New data collection technology and improved data interpretation diminish the need to spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to recondition poorly coated pipelines without compromising safety. Application of alternative cathodic protection criteria rewards companies with additional resources to remain competitive. This paper examines the results of applying a combination of technologies that matured
throughout the 1980’s: Global Positioning Satellites, rugged field computers, fast analog-to-digital converters, solid state interruption devices, and interpretation of oscillographic cathodic protection
waveprints. Cost effective application of sound engineering principles assure safe pipeline operation, exceed the letter and the spirit of NACE and DOT requirements, and yield significant financial returns.
Keywords: computer, survey, cathodic protection, criteria, 100 mV, IR drop, depolarization, GPS, anodic spike, close interval survey, RP-0169-92