The Influence of a Grounding System on Cathodic Protection

摘要

The effect of grounding conductors on pipeline CP was studied using the BEM, resulting in the following conclusions: 1. When comparing the experiment and simulation results, the mathematical model of the impressed current CP system was found to be representative. The BEM modeling proved to be highly efficient for simulating CP potential distribution and for CP design in an oil station. 2. If all other conditions are the same, the addition of a grounding system will reduce CP effectiveness. 3. Both the horizontal distance between the grounding conductor and the pipeline and the buried depth of the ground have a minimal effect on pipeline CP. 4. The length of the grounding conductor has significant impact on the CP of the pipeline. A small increase in the length of the grounding conductor can cause a large positive offset in the pipeline's CP potentials. 5. Achieving effective CP for a grounded piping system requires many more sacrificial anodes than a piping system that is not grounded, with corresponding increases in costs for materials and installation.