Sacrificial anode and backfill

An anode and backfill steel protector combination for inserting into at least one cavity which is mechanically formed in steel reinforced concrete, the anode and the backfill steel protector combination comprising:

• an anode for insertion into the at least one cavity with the anode comprising a sacrificial metal element less noble than steel;
• and
• a backfill comprising a viscous and pliable ionically conductive material for insertion into the at least one cavity;
• wherein the backfill is packaged within a cartridge which facilitates injecting the backfill from the cartridge into the at least cavity, formed in the concrete, by applying a dispensing pressure to the cartridge.

A method of protecting steel in a reinforced concrete construction with an anode and a porous and an ionically conductive backfill, the method comprising the steps of:

• mechanically forming at least one cavity in the concrete such that a depth of the at least one cavity being greater than a width of the at least one cavity;
• placing the ionically conductive backfill within the at least one cavity, with the backfilling remaining viscous and pliable for at least 48 hours after being placed within the at least one cavity;
• inserting the anode into the backfill with the anode comprising a sacrificial metal element less noble than steel;
• passing a current from the anode to the steel in the concrete;
• producing a voluminous product by dissolution of the sacrificial metal element;
• and
• absorbing the voluminous product, which is created from dissolution of the sacrificial metal element, within a porosity of the backfill.

A method of protecting steel in a reinforced concrete construction with an anode and a viscous, pliable and ionically conductive backfill contained within a cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting the ionically conductive backfill such that the ionically conductive backfill remains pliable and viscous for at least 48 hours following storage of the ionically conductive backfill within the cartridge;
• storing the ionically conductive backfill within the cartridge and sealing the cartridge;
• mechanically forming at least one cavity in the concrete;
• opening the sealed cartridge to facilitate dispensing of the ionically conductive backfill;
• injecting the ionically conductive backfill from the cartridge into the at least one cavity;
• inserting the anode into the at least one cavity with the anode comprising a sacrificial metal element less noble than steel;
• and
• passing a current from the anode to the steel in the concrete to protect the steel in the reinforced concrete construction.