Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
GP 06-31
25 October 2013
Engineering Technical Practice
Engineering
Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................... 6
2 Normative references............................................................................................................. 6
3 Terms and definitions............................................................................................................. 7
4 Symbols and abbreviations .................................................................................................. 11
5 General................................................................................................................................ 12
5.1 Application ................................................................................................................ 12
5.2 Cathodic protection (CP) principles........................................................................... 12
5.3 Corrosion control....................................................................................................... 13
5.4 Hazards identification and mitigation......................................................................... 14
5.5 Order of precedence for conformance....................................................................... 14
6 Health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE)............................................................. 14
6.1 Factors effecting design ............................................................................................ 14
6.2 Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems............................................. 15
7 Personnel qualifications ....................................................................................................... 15
7.1 Competent person .................................................................................................... 15
7.2 Technical staff qualifications ..................................................................................... 16
8 CP System design ............................................................................................................... 16
8.1 General..................................................................................................................... 16
8.2 Principle design objectives........................................................................................ 18
8.3 Coatings ................................................................................................................... 20
8.4 Earthing (grounding) ................................................................................................. 21
8.5 Effective analysis ...................................................................................................... 21
8.6 Reference electrodes................................................................................................ 22
9 Cathodic Protection Criteria ................................................................................................. 23
9.1 Onshore cathodic protection (CP) criteria ................................................................. 23
9.2 Offshore cathodic protection (CP) criteria ................................................................. 25
9.3 Internal steel surfaces criteria ................................................................................... 26
10 Galvanic (sacrificial) anodes systems .................................................................................. 26
10.1 General..................................................................................................................... 26
10.2 Marine and offshore galvanic anodes........................................................................ 27
10.3 Onshore galvanic anodes ......................................................................................... 28
10.4 Low voltage cathodic protection (CP) for subsea applications................................... 29
10.5 Risk of failure ............................................................................................................ 29
11 Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) anode systems............................................. 29
11.1 General..................................................................................................................... 29
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List of Tables
List of Figures
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
Foreword
This is a revised issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) GP 06-31. This Group Practice (GP)
incorporates changes resulting from a reorganisation of the cathodic protection (CP) ETPs from asset
types to topics.
Due to extensive changes, revisions are not identified by a bar in the left margin, as is normal practice.
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Introduction
This GP falls within the corrosion series of ETPs and is one of the documents related to CP. These
ETPs provide detailed information on all aspects of CP design. CP ETP document structure is
separated into four distinct topics by application and is not based on asset type. The four topics and
associated information are listed in Table 1.
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1 Scope
2 Normative references
The following documents are referenced in one or more requirements in this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition (including
amendments) applies.
BP
GDP 3.1-0001 Assessment, Prioritization and Management of Risk
GDP 5.0-0001 Integrity Management (IM).
GIS 06-311 Procurement of Cathodic Protection Goods and Services.
GIS 06-402 Fusion Bonded Epoxy Powder External Pipeline Coatings
GIS 06-601 Coating of Metal Surfaces and Equipment.
GP 06-36 Monitoring, Inspection, and Maintenance of Cathodic Protection (CP)
Systems.
GP 06-40 Pipeline Coating Selection.
GP 06-60 Coating Systems for Metal Surfaces.
GP 06-63 Internal Coatings.
GP 58-10 Above Ground Welded Steel Atmospheric Tanks for Oil Storage.
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NORSOK
NORSOK Std M-503 Cathodic Protection.
For the purpose of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
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Anaerobic
Absence of air or free (molecular) oxygen.
Anode
Electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs.
Anode backfill
Material with low resistivity, which may be moisture retaining, immediately surrounding a buried
anode for the purpose of decreasing effective resistance of anode to electrolyte.
Bond
Intentional metallic connection between metallic systems in contact with a common electrolyte
designed to control electrical current interchange between systems.
Buried structure
Metallic structure laid beneath or built on ground level and covered with earth.
Calcareous deposit
Layer consisting of calcium carbonate and other salts deposited on surface. When the surface is
cathodically polarised as in CP, this layer is the result of increased pH adjacent to the protected
surface.
Cathode
Electrode of an electrolytic cell at which reduction is the principal reaction.
Cell
Electrochemical system consisting of an anode and cathode in metallic contact and immersed in an
electrolyte. (The anode and cathode may be different metals or dissimilar areas on same metal surface.
Coupon
Representative metal sample used to quantify the extent of corrosion or the effectiveness of applied
cathodic protection.
Critical Bond
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An interference bond between two structures that if it fails would jeopardize protection of one or both
structures.
Current density
Electric current to or from a unit area of an electrode surface.
Driving voltage
Anode closed circuit potential, minus polarised cathode (steel) potential, expressed in volts.
Earthing (grounding)
System of electrical connections to general mass of earth. Resistance is the characteristic that primarily
determines effectiveness of an earth (ground) electrode, which is provided between earthing
(grounding) system and general mass of earth.
Electrical isolation
Condition of being electrically separated from other metallic structures or environment.
Electrolyte
Chemical substance containing ions that migrate in an electric field. This refers to the soil or liquid
adjacent to structure.
E-log-I modelling
Method of measuring CP potentials along the length of well casing, as described in NACE SP 0186.
Electrolyte resistivity
Electrical resistance of electrolyte, assuming electrolyte is homogeneous, expressed in Ohm-cm.
Groundbed
System of buried or immersed galvanic or impressed current anodes used to supply CP.
Hybrid system
CP system that uses a combination of galvanic and impressed current anodes to protect a structure
(refer to 12).
Ion
Electrically charged atom or group of atoms.
Interference
Electrical disturbance on a metallic structure as a result of stray current.
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On potential
Structure to electrolyte potential measured with CP current flowing.
pH
Measure of activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in electrolyte/solution, and, therefore, its acidity or
alkalinity: acidic (0 to 7), neutral (7), or alkaline (7 to 14).
Polarisation
Change from open circuit potential as a result of current across electrode/electrolyte interface.
Protected structure
Structure to which CP is effectively applied.
Protection current
Current made to flow into a metallic structure from its electrolytic environment in order to affect CP
of the structure.
Protection potential
Structure to electrolyte potential for which metal corrosion rate is acceptable.
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Transformer rectifier
Device that converts alternating current (AC) to DC. DC voltage is used as the power source for
impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems.
For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
AC Alternating current.
CP Cathodic protection.
IJ Isolating joint.
IR Current × resistance.
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TA Technical authority.
5 General
5.1 Application
CP shall be applied to a wide variety of production, pipeline, and process equipment for onshore
and offshore, including:
a. Onshore
1. ASTs, USTs, and vessels when installed in a conductive electrolyte.
2. Buried and immersed pipelines (gathering and transmission).
3. Buried process and utility pipelines.
4. Well casings.
5. Shell and tube heat exchangers using cooling water.
6. Buried and immersed fixed structures (metallic supports, ground grids, tower legs).
b. Offshore
1. Fixed and floating production facilities.
2. Storage tanks (product, water, and drilling fluid).
3. Subsea systems (e.g., wellheads, risers, mooring systems, flowlines, and pipelines).
4. Firewater and seawater pump caissons.
5. Coastal and marine terminals (e.g., wharfs, jetties, mooring, and breasting dolphins).
5.2.1 General
a. CP consists of:
1. Connecting an external anode to the metallic structure to be protected.
2. Passing of an electrical current such that all areas of the metallic surface becomes
cathodic and, therefore, does not corrode.
b. The external anode may be either:
1. A galvanic anode (the current is a result of the potential difference between the two
metals).
2. An impressed current anode (the current is impressed from an external DC power
source).
5.2.2 Polarisation
a. Polarisation is the change in potential (becoming more negative) of an electrode as the
result of CP current flow. As more current is applied, the level of polarisation increases.
Over time, polarisation may occur on anode and cathode.
b. After polarisation has been achieved, rate of electrochemical reactions slows down and
causes a reduction of:
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1. Corrosion currents.
2. Corrosion rate.
Degree of polarisation at structure to electrolyte interface is measured in terms of
potential difference between the surface of a structure and the electrolytic
environment of the structure.
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4. Metallic path.
c. The following principles shall be considered in designing an adequate corrosion control
system:
1. Structure design considerations for corrosion control and CP.
2. Coating selection.
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a) Structure to electrolyte potential shall be kept less negative than threshold value
at which hydrogen evolution could damage the structure.
b) Include adequate venting to prevent buildup of hydrogen.
c) Magnesium alloy anodes should not be installed in areas where hydrogen
buildup may occur.
2. Because high levels of hydrogen gas can cause embrittlement of certain materials,
measured potentials shall be kept within safe range for these materials to prevent
cracking.
Hydrogen gas limit requirements are specified in9.1.1c.1 and 9.1.9c.
f. Chlorine gas should not be allowed to collect in confined spaces, which may present a
hazard to personnel and materials.
Electrochemical reactions at the surfaces of impressed current anodes in seawater
can result in evolution of chlorine gas, which is highly toxic and corrosive.
Long term integrity of galvanic and ICCP systems is dependent on regular
maintenance and monitoring throughout the life of the system (refer to GP 06-36 for
additional requirements).
g. There are documented instances where pipelines parallel to high voltage AC transmission
lines can have induced AC voltage on structures. AC mitigation shall be considered,
preferably at design stage, to mitigate effects due to induced AC to protect personnel safety
and integrity of structures.
h. AC potential of cathodically protected structures should always be measured.
i. If AC potential measurement is:
1. Greater than 15 VAC, structure should be considered hazardous, and steps should be
taken to reduce AC potential level.
2. Less than 15 VAC, no specific action shall be necessary.
7 Personnel qualifications
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Task category ICorr and NACE ICorr and NACE ICorr Level 2 and ICorr Level
CP Level 1 or CP Level 2 or NACE CP Level 3 3/fellow and
equivalent equivalent or equivalent NACE CP Level 4
or equivalent
Design of CP systems X
Interpret data gathered
X X
during maintenance
Determine mitigation
X X
action plans
Perform CP surveys X X X X
Collect comprehensive
X X X
data for CP designs
Installation of CP systems X X X X
CP system
X X X X
troubleshooting
CP troubleshooting -
X X X
advanced
CP quality assurance X X X X
8 CP System design
8.1 General
a. CP systems shall be designed in accordance with principles in GDP 5.0-0001.
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e. Electrical continuity
1. Non-welded mechanical connections on a structure to be cathodically protected shall
be bonded in an effective manner (e.g., bell and spigot, screwed collars, and
couplings).
f. Electrical isolation
1. Structure to be protected shall not be electrically connected to a facility that would
prevent application of adequate corrosion control CP.
2. Isolation device shall be properly selected for application and properties to be
considered include:
a) Operating temperature.
b) Pressure.
c) Mechanical strength.
d) Chemical resistance.
e) Dielectric resistance.
3. Locations where electrical isolation shall be evaluated for use include:
a) Wellheads.
b) Casings or sleeves.
c) Custody transfer to another entity.
d) Junction of dissimilar metals.
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d. Relevant CP system design equations for the structure to be protected shall be used.
Relevant equations that shall be used are contained in the international standards listed in
Table 4, which is separated into asset type with applicable standards for each asset.
8.3 Coatings
a. CP shall be designed as part of corrosion protection system in conjunction with corrosion
control provided by coatings, as applicable.
b. Coating systems and the application methods that can be deployed on cathodically
protected steel structures shall conform to the following, as applicable:
1. GP 06-40.
2. GP 06-60.
3. GP 06-63.
4. GIS 06-402.
5. GP 58-10.
c. Surface preparation before applying any coating system shall conform to GIS 06-601.
Correct surface preparation is vital for coating systems and often governs service
life of the coating system.
d. To use CP in a corrosion protection system, the following coatings principles shall be
considered:
The primary corrosion control principle for the use of coatings is to provide an
isolating barrier between the metal surface and its surrounding electrolyte and to
reduce the flow of corrosion currents (including stray currents). However, coatings
unfortunately always can contain defects and further flaws will develop as the
system ages.
1. A combination of applying a coating and CP results in the most effective overall
corrosion protection system. This combination is the primary principle for corrosion
protection of ongrade, immersed, and/or buried structures operated by Company.
2. The primary corrosion protection barrier is provided by the coating, while CP
provides protection to deficiencies in the coating and ensures the integrity of the
associated structure.
3. Coatings are not perfect isolators and will become damaged or degraded over time.
4. As the coating degrades or becomes damaged, the CP system will provide more
protective current to ensure continued efficient protection of the coating defects.
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9.1.1 General
a. CP criteria for the following buried or submerged onshore steel structures shall be as
defined in b.:
1. Pipelines.
2. Flowlines.
3. Communications and electrical tower legs.
4. Firewater and suppression systems.
5. Metallic support structures.
b. For the structures listed in a., one of the following CP criteria shall be achieved:
1. -0,850 V or more negative polarised instant off potential, with respect to CSE
reference electrode.
2. 100 mV of cathodic polarisation, with respect to CSE reference electrode, measuring
either formation or decay of polarisation.
3. In anaerobic conditions, -0,950 V or more negative polarised potential, with respect to
CSE reference electrode.
4. At temperatures greater than 60°C (140°F), a polarised potential of -0,950 V, with
respect to CSE reference electrode.
c. CP potential levels
1. CP potential levels that result in excessive hydrogen generation should be avoided on
materials susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
2. Carbon steel potentials should be more positive than -1,200 V, with respect to CSE.
3. Potential limits of stainless steel, duplex, super duplex, or other CRA materials should
be determined by a testing regime during CP system design.
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a. -0,850 V or more negative polarised instant off potential, with respect to CSE reference
electrode.
b. 100 mV of cathodic polarisation, with respect to CSE reference electrode, measuring either
formation or decay of polarisation.
c. For temperatures greater than 60°C (140°F), 200 mV of cathodic polarisation, with respect
to CSE reference electrode.
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10.1 General
a. Galvanic anode design shall meet or exceed life expectancy required for structure (refer
to 8.2 for additional design considerations of galvanic CP systems).
b. If the galvanic anode design life does not exceed the life expectancy for the structure,
provisions for meeting this requirement shall be provided.
c. Refer to Annex B for a list of galvanic anode advantages and disadvantages.
d. Galvanic anodes shall be able to continuously supply maximum current required to
maintain protection levels during CP system life expectancy.
e. Current requirements shall be determined for CP design life of structure to ensure that
anode design conforms to initial, mean, and/or final current demand requirements.
f. Anode alloy composition, connections, and installation methods shall conform to
GIS 06-311.
g. Galvanic anodes should be made of alloys based on magnesium, zinc, and aluminium.
h. Galvanic (sacrificial) anodes shall:
1. Protect structure to which anodes are connected by corroding (sacrificing) in an
electrolyte.
2. Be more electronegative than material to be protected.
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2. Maximum resistivity restrictions for magnesium and zinc anodes shall conform to
Table 8.
f. For onshore applications in soil, prepackaged anodes with specially formulated backfill
shall be used in accordance with GIS 06-311.
g. Only magnesium alloys should be used in potable water, due to nontoxic corrosion
products.
11.1 General
ICCP can be applied if metal to be protected is coupled to the negative pole of an
external DC power source, while the positive pole is coupled to a more
electropositive anode material. Because driving voltage is provided by DC power
source, the anode does not need to be more active than structure to be protected.
Anodes may be:
Nonconsumable anodes that can remain inert.
Semiconsumable anodes (e.g., graphite and high silicon iron).
Consumable anodes (e.g., scrap iron).
a. ICCP systems shall be designed:
1. To satisfy all statutory electrical and hazardous area requirements.
2. For specific structure to be protected.
b. Design should meet or exceed life expectancy required for structure.
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c. To determine CP effectiveness and life expectancy, designs should have all associated
groundbed resistance and current requirement calculations.
d. To ensure all points are properly protected, current attenuation calculations may be
required for structures in which groundbed placement is extremely remote from structure
to be protected.
e. Measures shall be taken to ensure the necessary isolation between anodes and structure.
f. Total current capacity of ICCP system shall have 1,25 times current required for
groundbed to produce.
g. Excess capacity in the CP system design shall help meet additional current requirements of
structure as structure ages and coating deteriorates.
1. DC power source monitoring requirements shall conform to GP 06-36.
Current delivered by DC power source should be monitored throughout design life
of CP system to achieve and maintain an adequate protection potential over surface
of structure.
Monitoring requirements should conform to GP 06-36.
h. In addition to DC power source, a properly designed ICCP system shall consist of the
following components:
1. ICCP anodes.
2. Cables (anode and negative [current drain]).
3. Reference electrode and cable (if required).
4. Specialised and engineered backfill (as required).
i. ICCP system components shall conform to GIS 06-311.
Annex B provides advantages and disadvantages for ICCP systems.
11.2.1 General
a. If environment, structure configuration, and service conditions vary frequently,
transformer rectifiers with automatic potential control should be used. Otherwise,
fluctuations in current demand required to maintain polarisation can occur.
Fluctuations in current demand can be caused by several factors, including:
Variations in salinity (as for estuaries).
Change in electrolyte flow rates.
Large fluctuations in submerged steel areas caused by tidal variations.
Wetted surface areas of mobile units, depending on loading condition.
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a. A risk analysis of the failure of the CP system shall be in accordance with GDP 3.1-0001.
b. The following ICCP system risks shall be considered:
1. Generally, risks of failure to ICCP systems are much greater than those of a galvanic
system.
2. Type of installation and attachment devices used for impressed current anodes and
groundbeds are, therefore, critical, with respect to mechanical damage, because fewer
anodes or groundbeds are involved at relatively high output currents.
3. Loss of an impressed current anode or groundbed may significantly reduce
performance of CP system.
12 Hybrid systems
a. Many onshore, marine, and offshore structures that are protected by ICCP systems may
also have a number of galvanic anodes installed.
b. Hybrid impressed current and galvanic anode system design should have a managed
interface to ensure compatibility.
c. Galvanic anodes shall be used in a hybrid system to provide:
1. Temporary protection to structure before power supply to transformer rectifiers can
be energised.
2. Supplemental protection levels for parts of structure shielded or remote from
impressed current anodes or anode groundbeds.
3. Permanent protection for deepwater components, even though impressed current is
supplied for adjacent floating structure.
13.1 General
a. If design life of existing CP system is exceeded and can no longer maintain desired levels
of protection or the system fails prematurely, retrofit CP systems shall be considered.
b. Galvanic anodes or ICCP systems shall be used to supplement or replace existing
protection systems.
c. Bracelet anode assemblies
1. Bracelet anode assemblies that have flush mounted or standoff galvanic anodes may
be retrofitted to offshore structures by divers or ROVs.
2. Effective, long term electrical continuity between steel hoops of anode bracelet and
structural member shall be ensured.
d. Galvanic anodes
1. Galvanic anodes mounted on sleds may also be used to supplement protection of
offshore structures and submarine pipelines.
2. Electrical continuity between anode sled and structure shall be provided using at least
two armoured cables.
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b. ICCP systems are usually deployed as sleds or tethered and pod configurations on the
seabed that are remote to structure or pipeline.
c. Location of seabed impressed current anode assemblies shall be evaluated to avoid
interaction with foreign metallic structures in the vicinity.
d. Typically, impressed current anode assemblies should be located between 50 m (164 ft)
and 100 m (330 ft) from structure to be protected to ensure uniform current distribution is
achieved.
e. Underwater cable connections (splices) shall be avoided for ICCP installations.
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Annex A
(Informative)
Basics of corrosion
A.1 General
a. Metal that has been extracted from its primary ore (metal oxides or other free radicals) has
a natural tendency to revert to that state under the action of oxygen and water. This action
is called corrosion and the most common example is the rusting of steel. Corrosion is an
electro-chemical process that involves the passage of electrical currents on a micro or
macro scale.
b. Where metal is lost, it converts to positive ions and loses electrons through the metal. The
electrons travel through the metal to an area where they react with the environment to
balance the charge by forming negative ions in solution.
c. This corrosion process is initially caused by:
1. Difference in natural potential in galvanic (bimetallic) couples.
2. Metallurgical variations in the state of the metal at different points on the surface.
3. Local differences in the environment, such as variations in the supply of oxygen at the
surface (oxygen rich areas become the cathode and oxygen depleted areas become the
anode).
a. Corrosion area in which metal is lost by conversion to positive ions is the anode. The area
in which electrons react with environment is the cathode.
b. Corrosion takes place in an electrochemical cell, provided that following four events occur
(refer to Figure A.1):
1. An anodic reaction (e.g., oxidation which produces free electrons that pass within the
metal to another site on the metal surface [cathode]).
M Mn+ + ne- __metal dissolution.
A common example is:
Fe Fe2+ + 2e- __iron dissolution.
2. A cathodic reaction (e.g., reduction that consumes electrons produced at anode).
In acid solution, cathodic reaction is as follows:
2H+ + 2e- H2 (gas) __ hydrogen reduction.
In neutral solution, cathodic reaction involves consumption of oxygen:
O2 + 2H2O + 4e- 4OH- (alkali) __ oxygen reduction.
3. Presence of a conductive electrolyte to allow flow of ionic current between anode and
cathode.
4. Metallic connection (path) that completes corrosion circuit, allowing electric current
flow from the anode to the cathode.
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A.3 Electrolytes
a. An electrolyte is a chemical substance or mixture, usually liquid that contains ions which
migrate in an electric field.
b. Electrolytes encountered in relation with CP are water based, typically:
1. Seawater, brackish, or fresh water.
2. Water in soil, clay, mud, concrete, etc.
c. Corrosiveness of electrolyte depends on physical conditions and constituents, for example:
1. pH, temperature, pressure, etc.
2. Oxygen content.
3. Bacteria concentration.
4. Salinity.
Wet concrete does not usually corrode steel due to high alkalinity and passivation of
the steel surface. Corrosion occurs, however, if concrete becomes contaminated
with chlorides or alkalinity reduces.
A.4 Resistivity
a. Soil acts as a reservoir for water and soluble salts, and corrosiveness can be assessed by
measuring electrical resistance of soil.
b. Resistivity measurements provide a good indication of aggressiveness of soil (refer to
Table A.1).
c. Electrolyte resistivity is essential for CP design and controls the amount of current that can
be passed into electrolyte from anode/groundbed.
Exceptions exist to Table A.1 For example, sandy soil in low marshy area is wet and
exhibits low resistivity. Therefore, sandy soil may be more corrosive than many clay
soils.
Resistivity of seawater may also vary with depth and global location.
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Sandy
30 to 100 98 to 328 Mildly corrosive
Unlikely to be
>100 >328
corrosive
a. Bimetallic corrosion refers to corrosion damage induced if two dissimilar materials are
coupled in a corrosive electrolyte. Bimetallic corrosion occurs if two (or more) dissimilar
metals are brought into electrical contact under water.
b. Galvanic corrosion is often caused by inappropriate design.
c. The driving force for corrosion is potential difference between different materials.
d. Relative nobility of a material can be predicted by measuring its corrosion potential. The
well known galvanic series (refer to Table A.2) lists relative nobility of certain materials
versus common reference electrodes.
To avoid metal contact and corrosion between dissimilar metals, an IJ is normally
fitted to electrically separate the two metals.
a. MIC refers to corrosion that is influenced by the presence and activities of microorganisms
and/or their metabolites.
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Spectacularly rapid corrosion failures have been observed in soil due to microbial
action.
b. Microbial environment
1. Anaerobic conditions may be created in the micro environmental regime, even if bulk
conditions are aerobic.
2. pH conditions and availability of nutrients also play a role in determining which types
of microorganisms can thrive in a soil environment.
c. Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB)
1. SRB reduces sulphate to sulphide.
2. The change from sulphate to sulphide usually shows up as:
a) Hydrogen sulphide, which can be recognised from its “rotten egg” odour.
b) Black ferrous sulphide, if iron is available.
3. Most common strains of SRB grow best at temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C
(95°F).
4. A few thermophilic strains of SRB that can function efficiently at more than 60°C
(140°F) have been reported.
5. SRB have been implicated in corrosion of:
a) Cast iron.
b) Steel.
c) Ferritic stainless steels.
d) 300 series stainless steels.
e) Very highly alloyed stainless steels.
f) Copper nickel alloys.
g) High nickel molybdenum alloys.
Stray current corrosion occurs if current flows through paths other than the
intended circuit. Stray current corrosion is usually associated with DC systems.
a. Stray current corrosion is normally mitigated by eliminating or reducing stray current by
one of the following methods:
1. Increasing metal/electrolyte interface resistance by coating structure.
2. Inserting IJs between distinct parts of structure.
b. AC corrosion can be induced by proximity and parallelism to high voltage overhead power
lines, which can be caused by:
1. Long term imbalance in transmission system.
2. High voltages near earthing (grounding) systems, resulting from lightning strikes and
faults.
c. Induced voltage and current
1. Interference between pipeline and power supply phases causes induced voltages and
currents.
2. Induced AC voltages can be very dangerous.
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
3. Induced AC currents can cause very rapid corrosion, particularly on well coated
pipelines.
4. Mitigation is important to reduce both safety and corrosion risk.
Electrochemical series of metals are listed in Table A.2, which shows natural potentials of
metals (metals commonly referred to or related to CP), with respect to standard reference
electrodes.
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
Annex B
(Informative)
Advantages and disadvantages of galvanic and impressed
current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems
Installation Straight forward installation. Often bulky. Large quantity of anodes required
for uncoated structures.
Power source Independent of any power source. Hydrodynamic loadings may be high. Anodes
may restrict water flow in water system (e.g., for
pump casing systems offshore). Anodes may be
required at a large number of positions.
Control Tendency for current to be self-adjusting. Lifespan varies with local conditions.
Replacements may be required at different
times.
Damage Robust, not very susceptible to mechanical Anode weight may not be supported by structure
damage. to be protected.
Connection Designed mechanical connection or welded Not able to determine if connection is solidly
directly to surface of structure to be protected. made.
Connections are cathodically protected.
Hazards Magnesium anodes can be used in potable Magnesium should only be used in confined
water tanks. spaces that are well vented and not in areas
containing hydrocarbons. Aluminium and zinc
anodes should not be used in potable water
tanks. Zinc anodes should not be used in diesel
storage tanks that supply dual fuel gas turbines.
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
Installation Good flexibility. Can be applied to a Requires high level of detail design and installation
wide range of structures. expertise.
Power source Controllable current output requiring External power source necessary with continuous power
fewer anodes due to higher current supply. DC polarity needs to be checked during
output. Controlled current output commissioning, because misconnection with reversed
caters for changing conditions. polarity will accelerate corrosion on structure.
Anodes/ Generally requires a small number of Effects on other structures that are near anode locations of
interference anodes. Lighter and has the least protected structures should be assessed (but any interaction
effect on water flow. may be readily corrected).
Control Simple controls, which can be made Monitoring and control required at regular intervals.
automatic to maintain potential within
close limits. Ability to switch current off to measure IR free potentials.
Maintenance Inspection can be maintained at Though designed for long life, requires regular inspection,
relatively few points of structure. monitoring, and control.
Large capacity, long life systems.
Damage Anodes can be located in a single Lighter anodes less resistant to mechanical damage and,
location. therefore, loss of anodes more critical.
History of use on offshore structures shows that anodes are
susceptible to damage during installation.
Connection Fewer connections required. Can be Connection more complex and requires high integrity
flush mounted to structure, preventing insulation. Susceptible to water ingress at anode termination
turbulence or water flow restriction. points, resulting in premature failure. Requires high integrity
insulation on connection to positive side of transformer
rectifier, which is in contact with soil or water. Otherwise,
connection will corrode.
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Cathodic Protection (CP) Design for Onshore and Offshore Facilities
Bibliography
BP
[1] GP 32-30, Inspection and Testing of Equipment In Service - Management Principles.
[5] API RP 1632, Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems.
[8] ISO 10005, Quality Management System - Guidelines for Quality Plans.
[9] ISO/TS 29001, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Sector-specific quality
management systems - Requirements for product and service supply organizations.
[12] NACE TM0190, Impressed Current Test Method for Lab. Testing of Aluminium Anodes.
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