Study of Numerical Simulation of Region CP System in a Large Pipeline Station

Abstract

Newly built pipeline stations in China have widely used a cathodic protection system using flexible anodes and grid anodes. However, there may be some places in a pipeline station where the lack of protection may not be apparent because the data collected from several test posts cannot accurately represent the entire protection system in the station. After numerical simulation of an ideal case without interference from other metals, the results show uniform distribution in a flexible anodes system. But, if a grounding system exists in the model, interference will greatly influence the potential distribution. The result shows the potential distribution is no longer uniform and portions of pipe near the grounding system may not be protected. Due to the differences between characteristics of polarization in the grounding system and the pipeline, the addition of a sacrificial anode system is advised.