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Supplement to LUSTLine 64

Testing Cathodic-Protection Systems

by Marcel Moreau

T

esting cathodically protected structures is rarely a “cookbook” type of procedure. A clear understanding of cathodic-protection

principles is a prerequisite for the correct execution of the monitoring procedure and a reasonable interpretation of the

monitoring results. Having said that, I hereby offer my recipe for monitoring the status of a cathodically protected UST

system. My goal is not to turn any casual reader into a cathodic-protection tester, but to provide some guidance for those who need

a refresher. An understanding of how the monitoring procedure should be carried out may also help regulators and storage system

owners understand what’s what when they are reviewing cathodic-protection monitoring reports.

Testing cathodically protected structures is rarely a “cookbook” type of

procedure. A clear understanding

of cathodic-protection principles is

a prerequisite for the correct execution of the monitoring procedure

and a reasonable interpretation of

the monitoring results. Having said

that, I hereby offer my recipe for

monitoring the status of a cathodically protected UST system. My goal

is not to turn any casual reader into a

cathodic-protection tester, but to provide some guidance for those who

need a refresher. An understanding

of how the monitoring procedure

should be carried out may also help

regulators and storage system owners understand what’s what when

they are reviewing cathodic-protection monitoring reports.

Testing Galvanic

Cathodic-Protection

Systems

Equipment Needed:

■ A copper/copper sulfate reference

electrode (also A voltmeter with at

least 10 megohm (million ohms)

input impedance. Most voltmeters with a digital display will

meet this requirement. Although

a model from a consumer electronics store will give accurate

readings, a voltmeter specifically

intended for cathodic-protection

monitoring will likely be more

durable in the field environment.

■ A...