Evaluation of Stray Current Effect on the Cathodic Protection of Underground Pipeline

Abstract

Two types of stray current which affect the cathodic protection of underground pipeline are discussed. One is the stray current by DC transit system and the other is that originated from the nearby cathodic protection system. The popular evaluation methods of the pipe-to-siol potential measurement was undertaken to evaluate the corrosion activity of pipeline. In case when the pipe was affected by the stray current, the measured pipe-to soil potential was significantly deviated from the mean value resulting in normal distribution. Analysis of such distribution pattern has revealed that the pipe under investigation was in the condition of insufficient protection (noble mean potential and high asymmetry coefficient) due to the considerable effect of stray current (high standard deviation value). It was also confirmed that the efficiency of drainage system was so low (<10%) due to the improper selection of drainage point. Simultaneous measurement of the magnitude and direction of the sheath current resulted in information about the place where stray current entered into pipe and escaped to soil. For the second case of stray current problem, it is shown that it has been caused by the combined interference from nearby CP system.