Remote Cathodic Protection Monitoring
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Everything You Need From a Remote Cathodic Protection Monitoring System
Cathodic Protection (CP) is an important method of preventing corrosion on buried metal pipelines, but it must be applied at the correct level. Every pipeline operator must carry out regular measurements of CP, be it manually or with the aid of a Cathodic Protection Monitoring System – measurements are taken at rectifiers or solar stations and at CP tests points in an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system and at sacrificial anodes (in galvanic systems).
Some key pipelines – crossing main roads, rivers or centres of population – may have additional protection against corrosion in the form of a sleeve filled with an inert gas (Nitrogen). The gas pressure in the sleeve has to be maintained above a specific threshold, which requires regular checks.
Collecting and analysing field measurements is labour-intensive and costly. And (very importantly) they can only be reactive – problems can lie undetected for long periods, during which the pipeline is insufficiently protected.
Introducing the Abriox Remote Cathodic Protection Monitoring System
We have developed our remote cathodic protection monitoring system with input from pipeline operating companies and independent CP consultants. The Abriox system remotely monitors cathodic protection levels at rectifiers and test points along pipelines, and also the pressure within nitrogen sleeves.
All measured data is automatically transmitted in a management report to the system HQ where it is displayed and archived online via iCPSM. The system is proactive - identifying potential corrosion problems wherever and whenever they occur and alerting the operator immediately.
Our Remote Cathodic Protection Monitors (also known as Remote Monitoring Units - RMUs or Data Loggers) are commonly used at:
View the Abriox Range
We believe we offer the most comprehensive CP monitoring system available, providing unrivalled performance and reliability, making it the system of choice for CP professionals.
Benefits
The Abriox Remote Cathodic Monitoring System has major economic, operational, safety and environmental benefits and has been installed on every continent, providing significant cost savings and making our customers’ operations more efficient.
ABRIOX OFFER THE COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR 24/7 CATHODIC PROTECTION MONITORING
The most cost-effective, completely wireless remote monitoring system for the oil, gas, petrochemical pipeline protection industries. Contact us today for more information on how Abriox remote monitoring systems can improve your network management.
Innovative Design
Through careful consideration of what pipeline operators require from a monitoring system, Abriox has been able to combine low power consumption electronics with remote telemetry to create a compact, affordable package offering all the key CP measurements.
Our design is intelligent, yet practical. Some of the points our customers repeatedly comment on are:
Everything You Need From a Remote Cathodic Protection Monitoring System
Abriox RMUs have major economic, operational, safety and environmental benefits and have been installed on every continent, providing significant cost savings and making our customers’ operations more efficient.
Measurements
The measurement specification for the range of Abriox RMU's were drawn up with input from pipeline operating companies and independent CP consultants. It includes all the measurements conventionally taken at rectifiers, solar stations, test stations, cp posts, riser posts and pipeline sleeves.
Abriox rectifier (including solar station) monitors have been designed to carry out the functional checks of rectifier output (voltage and current) required in order to comply with regulatory guidelines. They will quickly repay their capital cost when compared to manual monthly checks.
Our rectifier monitors offer additional CP measurements (ON and OFF potentials) as well as the facility to synchronize remotely with other rectifiers on a pipeline for Close Interval or DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) survey measurements in the field. Pipe-to-soil potential measurements at the rectifier require a reference cell and relay.
Abriox CP monitors channels are fully independent. Our CP Monitors can be configured to monitor either two pipe-to-soil inputs (the second input could be a sleeve or foreign pipe) or, if a coupon is fitted, one pipe-to-soil input and an instant OFF input. The CP RMU incorporates an internal relay, which is opened just before channel 2 is read.
All Abriox CP monitors measure DC and AC voltages on each channel simultaneously. This has become extremely important as operators now recognise that induced AC on pipelines can have detrimental effects. If a coupon is fitted at the test post, channel 3 can be used to calculate the DC and AC current by measuring the voltage across a shunt of known value (Abriox can supply suitable shunts and cable assemblies). Once the shunt value and coupon surface area have been entered in the CPSM software, the data can be displayed either as the current in mA or as the current density in A/m².
Another configuration enables the DC potential of an unprotected (“native”) coupon to be monitored. By comparing this to a protected coupon (one that is electrically connected to the pipeline and therefore receives cathodic protection) the effectiveless of the CP system can be verified.
High and low alarms can be set for each measurement channel (for DC and AC values). Our RMU will alarm as soon as a measurement is detected outside the acceptable “window” set by the user.
Our MERLIN Nitrogen Sleeve monitors allow the pipeline operator to check that the sleeve is maintaining the required pressure without undertaking a site visit. They are typically installed in remote areas inside GRP Cabinets, M28 Posts and at Sleeve Fill Points. Remotely monitoring these key points eliminates routine site visits and labour can be freed for data interpretation and follow up.
Now the pipeline operator can check that the sleeve is maintaining the required pressure without undertaking a site visit. Even if the gas is leaking, the operator can monitor the pressure drop and schedule maintenance accordingly. In this way unnecessary site visits can be avoided. The MERLIN Nitrogen Sleeve RMU measures the sleeve pressure automatically, checks that it is within specification and reports immediately if an alarm threshold is exceeded.
In addition to monitoring the gas pressure in the sleeve, the voltage of the batteries powering the sensor is also monitored and data is seamlessly sent in a management report to the system HQ where it is displayed and archived in Abriox’s CPSM software or online via iCPSM.
Communications
5G Internet of Things (IoT) Communications
Our SUNBIRD range of RMUs utilize NB-IoT which delivers a communication life beyond 2030.
NB-IoT communications also provides greater geographical coverage than existing 3G and 4G networks, meaning the unit will work in more locations than was previously possible with cellular communication.
4G / 3G Communications
Our MERLIN range of RMUs utilize 4G/3G/2G communications to use SMS (text) messaging over the cellular network to report data from the field to a central HQ.
MERLIN monitors incorporate an internal antenna which, in most locations, will be quite adequate. In weak signal areas, units can be equipped with an external antenna (model dependant).
Our systems are independent of network provider and Abriox will work with users to secure the most advantageous communication package in their country.
Satellite Communications
For areas of the world where there is no celluar network coverage, the MERLIN XT Transformer Rectifier Monitor offers 100% global satellite communication.
Abriox selected the Iridium system for its high performance and high integrity.
Among its many advantages over other satellite systems are:
The last point there is very important - some satellite systems can take up to an hour to send/receive a message if the system is busy, Iridium is 20 sec to 2 minutes (maximum). This is because the Iridium meshed constellation relays data from satellite to satellite without touching ground until it is downlinked at an Iridium gateway. This means the MERLIN XT can be very quickly installed with negligible waiting time – a huge advantage to our customers.
Built-in Lightning Protection
Pipelines are a significant attractor for lightning, and in some regions of the world strikes can occur frequently. Abriox has always designed lightning protection into our RMUs.
To improve the protection further, Abriox worked with Cobham Technical Services, one of the world’s leading specialists in lightning testing and consultancy.
As a result of the work with Cobham, Abriox's RMU protection against high energy surges has been substantially enhanced through electronic design (surge protection circuitry, more resilient components and a revised physical layout) and the identification of new surge arrestors with improved performance.
High Energy Surges
As a result of the work with Cobham, Abriox's RMU protection against high energy surges has been substantially enhanced through electronic design (surge protection circuitry, more resilient components and a revised physical layout) and the identification of new surge arrestors with improved performance.
Remote Synchronized Interruption
This feature (available on Super and Excel models) enables rectifiers on the same pipeline to synchronize their output and interrupt it according to a precise timing interval.
The on-board GPS module enables precise time synchronization of all RMUs on a pipeline. It also provides a link to mapping software for accurate positioning. Compatible with all industry recognised Close Interval and DCVG survey patterns and most portable above-ground survey equipment.
Interruption may be switched on and off, or the cycle changed, from a cell/mobile phone in the field or online via iCPSM.
Pipeline Locate
This unique feature is particularly useful for gas and petrochemical companies who have a lot of CP installations. The “pipeline locate” signal can be activated from the system software in the office – or from a mobile phone in the field using text messaging.
Used in conjunction with a MERLIN Interrupter, it can switch or modulate the rectifier’s output current to generate an electromagnetic “pipeline locate” signal that can be traced and pin-pointed using a pipe/cable locator. It completely eliminates the laborious set-up time associated with traditional pipeline location equipment – and ensures the locate signal is applied to the correct pipeline!”
The feature is patented and is available on EXCEL versions of our transformer rectifier monitors.
AC Mitigation
It is now recognised that cathodically-protected pipelines (and other metal structures) may be affected by AC from nearby power lines or traction systems, commonly referred to as AC mitigation.
This phenomenon is thought to be of particular concern in the case of pipelines with high quality (eg fusion-bonded epoxy) coatings that run parallel to high-voltage overhead transmission lines. There is also evidence to suggest that AC-assisted corrosion can occur below the 15VAC threshold.
The Abriox system has been designed to enable pipeline operators to monitor levels of AC interference on their pipeline – and to monitor the effect (if any) on the cathodic protection system. The Abriox CP RMU measures simultaneous DC and AC levels on all channels.
AC Corrosion
Abriox’s system has been designed to enable pipeline operators to monitor levels of AC on their pipeline – and to monitor their effect (if any) on the cathodic protection system. The Abriox RMU measures simultaneous DC and AC levels on all channels.
Powerful Software. Say Hello to iCPSM!
Pure Innovation
Data from Abriox RMUs is automatically stored and transmitted in a management report to the system HQ where it is displayed and archived on-line via the internet based iCPSM.
iCPSM
iCPSM (Internet-based Cathodic Protection System Manager) - Online database software package for displaying, archiving and exporting data from Abriox monitors.
User access levels (Controller, Technician, Viewer) are allocated via the system licence to ensure that the appropriate features are available to authorised personnel.
View the Abriox Range of Remote Cathodic Protection Monitors
We believe we offer the most comprehensive CP monitoring system available, providing unrivalled performance and reliability, making it the system of choice for CP professionals.