Abstract
Vandalized rectifiers, anode beds, wirings, and power transformers are common causes of cathodic protection (CP) failure and corrosion problems for Mexican pipelines. The cost of replacing vandalized rectifiers, ground beds, cables and transformers, and the resulting corrosion damage to pipelines has a serious economic impact. In recent years, vandalism has increased being hammer and chisel the main tools employed by vandals. In order to deter this kind of actions, a novel approach is needed for the protection against vandalism for CP systems. Concealing, dissuading, alerting, and strengthening are the key conceptual basis of a set of devices and strategies that were developed to protect CP components in socially hostile environments. We present the design of a double layer reinforced concrete bunker for the protection of deep anode bed top sections providing multiple vents for anodic reaction products, alarm wiring, and a cavity for manual measuring of the anode current. For rectifier protection, a system was developed in order to conceal and protect a rectifier under the floor level, where it can only be drawn out employing a magnetic handle. Finally, the use of plastic instead of concrete for pipeline CP system test stations was proposed along with high impact signs that better communicate the dangers of excavating on pipeline right of ways.
