Cathodic Protection Simulation of Linear Anode Alongside Coated and Uncoated Pipe

Abstract

Linear anode-pipe arrangement cathodic protection system with a complete nonlinear cathode boundary condition is analyzed by finite element method numerical simulation to extract the effective parameters for both coated and uncoated pipe. The results show that defect size ratio, linear anode-to-pipe distance, and pipe diameter are fundamental parameters to design an effective cathodic protection system able to guarantee a proper current distribution. Soil resistivity has a significant effect on the current distribution of both coated and uncoated pipe. The results show that the 100 mV potential shift criterion for a single linear anode-pipe arrangement can be ineffective and a two anode system may be required.