Innovative Cathodic Protection System to Extend Lifespan of Infrastructure
Key Ideas
  • Prototype field tests show up to 90% reduction in corrosion, potentially doubling lifespan of structures in harsh environments.
  • Closed-loop cathodic protection system developed through collaboration between Deakin University and Omniflex, supported by various organizations.
  • Technology aims to enhance corrosion control in diverse environmental conditions for offshore platforms, pipelines, and storage tanks.
  • The system's remote monitoring and control capabilities mitigate issues like hydrogen embrittlement and cathodic disbondment of coatings.
Cathodic protection specialist Omniflex and Deakin University in Australia have joined forces to create a novel closed-loop cathodic protection system for localized corrosion control in offshore and underground infrastructure. Prototype tests on underground pipelines have shown a remarkable 90% reduction in corrosion, potentially doubling the operational lifespan of these structures in harsh conditions. This breakthrough technology, developed in collaboration with various industry organizations, including the Energy Pipelines CRC and Future Fuels CRC, offers improved corrosion control in complex environments like oil and gas platforms and steel pipelines. The project, led by Professor Mike Tan, addresses the critical issue of corrosion under disbonded coatings in gas pipelines and future hydrogen pipelines. By directly measuring corrosion current and adjusting output voltages, the system prevents over-protection that can lead to hydrogen embrittlement and other coating issues. Omniflex's managing director, David Celine, highlighted the importance of dynamic protection levels and the system's ability to adapt to varying conditions caused by factors like stray current. As the project transitions to commercialization, this innovative technology is poised to revolutionize infrastructure sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the energy sector.
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