Sunday, 27 January 2013
Cathodic Protection Network Master Class
How to control corrosion in pipeline systems.
It has been suggested that I hold a 3 day master class for Cathodic Protection Network technology and it will be a good opportunity to explain the significant changes that are presently happening to the whole of the cathodic protection industry.
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There has been no agreement about a criterion for the achievement of protection since it was invented and in 2009 a paper was presented at two international conferences in Brazil proposing that the Alexander Cell be used as a definitive criterion
ReplyDeleteThis paper has not been challenged and Cathodic Protection Network has circulated information and data relating to the measurement of cathodic protection in the years since publication.
ReplyDeleteThe effect that this has is to make the criterion for cathodic protection the electrical equilibrium that actually stops corrosion as shown by this arrangement of electrodes at the location of the test.
We can now relate the equilibrium as measured by such survey techniques as Close Interval Potential Surveys and general 'maintenance' pipe to soil voltage measurements to the data obtained when we are watching the cathodic protection systems stop corrosion. This gives us a value on which we can base computer analysis using the basic laws of electricity that are used in all industries and technology.
ReplyDeleteIn order to understand the need for enhancement we can use the demonstration that is known globally as the three nails demonstration. It shows how corrosion happens and how we measure the electrical charges resulting from the electro-chemical reaction.
ReplyDeleteWe examine the instruments we use to make voltage and current measurements and show that each measurement is the potential difference between the two ports of the meter and that it is the meter that establishes a zero for each measurement. This very important as contracts, specifications, codes of practice and international standards quote a value known as 'pipe-to-soil potentials' that are in fact voltages measured between two floating potentials.
ReplyDeleteThis is a students discussion with hands on use of the instruments. This is essential, even for lawyers, financiers and senior management who have to assess the business proposals that come before them relating to corrosion
Deletecontrol and cathodic protection. This will allow them to question dubious claims made by marketing men.
This simple experiment shows many of the features that are made complicated by many professionals. It demonstrates that some of the fundamental assumptions on which the application of cathodic protection are misunderstood. Discussions about this demonstration can take hours to assimilate as it forces students to re-appraise everything that is taught at university level.
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ReplyDeleteSession 3. Demonstration of impressed current cathodic protection applied to two small pipelines. This explains the concept of 'remote earth' and electrical flux in the ground itself. Even electrical engineers might not have experience in this field. This is how we control corrosion at coating faults that are inevitable in pipeline construction work.
ReplyDelete4. Demonstration of 'equivalent circuit' of a small pipeline network in which a functional cathodic protection system can be made to replicate all measurements experienced in field work. This model is made of electrical components to represent the 'equivalent circuits that are illustrated in so many papers and books on this subject. It helps those who cannot understand electrical circuit diagrams and scientific notation used in complex formulas.
ReplyDelete5. Introduction to using a computer spread sheet to model corrosion and cathodic protection. The students will be able to see the effects of a cathodic protection system on a pipeline stopping corrosion as a result of the adjustment of the cathodic protection input. This is in development stage at present but many of the 'tools' within this product are easily demonstrated and have been tested against real field data. This project is known as the Cathodic Protection Network Dynamic Software Development as it calculates the effects on corrosion as data arrives from field monitoring devices.
ReplyDelete6. Introduction to the Alexander Cell as a criterion for cathodic protection and electronic corrosion control. It will be demonstrated on
ReplyDeletemodels and each student will be given one to keep.
7. Summary of present day practices of corrosion control organisation and finance.
ReplyDelete8. DCVG, ACVG, CIPS, PCM, Pearson Surveys, Maintenance monitoring and servicing explained.
ReplyDelete9. Contract specifications, purchasing, design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, financial control and supervision.
ReplyDelete10. Remote monitoring and computer control of corrosion linked to legally
ReplyDeleterequired corrosion committees on a national and international scale.
Benefits this workshop includes
ReplyDelete1. Cost saving on present maintenance
2. Simplified explanations of methods.
3. Everything is clearly demonstrated.
4. Hands on experience for students.
5. See corrosion as it happens.
6. Measure corrosion as it happens.
7. Control corrosion yourself.
8. Learn the organisation required to control corrosion on pipelines.
9. Learn the reason why this has not been implemented previously.
10. The legal and political obligations of pipeline ownership discussed.