The issue of performance concerns with high potential magnesium anodes first surfaced in 2002-2003 (see Terry May's article in January 2004 issue of Materials Performance magazine available at www.mesaproducts.com website). Since this performance issue was first brought to the attention of the cathodic protection industry, three things have happened:

• Industry awareness greatly increased
• Extruded magnesium anodes more available
• Quality of cast anodes significantly improved

Along with Terry May's presentations and article in 2002-2003, there were several other high profile presentations at NACE International forums on this industry problem. These additional presentations validated the problem first identified by MESA.

High potential extruded magnesium anode process for ground applications became available in the early 2000's. The extrusion process generally provides higher, more consistent quality product results. Some customers have decided the increased cost for this type anode is worth the reduced risk.

Continued monitoring by MESA has confirmed that overall quality of cast anodes is improving based on the acceptance rate of product received by MESA.

There have been no significant changes in end-user quality assurance programs. The improvements in quality are being driven by suppliers who are concerned about providing the highest quality product to the industry.