What Does
Rectifier Mean?
A rectifier is an electrical device that is used to convert an alternating current (AC) into a direct current (DC) by only allowing a current to flow through it in one direction with no possibility of reversal. A rectifier can be used to regulate corrosion because ionic current is a primary contributor of corrosion.
Corrosionpedia Explains Rectifier
Rectifiers are used to identify ionic currents and prevent their dispersion towards metals. Ionic currents describe the very fundamental electrochemical reactions required to initiate corrosion.
The conditions that must be present for corrosion to occur are:
- A positively charged area, known as the anode
- A negatively charged area, known as the cathode
- A moisture-bearing electrolyte for ionic current flow between the anode and the cathode
- A return path for electric current flow (i.e., the metallic path between the anode and the cathode
It is vital that the anode and cathode are immersed in the same electrolyte. Two pieces of metal in contact with each other in a humid (or otherwise electrolytic) environment represent ideal conditions where ionic current flow and corrosion will occur.