Gazprom VNIIGAZ Developed New-Generation Reference Electrode for Corrosion Protection

摘要

Controlling the cathodic corrosion protection prevention at underground metal facilities is a mandatory requirement. Here, control of the potentials with no resistive component is regulated for both new and revamped segments of gas pipelines and is implemented for long-term reference electrodes stationary placed at test points and for portable measuring electrodes alike. Experience of operating oil and gas industry facilities shows that modern installations of reference electrodes in difficult environments (high-resistivity soil, watered ground, earth current impact areas) often fail to ensure stable condition of electrolyte solution inside the electrode, which leads to alteration of self-potential and, as a result, to faulty data on protection of the facilities and on corrosion hazard rate. In 2009 Gazprom VNIIGAZ experts patented a breakthrough design of non-polarizable reference electrode (patent certificates No. 78317 and 78319). The product is based on using a standard silver-chloride electrode, with built-in prevention of silver chloride powdering off the silver core. Filled with KCI saturated solution intracavity of the electrode contacts with the auxiliary electrode (potential sensor) via capillary orifice.