Evaluating the cathodic protection levels of large geographically dispersed natural gas distribution systems presents significant challenges to the consistent and proper application of cathodic protection criteria. The measurements must be taken properly, the appropriate criteria applied, and each measurement appropriately evaluated. These activities are performed to maintain public safety, reduce operating costs from corrosion, and meet regulatory requirements. All of this must be accomplished while maintaining or reducing costs. Proper training, well-documented measurement procedures, and an automated record keeping system can work together to meet these challenges.
Keywords: criteria, cathodic protection, training, procedures, potential, IR drop, PC (personal computer), field computer