Telluric currents cause variations in pipe-to-soil potentials that take the potentials outside the desired range for cathodic protection. This paper reviews the causes of telluric currents, such as geomagnetic storms and tidal water movements, and shows how knowledge of these phenomena can be used to determine the occurrence of telluric current in pipelines. The pipe-to-soil potential variations created by telluric currents are described using results from recent studies involving extensive telluric current observations and modelling. Finally, this knowledge is used to show how design changes can influence the impact of telluric currents on the cathodic protection of pipelines.

Subject
Electric current, Water, Piping, Voltage, Cathodic protection, Pipe to soil potential, Pipelines, Tools, Flanges, Seawater, Electric potential, Telluric current, Wind
Keywords:
cathodic protection, telluric currents, pipeline modeling
Government work published by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) with permission of the author(s). Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
GOV
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