The information in this paper is based on depolarized and "on/off" close interval surveys (C.I.S.) and studies undertaken over four years, on 200 miles of bare pipelines, comprised of eighteen separate pipelines and well systems. Pipelines ranged in diameter from 6" to 20" at operating pressures of 100 to 800 p.s.i. On bare pipelines, it can be very difficult to achieve a polarized off potential of -850 millivolts or more negative for the length of the pipeline, due to the high current requirements, poor current distribution, varying soil resistivities and many other factors. The cathodic protection system required to achieve the -850 millivolt criterion, will be costly to operate, maintain and monitor. Successful application of the 100 millivolt polarization criterion can achieve the desired protection level at reduced current requirements, a lower level of foreign structure
interference and lower installation and operating costs.
Key Words: cathodic protection, cathodic protection criteria, depolarization, depolarized potential, 100 millivolt criterion, close interval survey, bare pipelines, pipe to soil potential, potential survey graphs.