Page 16: of Marine Technology Magazine (March 2024)

TECH FEATURE IMR

Image courtesy FORCE Technology

OPTIMIZING CATHODIC

PROTECTION SURVEY USING

NON-CONTACT SENSORS

By Svenn Magen Wigen, FORCE Technology he principle behind sacri? cial anodes, which are water structures, reducing the need for frequent repairs and used to safeguard underwater pipelines and struc- replacements, which also aligns well with sustainable opera- tures from corrosion, is relatively straightforward. tional practices in the offshore industry. However, in order to

Made of alloys like aluminum, Zinc and is some protect underwater assets effectively, the condition of CP an-

T cases Magnesium, the anodes are more reactive in the elec- odes must be regularly surveyed to determine when replace- trochemical process than the steel used in pipelines and other ments are required. subsea structures. When connected to a structure, the anodes willingly ‘sacri? ce’ themselves by corroding ? rst, effectively Survey Methods redirecting the corrosion away from the vital structures. CP survey is part of a larger underwater integrity manage-

The methodology, known as Cathodic Protection (CP), is ment strategy, normally consisting; used on all underwater structures that consist of two or more • Identi? cation of threats, touching metals, and therefore act like a battery in seawater, • Assessment of risk associated with the identi? ed threats, creating a current that causes consumption of the anode mate- • Inspection, testing and maintenance planning, rial. The practice signi? cantly extends the lifespan of under- • Inspection, monitoring and testing activities, 16 March/April 2024

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