We introduce you our cathodic protection test field
As part of its Smart Factory expansion, AUTOMA (Italy) set up a Cathodic Protection test field in an area adjacent to the new building.
The purpose is to simulate the possible cathodic protection conditions of buried metal pipelines and carry out measurements, either in the field and remotely, accordingly to national, European and international standards.
In addition to training, updating and certification courses as per ISO 15257:2017, this is also for the Goliah Academy: the continuous training program that AUTOMA offers to its customers to help make the best possible results out of its solution.
A real playground for cathodic protection experts
The test field covers an area of 600 sqm and was designed to simulate the cathodic protection of a 6” diameter pipe of 50 m length buried at a depth of about 1 m.
Cathodic protection can be implemented both by an impressed current system with Fe-Si alloy earth electrodes and by a magnesium alloy galvanic anode system.
Six test posts are installed along the pipeline, where fixed copper/copper sulphate reference electrodes are buried, each equipped with one or two coupons.
These allow measurements of potential without ohmic drop, measurements of DC and AC current density and simulation of coating leaks. A zinc electrode is also present so that measurements obtained using different types of electrodes can be compared.
Finally, the test field also enables the simulation of interference conditions from both direct and alternating current.
Each standard “conchiglia” test post is flanked by an “international” one:
• M28 test post (UK);
• Kettner Pole (North Europe);
• Big Fink (USA and Middle East);
• Solar Box produced by AUTOMA.
Any test post is equipped with an AUTOMA cathodic protection remote monitoring unit that, together with the units installed in the rectifiers, for control and synchronized ON/OFF, provides a real interactive experience. It is also possible to simulate all possible cathodic protection and electrical interference conditions, as well as to vary the total length or part of the structure using variable resistors.
In terms of cathodic protection measures, this field test enables the simulation of what would regularly be carried out in the field to check corrosion protection conditions: electrical voltage and current measurements, most common measurement techniques and instant- off measurements on coupons to verify the potential without ohmic drops.
To know more about AUTOMA’s cathodic protection test field, write to sales@byautoma.com
