INSPECTION FOR CORROSION

8.1 Cathodic protection potential measurements

Electrochemical potential measurements are made to monitor the

functioning of cathodic protection systems on underwater parts of
steel structures with the main objective to verify adequate functioning
of the system. The technique is based on measuring the potential
difference between the structure and a reference electrode. Visual
examination of the anode consumption will give an indication of the
remaining life of the cathodic protection system.

Further information on principles and guidance may be found

amongst the documents listed in the Bibliography in particular '
Cathodic Protection Design', RP B 401, Det Norske Veritas, March 1993,
and 'Design and Operational Guidance on Cathodic Protection of
Offshore Structures, Subsea Installations and Pipelines', MTD Ltd,
Publications 90/102.

8.I. I Equipmenf

The equipment consists of a reference electrode connected via a

voltmeter to the structure to be examined. The reference electrode
may be positioned by a diver or an ROV. Electrical contact to the
structure may be obtained either topside via a cable or subsea using
a spike tip. Special subsea probes have been developed.

A number of reference electrodes are available, the commonest of

which is probably the silver/silver chloride cell (Ag/AgCl/seawater),
although zinc/sea water, the saturated calomel electrode (SCE), and
copper/copper sulphate are also used. Saturated calomel electrodes
are normally used for calibration purposes. Each of these cells will
have a different voltage and when quoting potential readings, care
should be taken to state which electrode has been used. In practice,
the Ag/AgCl/seawater scale is very close to the SCE scale, though
the other electrodes will require conversion.

The stability of the reference electrode should be better than flmV

per 24 hours. Reference electrodes should be calibrated daily during
current use and at least once a year opened up to check their
condition and potential. The potential of an Ag/AgCI reference

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electrode depends on the chloride content and the temperature of
the water. Calibration should preferably be carried out before and
after each dive. In open water, however, the chloride content is
normally reasonably constant and little drift should occur from this
source. To ensure a long lifetime, reference electrodes should be kept
in a chloride solution and Ag/AgCI electrodes should not be exposed
to light.

The voltmeter should be of high impedance ( 1 OMS2) with a measuring

range between -2000mV and +2000mV. The insulation resistance of
the cables needs to be high and any breakdown of insulation may
lead to erroneous readings. The overall measuring accuracy should
be +1 OmV.

It is important to ensure good electrical contact with the structure,

and where this contact is achieved using a metallic tip, this should be
made of a seawater-resistant alloy such as titanium or AlSl type 316
stainless steel. The contact area of the metal tip should b e less than
2cm2. Some cleaning may be necessary to ensure good electrical
contact to underwater structures.

Electrical contact with the structure may be made either above or

below the water surface, with the voltmeter sited either topsides or
subsea. The reference electrode should be placed as close as
possible to the surface of the structure under test at the point to be
checked. It is recommended that the reference cell should be within
50mm of the surface for structural CP readings and lOmm for use on
sacrificial anodes.

8.1.2 Cathodicprotection requkements

Measured cathodic protection potentials depend on a number of

parameters such as oxygen content of the water, salinity,
temperature, and current. In addition, the location of the
measurements will be very significant, the potentials being affected,
inter alia, by the geometry of the structure, the nature of the surface
(coated or covered in marine growth), and the distance from the
anodes. Anode material and geometry will affect the required
coverage of the structure.

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Potential readings for steel structures given in various standards or
documents of recommended practice and taken against an
Ag/AgCl/seawater reference electrode in aerated seawater, are:

For normal steel structures, more negative than -800mv and for
stainless steels, either austenitic or austenitic/ferritic, -550mv.

In all cases, levels more negative than -900mv may cause the
generation of free hydrogen in sufficient amounts to cause damage
to coatings, hydrogen induced stress cracking or corrosion fatigue,
depending on the levels of stress and the material characteristics.
(See BS 7361 pt 1,1991,draft pr EN 12495 for offshore structures and
NACE Standard RPO 176-94.)

8.2 Wall thickness measurement

Measurement of wall thickness in corroded areas is generally done by

ultrasonic examinations, either with digital wall thickness meters or
using conventional ultrasonic systems. Systems may be fixed
permanently to the area of concern or may be deployed as needed.
For further information reference is made to Section 7.6.

Care should be taken to ensure that erroneous measurements do not

result from the presence of debris under the probe, the water gap
between probe and steel, or any coatings. It is necessary to clean the
area well.

A number of readings should be taken and averaged for each spot

assessed. Conventional systems may achieve better results using 45"
probes than normal (90") probes.

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