Pipelines which are more than 15-20 years old , and are coated with traditional hot-melt coal tar coat/wrap , generally show marked degradation of their coat wrap over time .This could be due to various
reasons. In aggressive soils , re-coating the pipeline becomes
imperative. However, primarily due to budgetary constraints, the coat wrap repair of the entire line cannot be undertaken all at one time. It has to be done in phases , depending on resources available. By using the techniques of Current Attenuation Test, supported by Direct Current Voltage Gradient (DCVG) survey and ON / Instant OFF pipe - to - soil potential logging and average current density, one can quickly and fairly accurately identify and prioritise the pipeline sections for immediate coat / wrap repairs.
KEYWORDS : Current Attenuation Test (CAT) , Lenz’s Law, decibel/Km, Test Lead Points (TLP), Close Interval Potential Survey (CIPS), Instant OFF Pipe-to-Soil Potential , PSP Profile , Cathodic Protection (CP) , Cathodic Disbanding, Direct Current Voltage Gradient Survey (DCVG), Average Current Density.