Cathodic Protection Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

Ricardo,

We are working with a client that will soon have a sizable solar farm along their pipeline, including underground crossings of the asset.  We have performed an AC CIS survey to establish a "baseline" and will perform another after the solar farm is operational.

We haven't had to deal with mitigating interference from solar farms yet, but I would imaging that it could be addressed like Pipelines that co-locate in HVAC corridors.

Lastly, the use of galvanic anodes to create a "discharge point"...is not an ideal practice.  With the concern of life expectancy, you can not guarantee that the  connection will be just a "discharge point",  but I can guarantee you that it will create an "exchange point" that you have no control over.  Plus you lowered the circuit resistivity/ resistance at a single electrothermic welded location.

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

Good morning, Steve.

Thank you for your comment. 

There is a lot of tests we may need to go through, but I got your point on galvanic anodes. If possible and you are able, suggest checking both the DC and AC as they behave differently, AC will depend on the location and towers of the HVPL and the DC directly related to the size of the Solar farm.

Are you having an RMU or time base measuring equipment to check Potentials, and current density for DC and AC for a long period of time to measure the changes? Before and after? 

Is there information that you can possible share, can you describe the system? What type of solutions/preventive are you planning possibly be implementing? 

What about the grounding locations? are you testing for it?

Would like to hear from you and the information that you may be able to share.

Thank you

Ricardo,

We are working with a client that will soon have a sizable solar farm along their pipeline, including underground crossings of the asset.  We have performed an AC CIS survey to establish a "baseline" and will perform another after the solar farm is operational.

We haven't had to deal with mitigating interference from solar farms yet, but I would imaging that it could be addressed like Pipelines that co-locate in HVAC corridors.

Lastly, the use of galvanic anodes to create a "discharge point"...is not an ideal practice.  With the concern of life expectancy, you can not guarantee that the  connection will be just a "discharge point",  but I can guarantee you that it will create an "exchange point" that you have no control over.  Plus you lowered the circuit resistivity/ resistance at a single electrothermic welded location.

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

As of right now, the only asset in the ground is the pipeline,  We have performed a AC-CIS and normalized the data so that we can see the the AC influence over the entire scope of the study at any determined point in time.  After the solar farm is operational, we will conduct a second AC-CIS so we can compare pre and post AC influences.  Unfortunately the required data for the solar farm wasn't available to run an AC prediction influence model.

Good morning, Steve.

Thank you for your comment. 

There is a lot of tests we may need to go through, but I got your point on galvanic anodes. If possible and you are able, suggest checking both the DC and AC as they behave differently, AC will depend on the location and towers of the HVPL and the DC directly related to the size of the Solar farm.

Are you having an RMU or time base measuring equipment to check Potentials, and current density for DC and AC for a long period of time to measure the changes? Before and after? 

Is there information that you can possible share, can you describe the system? What type of solutions/preventive are you planning possibly be implementing? 

What about the grounding locations? are you testing for it?

Would like to hear from you and the information that you may be able to share.

Thank you

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2024 08:24 AM
From: Steve Johnson
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

Ricardo,

We are working with a client that will soon have a sizable solar farm along their pipeline, including underground crossings of the asset.  We have performed an AC CIS survey to establish a "baseline" and will perform another after the solar farm is operational.

We haven't had to deal with mitigating interference from solar farms yet, but I would imaging that it could be addressed like Pipelines that co-locate in HVAC corridors.

Lastly, the use of galvanic anodes to create a "discharge point"...is not an ideal practice.  With the concern of life expectancy, you can not guarantee that the  connection will be just a "discharge point",  but I can guarantee you that it will create an "exchange point" that you have no control over.  Plus you lowered the circuit resistivity/ resistance at a single electrothermic welded location.

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

At BEASY we create models to then simulate those scenarios. The model has to take into consideration the whole context of the structures and all the structures involved in that scenario. Sometimes we need to add not only the solar farm grounding system, but other grounding systems. We need to add some tank base protections, light posts, concrete structures, piles, cables, pipelines, etc. A good model will provide a good simulation.

As of right now, the only asset in the ground is the pipeline,  We have performed a AC-CIS and normalized the data so that we can see the the AC influence over the entire scope of the study at any determined point in time.  After the solar farm is operational, we will conduct a second AC-CIS so we can compare pre and post AC influences.  Unfortunately the required data for the solar farm wasn't available to run an AC prediction influence model.

Good morning, Steve.

Thank you for your comment. 

There is a lot of tests we may need to go through, but I got your point on galvanic anodes. If possible and you are able, suggest checking both the DC and AC as they behave differently, AC will depend on the location and towers of the HVPL and the DC directly related to the size of the Solar farm.

Are you having an RMU or time base measuring equipment to check Potentials, and current density for DC and AC for a long period of time to measure the changes? Before and after? 

Is there information that you can possible share, can you describe the system? What type of solutions/preventive are you planning possibly be implementing? 

What about the grounding locations? are you testing for it?

Would like to hear from you and the information that you may be able to share.

Thank you

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2024 08:24 AM
From: Steve Johnson
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

Ricardo,

We are working with a client that will soon have a sizable solar farm along their pipeline, including underground crossings of the asset.  We have performed an AC CIS survey to establish a "baseline" and will perform another after the solar farm is operational.

We haven't had to deal with mitigating interference from solar farms yet, but I would imaging that it could be addressed like Pipelines that co-locate in HVAC corridors.

Lastly, the use of galvanic anodes to create a "discharge point"...is not an ideal practice.  With the concern of life expectancy, you can not guarantee that the  connection will be just a "discharge point",  but I can guarantee you that it will create an "exchange point" that you have no control over.  Plus you lowered the circuit resistivity/ resistance at a single electrothermic welded location.

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?

Estebanm,

What software are you using for simulation?

At BEASY we create models to then simulate those scenarios. The model has to take into consideration the whole context of the structures and all the structures involved in that scenario. Sometimes we need to add not only the solar farm grounding system, but other grounding systems. We need to add some tank base protections, light posts, concrete structures, piles, cables, pipelines, etc. A good model will provide a good simulation.

As of right now, the only asset in the ground is the pipeline,  We have performed a AC-CIS and normalized the data so that we can see the the AC influence over the entire scope of the study at any determined point in time.  After the solar farm is operational, we will conduct a second AC-CIS so we can compare pre and post AC influences.  Unfortunately the required data for the solar farm wasn't available to run an AC prediction influence model.

Good morning, Steve.

Thank you for your comment. 

There is a lot of tests we may need to go through, but I got your point on galvanic anodes. If possible and you are able, suggest checking both the DC and AC as they behave differently, AC will depend on the location and towers of the HVPL and the DC directly related to the size of the Solar farm.

Are you having an RMU or time base measuring equipment to check Potentials, and current density for DC and AC for a long period of time to measure the changes? Before and after? 

Is there information that you can possible share, can you describe the system? What type of solutions/preventive are you planning possibly be implementing? 

What about the grounding locations? are you testing for it?

Would like to hear from you and the information that you may be able to share.

Thank you

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2024 08:24 AM
From: Steve Johnson
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

Ricardo,

We are working with a client that will soon have a sizable solar farm along their pipeline, including underground crossings of the asset.  We have performed an AC CIS survey to establish a "baseline" and will perform another after the solar farm is operational.

We haven't had to deal with mitigating interference from solar farms yet, but I would imaging that it could be addressed like Pipelines that co-locate in HVAC corridors.

Lastly, the use of galvanic anodes to create a "discharge point"...is not an ideal practice.  With the concern of life expectancy, you can not guarantee that the  connection will be just a "discharge point",  but I can guarantee you that it will create an "exchange point" that you have no control over.  Plus you lowered the circuit resistivity/ resistance at a single electrothermic welded location.

1.- One observation may be the pipe-to-soil potential behavior in the solar farm, The changes are not rapid but are very slow according to the magnitude of the solar influence, the distance of the panels Vs the pipeline and longitude of the solar farm where the pipeline is crossing or paralleling and the soil resistivity. This been said, depending on when in the day you take the measurements may have a different analysis.

2.- Has anyone tried any field testing or test any procedure to quantify the possible interference produced in a solar farm? We are looking for ideas.

The study for solar and wind farm has similar challenges but the system is quite different. This is because Wind farm may change from DC to AC at the source which I think is the preference now days, but there is still a lot of them that changes to AC in an inverter facility.  So how we test is going to be important.

3.- This area of renewable is growing fast worldwide. and the fact that they are using the same corridors to use existing infrastructure as the HVPL and pipelines is bringing new problems that needs to be study and set standards and guidelines to avoid problems. It is worth noting that there are no rules, no guidelines, no safety procedures, and therefore the best that the operator are requesting to the solar investors may be the minimum according to the operator guidelines.

What are the operators possible normal request to grant permits to a solar farm? in terms of avoiding possible interference.

• Distance - 10, 30, 50, etc.  meters perpendicular to the pipe. Is that enough? have anyone tested the changes?
• Is the CP normal condition able to avoid problems if it is in the nearby area?  
• Install Isolations upstream and Downstream of the Solar/wind farm and electrically section the problem to avoid spreading the interference along the right of way and be able to control independently? I think this is possible only if it is a new pipe.
• Use of galvanic Anodes to discharge the straight currents? How much and what may be the life of the anode as it is a continues source? etc.

Hope to hear ideas and comments.

Ricardo Peralta

------------------------------
Ricardo Peralta
Wood
Houston TX
+1-832-809-6301;

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:52 AM
From: Jeremy Bell
Subject: Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference

For everyone not in attendance at the AMPP New Orleans Conference, Ricardo Peralta brought up an excellent topic for discussion:

Renewable Power Generation and the Potential for Interference on area pipelines. 

1. What problems are we encountering in the field?
2. Is the AC study approached differently when considering Wind/Solar generation versus typical HVAC or Transmission Station study?
3. What baseline standards could be implemented which would positively impact pipeline and worker safety?