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Date Submitted: 10/17/2015 03:08 PM
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...