model CM) data sheet
The following technical papers deal with potential measurements in concrete:
Long-Term Field Tests of Reference Electrodes for Concrete – Ten Year Results
Effect of Measurement and Instrumentation Errors on Potential Readings
EDI products may be purchased from any corrosion control products distributor or directly from EDI.