Use of Pipe-to-Soil Potential In Analyzing Underground Corrosion Problems

Abstract

Abstract An account is given of how pipe-to-soil potential measurements can be used to distinguish stray current corrosion from galvanic corrosion. General rules are given for the interpretation of a set of potential measurements in evaluating an underground corrosion problem in a non-stray current area. Data reported include potential profiles of (1) Galvanic corrosion activity (2) Pipe subject to exposure from cathodic protection interference. (3) Ungrounded coated pipeline, (4) Coated pipeline connected to copper grounding system, (5) Bimetallic effect. Several case histories are cited to show actual application of rules in evaluating corrosion problems in non-stray current areas. 4.5.3