Troubleshooting 9:7
CP 1 – Cathodic Protection Tester Course Manual
©
NACE International, 2000
07/01/04
If test wires exist, an underground “insulation checker” may be used. This
instrument is similar to the above grade insulation checker but is designed
to be used only with test wires to an underground fitting.
Above grade isolating fittings can be tested using pipe-to-soil potentials
too. These fittings can also be tested with radio frequency insulation
checkers. This instrument can be used only on above grade isolating fittings
since the radio frequency signal travels only a very short distance. This
characteristic makes the instrument very useful when trying to find a
shorted isolator in a manifold or group of isolating fittings that are all in
parallel.
A quick test can be made using an earphone that detects the presence of AC
or a DC potential difference across the isolating fitting. If the fitting is
good, and AC is present, a hum will be heard in the earphone. If no AC is
present, and there is a DC potential difference across the fitting, a
scratching noise will be heard in the earphone when contact is made across
a good fitting. The earphone must be used with caution as high levels of
AC may create excessively loud noises in the earphone. Also, if the
structure-to-electrolyte potential happens to be the same on either side of an
isolating joint and no AC is present, the test will not be accurate. This quick
test cannot be relied on for a final determination of the effectiveness of an
isolating fitting.
Cathodic Protection Levels
From time to time in your routine testing you will come across areas where
your structure is not up to protected levels. As mentioned earlier, a shorted
isolating fitting or casing may be to blame. A stray current or cathodic
interference problem may have developed (see Chapter 5). Perhaps there is
something wrong with the galvanic anodes or the impressed current
rectifier. Running a detailed survey or, on a pipeline, a pipe-to-soil potential
profile may help in identifying the problem.
Summary of Contents for CP 1
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