Task 0011 Conduct Close Interval Survey

(a) Task Guidance. This task includes gathering electrical potential readings along the pipeline at
specified intervals and recording data.
1. Select task procedure(s) and appropriate equipment.
2. Perform test equipment check to verify equipment functions within specified
parameters.
(-a) balance of half-cell to reference cell
(-b) calibration of meter and equipment
(-c) installation of interrupter

(-1) synchronization
(-2) current flow

3. Verify identity and location of correct test point.

(-a) geographical and structure location
(-b) connection point to structure
(-c) location of half-cell placement
(-d) physical start/stop locations
(-e) accurate survey of system routing
4. Perform survey.
(-a) verify position of line and spacing of electrode(s)
(-b) identify any A/C voltage interference
(-c) verify location of insulation/isolation points, bonds, cased crossings, and other
variances
(-d) confirm connections of instruments to facility
(-e) ensure appropriate information is captured
(-f) return system to original condition
5. Document, as required.
(b) Potential applicability: L, G, D
(c) Difficulty: 4
(d) Importance: 3
(e) Interval: 3 yr
(f) Evaluation method
1. Initial: P&W/O
2. Sub: W/O
(g) Span of control: 1:1
Perform test equipment check to verify equipment functions within specified parameters.

Accurate electrical measurement readings while performing conduct close interval surveys are directly
dependent on the proper calibration of the equipment being used. Users should refer to the
equipment’s instruction manual for more information on proper calibration and use of the equipment
before performing the survey.

(-a) balance of half-cell to reference cell

Balance half-cell electrodes with a new reference cell electrode that hasn’t been used to collect field
data. The calibration. Place both electrodes tip-to-tip in a container of potable water. Use a digital
voltmeter to measure the voltage difference of the electrodes. If the voltage difference of the two
electrodes exceeds 5mV, empty the reference cell electrode of its contents and clean it thoroughly. Use
a solution of unused water and copper sulfate crystals to recharge the reference-cell electrode before
recalibrating. If the voltage difference of the two electrodes remains greater than 5mV, properly dispose
of the reference cell electrode and replace with a new one.

(-b) calibration of meter and equipment

(-c) installation of interrupter

(-1) synchronization
(-2) current flow
Verify identity and location of correct test point.

(-a) geographical and structure location

(-b) connection point to structure

(-c) location of half-cell placement

Place the half-cell directly over the pipeline whenever possible. This will allow you to get accurate
measurements and to better detect areas of the pipe that may not be sufficiently protected.

(-d) physical start/stop locations

(-e) accurate survey of system routing

Perform survey.

(-a) verify position of line and spacing of electrode(s)

Ensure that the negative connection point of the data-logger is connected to the half-cell and that the
positive connection point is connected to the test point. Place reference electrode(s) porous side down
into moist soil directly above the pipeline. Measurements are conducted the length of the pipeline
between test points at 3-foot intervals.

(-b) identify any A/C voltage interference

(-c) verify location of insulation/isolation points, bonds, cased crossings, and other variances

(-d) confirm connections of instruments to facility

For accurate potential measurements, ensure that the test leads, and connection points are clean and
free of defects such as damaged test lead insulation or corrosion. Connect the negative terminal of the
data-logger to the half-cell above the pipe and the positive terminal to the test point.

(-e) ensure appropriate information is captured

(-f) return system to original condition

Document, as required.