In-situ Sensors for Cathodic Protection Interrelationships Modeling

Under Development

Sencontrology, Inc More »

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Excavation Damage Prevention

This PHMSA-funded project modeled cathodic protection (CP) penetration pipelines by using interconnected electrochemical and ultrasonic-type sensing technologies with polyurethane foam systems. Results provide the basis for future commercialization of sensor module designs and data acquisition for monitoring CP levels, soil conditions, coating performance and corrosion rates in underground pipelines.

Effective CP systems are vital to pipeline integrity and safety. Protective coatings must be able to conduct CP current if disbondment occurs. Polyurethane foam sack breakers have operational advantages over sand bags as the foam conforms to any ditch configuration and allows immediate backfill and foam breakers are sprayed around the pipe in place, so the foam adheres to the pipe and does not degrade over time. Data acquired from sensor-driven CP modeling could be used to mitigate corrosion in underground oil and gas pipelines and manage infrastructure.

Increased Safety - Foam has many advantages over sand bags in terms of installation and operation and, in turn, allows more effective management of cathodic protection.

Reduced Operations Cost - Transportation costs to the jobsite are considerably lower for foam than sand bags. Future additional savings will be realized from lower pipeline maintenance costs.

PHMSA, https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=563
SBIR-STTR, https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/691165
Sencontrology, Inc. http://www.sencontrology.com/current-pursuits/