Articles Cathodic Protection

Cathodic Protection

Станция катодной защиты If you want to protect the gas pipelines against corrosion, a protective current should be constant. However, a typical current does not serve the purpose, it must have special parameters. Potential of the protected metallic facility is shifted with an external DC source (Cathodic Protection Station). The idea is to control electrochemical process occurred at the border between the metal and the soil electrolyte. The station is mounted near a metallic pipe, and a positive pole should be connected with a grounding anode, while a negative pole should be connected with an object which should be protected against corrosion.

Installation Requirements

Cathodic Protection Converter can be flexibly adjusted with due regard to the needs and the surroundings. Presently, the stations are managed by microprocessors and can be adjusted with GSM-signals. Previously, the process was similar to the one with old transformers. SKZ capacity is up to 10 kW, although only its small portion is really consumed. The power reserve is determined by the changing conditions. Key conditions which impact the power are
  • resistance from anode to soil;
  • soil resistance;
  • pipe insulation resistance.
Other parameters of the current are defined at a design stage. Key variables are
  • pipeline material and dimensions;
  • required capacity;
  • area which should be covered;
  • parameters and location of an anodic electrode;
  • a site to mount s station.

Application

Cathodic Protection Station (SKZ) is used in oil and gas extracting industries. It can also be both an independent and additional tool to preserve metallic surfaces against corrosion. It is also used for steel piles in footing, bottoms of the ships, any metal contacting with soil, electric cables. Typically, pipelines with middle and high pressure are mainly impacted with corrosion. In case of insulation defect, it is highly likely that this can cause the accumulation of stray currents leading to damages. Cathodic Protection Station provides reliable failure-free work under the impact of different climatic factors. The Stations are to be mounted in the open air and are aimed to extend the service life for the pipes. However, it is critical not to forget that with the corrosion being stopped the anode is gradually ruined, therefore it should be replaced from time to time.
  Back to the list of articles