Cathodic Protection for Pipelines and Facilities

Overview

Corrosion of buried and submerged steel is one of the main threats to pipeline and terminal integrity, and coatings alone cannot stop it because no coating is free of defects. Cathodic protection closes that gap, but only when it is designed correctly, commissioned properly and monitored with discipline over the life of the asset. This course explains the electrochemistry behind corrosion and cathodic protection in practical terms, then works through the design of galvanic and impressed current systems for pipelines, tank bottoms, well casings and plant piping. Participants learn how to take and interpret potential measurements, run close interval and DCVG surveys, recognise interference from foreign structures and AC power lines, and diagnose a system that is no longer protecting. The emphasis throughout is on decisions an engineer or technician has to make in the field.

Objectives

• Explain the corrosion cell and how cathodic protection stops it
• Compare galvanic and impressed current systems and select the right one
• Size anodes, groundbeds and transformer-rectifiers for typical structures
• Apply protection criteria and correct for IR drop
• Plan and interpret CIPS, DCVG and coating surveys
• Identify and mitigate DC and AC interference
• Troubleshoot under-protected and over-protected systems

Who should attend

Training methodology

Each concept is followed by a calculation or a field case. Participants size a galvanic system for a short pipeline and an impressed current groundbed for a tank farm, interpret real potential survey data, and work through interference scenarios. Video of field measurements shows correct use of reference electrodes and test posts. Group work focuses on diagnosing failing systems from survey records, and the course closes with a written assessment.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions