This article describes the results of the 5-year cathodic protection maintenance program for the underground and submerged structures on a Petrochemical Complex. It shows the protection coverage before the program started, the progress at the first year, the results after the program had been implemented, diagnostic and troubleshooting methodology, experiences in anode retrofitting, installation of new systems, and corrective actions for attaining efficient cathodic protection systems. The main actions taken were pipe-to-soil potential surveys at six month intervals, impressed current and sacrificial anode current measurements, two-month rectifier monitoring and electric circuits
inspection, troubleshooting, rehabilitation of systems out of operation, and a 5-year project for design and construction of new required systems. The excellent results obtained permit the conclusion that only a conscious cathodic protection maintenance program can provide optimal performance of the CP systems and continuous safe and efficient operation of all the installations of the Complex have improved cost effectiveness for the company.
Keywords: Cathodic Protection, Predictive Maintenance Program, Corrective Actions, Petrochemical Complex.