Galvanic anode cathodic protection (CP) retrofit upon offshore pipelines: An analytical model for CP potential profiles

An analytical model for cathodic protection (CP) attenuation along a one-dimensional structure such as a pipeline is developed in terms of non-dimensional polarization and, alternately, cathode potential. The derivation is based upon the fundamental principle that (1) potential is, in fact, the potential difference across the metal/electrolyte interface, (2) an assumption of a linear potential and current density relationship, and (3) the treatment of Galvanic anodes as spherical current sources. The resulting expression characterizes the distribution of protection in terms of physical design variables and electrochemical properties of the cathode. Polarization is presented graphically in terms of two parameters which are comprised of the aforementioned variables and make for a novel method of analysis. Two sample pipeline CP systems are analyzed by this method, one of which is an existing design and the other a hypothetical design used to illustrate the effect of the varying parameters. Some sample anode life calculations based upon the analytical model are performed, and a method for correcting the model for the existence of a non-spherical bracelet anode is proposed. It is concluded that electrolyte resistance (or alternately anode resistance) is of greater importance in all practical Galvanic CP attenuation calculations than is the metallic (Ohmic) resistance.