Pipeline A/C Interference & Mitigation Toolbox
Need:
Increasingly, multiple pipelines are utilizing the same right of way with overhead power lines causing pipeline cathodic protection (CP) systems to function improperly. Improperly functioning pipeline CP systems result in possible accelerated corrosion of the pipeline, increased maintenance and repair costs and reduced integrity and safety of the pipeline. There has been an industry wide, growing need for a user friendly computer program that would assist the user in predicting and mitigating inductively coupled voltages on buried pipelines paralleling high voltage electric power lines.
Result:
The PC based computer program includes comprehensive electromagnetic coupling equations with an easy to use interface to enable both steady state and fault induced voltages and currents to be calculated for up to three (3) un-bonded pipelines co-located with up to ten (10) power transmission line circuits. The program also has been enhanced analytical capabilities including pipeline bond connections and pipeline grounding capabilities for both steady state and fault current mitigation. The format developed for this program makes many of the computational functions and much of the data input automatic for the user. leading to easier program usage.
Benefits:
The time and costs for investigating AC coupling problems, inductively coupled interference studies, new cathodic protection (CP) design with close or crossing competitive pipelines with existing CP systems or overhead power transmission lines, right-of-way and integrity planning, etc. is greatly reduced with use of the program. The program reduces engineering time and costs while improving the safety and integrity of CP design
