Impressed current cathodic protection (CP) is one of the most effective means of corrosion
control for well casings. In addition, computational modeling in this field has reached quite a
mature stage, capable of offering cost-effective solutions during both the preliminary design
stage and the subsequent monitoring stages in the productive lifespan.
During the design stage, computational modeling can be used to anticipate problems of
interference and to identify configurations with optimal design according to the local
environmental conditions.
While in principle performance monitoring of well casing CP systems is similar to pipelines, the
fact that well casings are deployed in vertical direction makes the monitoring much more
difficult. It is not generally possible from a practical point of view to have access to the soil-tocasing
potentials. Hence, two different approaches are commonly used: E-Log I tests and
voltage gradient measurements (CPET) along the casing. Then, proper interpretation from
specialized technicians or engineers allows determining the level of performance of the
complete corrosion control system. This approach requires experience and particularly in the
case of CPET is an expensive procedure and on its own does not always provide detailed
information of potential and normal current density profiles along the casing.
Keywords: CP, Cathodic Protection, Modeling, Multi-Layer soil, Well Casing, Boundary
Element Method, design and monitoring