L52100 Hot-Spot Protection for Impressed Current Systems

Abstract

As pipeline coating and associated cathodic protection (CP) systems age, areas along the pipeline inevitably develop that fall below a prescribed CP criterion. In efforts to meet an adequate CP criterion, engineers often resort to supplementing their existing CP system with magnesium anodes at these "low" potential areas resulting in a "hybrid" cathodic protection system consisting of an impressed current CP system (ICCP) supplemented with magnesium (Mg) anodes. This often achieves the desired result i.e. the potential measured over the pipe becomes more negative. However, there remain several unanswered questions concerning the real benefits to the polarization level of the pipe and the overall effect on the impressed current cathodic protection system. The primary objective of this PRCI project was to develop a better understanding of the relationship between ICCP systems and Mg anodes installed as hot-spot protection. This understanding will assist CP engineers in the design and operation of effective, economic CP systems.