Our Client was experiencing high levels of external corrosion on their buried piping loop and had a history of leaks, which required excavation for repairs. The piping was constructed of carbon steel with a protective external coating and wrap, with no Cathodic Protection. The occurrence of leaks on buried sections suggested that the coating system was compromised. This was confirmed via inspection.
Vysus Group engaged our inhouse NACE/AMPP Level 3 Cathodic Protection Specialist to design a suitable CP system to provide external corrosion protection for the buried piping. The CP system was designed to have twenty (20) years lifespan with sufficient CP Testing Infrastructure for routine maintenance. Based on the findings of the field surveys and design calculations it was determined that an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) System was necessary. If the current requirement was sufficiently lower, a Galvanic System could have been recommended.
Vysus Group reviewed engineering drawings and corroborated the information contained during field visits. A soil resistivity survey was conducted to obtain necessary data, feeding into calculations to determine the type, weight and number of anodes required and burial depth to adequately protect the system. Considerations included the bare surface area, approximate current density, driving voltage, soil resistivity, CP current requirements.
Vysus Group advised on the selection of electrical isolation requirements, suitable anode material based on soil type and resistivity, Identification of number and locations for monitoring stations (i.e. test posts) and in the generation of cathodic protection drawings, specifications and material list with pertinent data necessary to install and commission.
With guidance from Vysus Group, the CP System was designed and installed providing cathodic protection to the buried piping, which will reduce the corrosion rates, minimize failures, and thereby save significant repair costs. Vysus was also able to design an interconnected system between two adjacent sites using one system which resulted in cost savings to the client.
The client was now also able to execute periodic inspections from the above ground test stations ensuring minimal downtime of the associated CP systems. This, in turn, contributes to ensuring the associated assets remain fit for purpose during their design life cycle and aids in prolonging the useful life of the protected assets.