A comparison of CP survey techniques

and intelligent pig inspection

by Glen R Cameron and Peter S Hanson

Contents of this Paper:

Introduction & background

Cathodic protection surveys

Intelligent pig inspections

Comparing & contrasting techniques

Summary & conclusions

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Monitoring Conference: Houston, 1997

Introduction & background

Jay Field in North Florida/South Alabama

17% H2S, 5% CO2. 170 KBFD, 100 MSCF gas

Encompasses both urban & rural populations

Agricultural/environmentally sensitive lands

Escambia River feeding into Pensacola Bay

Flowline & trunkline concerns

Increased temperatures with WAG injection

External corrosian found on flowlines

High temperature coating degradation

Cathodic protection systems overtaxed

Three major trunklines gather full wellstream production to a central processing facility

Internal & external conditions of higher risk trunklines unknown

Corrosion estimated to be similar to flowlines operating in same production environment

Cathodic protection surveys

Rectifier readings (Volt/Amp)

Test station Pipe to Soil Measurements

Close Interval "Over the Line" Surveys

Hot Spot/Cell to Cell Surveys

Direct Current Voltage Gradient Surveys

Rectifier Readings

Required for DOT regulated pipelines

Yield information on system performance

Indicate problems with system hardware

V/A ratios warn of groundbed depletion

Output may indicate coating degredation

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparison of CP survey techniques and intelligent pig inspection

Test Station P/S Measurements

Required for DOT regulated pipelines

Quick check of pipeline "on" potentials

T/S's typically located at one mile intervals

Interpretation of "Linear results" misleading

Laterals, valves, local anodes, soil resistivity

Close Interval Over-the-Line Surveys

Not required for DOT coated pipelines

Provide readings between test stations

Indicate local low potential areas

Interrupted surveys compensate for I/R

Surveys are "blind" at cased road crossings

Hot Spot/Cell to Cell Surveys

Dot alternative for "bare" pipelines

Determines anodic areas on the pipeline

Surveys must be performed < 3 years

Technique is complex

Measurements must be precise (10-15mv)

Direct Current Voltage Gradient Surveys

Not required for DOT pipelines

Locates coating defects & estimates size

Does not determine level of protection

Survey technique is complex

Requires skilled/knowledgeable operators

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Monitoring Conference: Houston, 1997

Intelligent pig inspections

Not a DOT requirement (new facilities are)

Technologies include MFL, AMFL, UT

Measures internal and external corrosion

Does not determine CP protection levels

Cannot distinguish "current" vs "historical"

Comparing & contrasting techniques

Case 1
Low CP Potentials: No Corrosion Evident

May have had high potentials in the past

Possibility of a non corrosive environment

Possibility of active or future corrosion

Cathodic protection systems overtaxed

Action required to correct CP situation

Case 2
High CP Potentials: No Corrosion Evident

Desired situation: Considered under control

CP survey may not detect small defects

Disbonded coating may cause shielding

Run periodic inspections on high risk lines

Case 3
Low CP Potentials: Corrosion Evident

Worst case situation for pipelines

Active and/or historical corrosion

Action required to correct both situations

Run periodic inspections on high risk lines

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparison of CP survey techniques and intelligent pig inspection

Case 4
High CP Potentials: Corrosion Evident

Corrosion from previously low potentials

Small coating defects could be present

Disbonded coating may cause shielding

Run periodic inspections on high risk lines

Rectifier readings - $120/year

Test stations - $10 per year

Close interval surveys - $350 per mile

Hot spot surveys - $350 per mile + anodes

DCVG surveys - $500 per day

Intelligent pig inspections - $1000+ per mile

Summary & conclusions

Any one technique is not a replacement for another

Consider whether information is needed on actual corrosion or the potential for corrosion

Consider the cost versus the benefit for each type of survey, as well as meeting regulatory requirements

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Monitoring Conference: Houston, 1997

Copyright 2001 Scientific Surveys Ltd. All rights reserved.