Stray Current Interference
6:2
CP 1 – Cathodic Protection Tester Course Manual
©
NACE International, 2000
02/01/05
Typical sources of stray currents are:
1.
Cathodic protection systems on underground or submerged structures (this
is called interference) .
2.
Electric powered mass transit systems (often called stray traction current) .
3.
Welding where structure ground is at some distance from the welding
electrodes.
4.
Electric transmission lines (danger of induced AC).
5.
High voltage DC (HVDC) transmission systems (mainly in monopolar
operation).
6.
Telluric currents (associated with sun spot activity and the earth's
magnetic field).
Regardless of the source, currents flowing in an electrolyte produce voltage
differences (gradients) in the electrolyte. If a voltage gradient is crossed by a
metallic structure such as a pipe, cable, foundation pile, etc., current will be
created on the structure. Where current is picked up, the structure is
protected; corrosion occurs where the current leaves the metal and re-enters
the electrolyte.
Types of Stray Current
Dynamic Stray Current
Dynamic stray currents
vary in magnitude and often in direction. These
currents can be manmade or natural in origin.
Manmade dynamic stray currents come from such sources as electrically-
powered rail transit systems or mine railroads and arc welding operations.
Telluric currents
are naturally-occurring dynamic stray currents that are
caused by disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field by sun spot activity.
They are found most commonly on long pipelines in higher latitudes, but
have also been seen in lower latitudes. How much, if any, corrosion is
caused by telluric currents is still questioned, but they do create large
variations in pipe-to-soil potential and current flow measurements.
Steady State Stray Current
Steady state
or
static stray currents
maintain a constant magnitude and
direction. Examples include cathodic protection interference and ground
current from high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission line earth electrodes.
Summary of Contents for CP 1
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