AC Mitigation Overview Mike Tachick Dairyland Electrical Industries

AC Mitigation Overview Mike Tachick Dairyland Electrical Industries, Inc.

Mitigation requirements Connection to low impedance grounding DC isolation of CP system Addressing lightning, AC faults Complying with codes

AC Power Effects Steady-state induction – Can be measured Fault current/voltage – Usually estimated/modeled Conductors, grounds sized for estimated fault current

Amplitude Background: AC and Lightning Compared Time (milliseconds) Alternating Current Time (microseconds) Lightning

AC Voltage Mitigation Create a low impedance AC path to ground Have no detrimental effect on the CP system Provide safety during abnormal conditions (AC fault, lightning)

Factors Affecting Mitigation Key Factors… Soil resistivities, layers Proximity to power lines Power line loading Quality of pipeline coating …and many others

AC Mitigation Design Best performed by consulting engineers using specialized software Evaluates coating stress, step and touch potentials, fault current, steady-state current, grounding arrangements, etc. Typical for larger projects, new construction

AC Mitigation Design CP personnel can roughly estimate or experiment Practical for small projects, single locations Trade-off: optimizing design vs. efficiently installing estimated requirements

AC Mitigation Design Induced voltage is ongoing nuisance AC faults are significant risk Design should consider lightning hazards Control step and touch potentials

Step Potential

Touch Potential

Typical Field Values Open circuit voltage: up to 50 V Short circuit current: up to 30 A Can exceed these values

Field Measurements Open circuit voltage: voltmeter from pipe to grounding system Short circuit current: AC ammeter – reads current in a bond between pipe and ground

Mitigation Example Problem: – Open-circuit induced AC on a pipeline = 40 V – Short-circuit current = 15 A – Then, source impedance: R(source) = 40/15 = 2. 7 ohms Solution: – Connect pipeline to ground through decoupler

Mitigation Example Typical decoupler impedance: X = 0. 01 ohms << 2. 7 ohm source 15 A shorted = 15 A with decoupler V(pipeline-to-ground) = I. X = 0. 15 volts Result: Induced AC on pipeline reduced from 40 V to 0. 15 V

Local Mitigation Reduces pipeline potentials at a specific point (typ. accessible locations) Commonly uses existing grounding systems Needs decoupling

Local Mitigation Voltage on Pipeline High Low

Continuous Mitigation Reduces pipeline potentials at all locations Provides fairly uniform over-voltage protection Typically requires design by specialists

Continuous Mitigation Gradient control wire choices: Zinc ribbon Copper wire Not tower foundations!

Mitigation Wire Installation

Reasons to DC Decouple From Grounding Systems If not decoupled, then: CP system attempts to protect grounding system CP coverage area reduced CP current requirements increased CP voltage may not be adequate But simultaneous AC grounding is also needed…

Decoupler Characteristics High impedance to DC current Low impedance to AC current Passes induced AC current Rated for lightning and AC fault current Fail-safe construction Third-party listed to meet electrical codes

Typical Decoupler Ratings Threshold: 2 -3 V peak AC impedance: 0. 01Ω DC leakage: <<1 m. A @ 1 V AC fault: 2 to 10 k. A Lightning: 75 -100 k. A

Typical Decouplers

Typical Decouplers

Zinc Ribbon for Mitigation Provides CP if not isolated Affects CP if impressed current system is used Doesn’t allow instant-off readings when not isolated Grounding effectiveness changes with zinc consumption Can pick up stray currents

Copper for Mitigation Common, low cost material Must be decoupled with suitable device

Grounding Materials If decoupled… CP system not affected Allows instant-off readings Lengthens grounding system life Avoids stray current pick up

Typical Mitigation Site

Typical Mitigation Site

Typical Mitigation Site

Typical Mitigation Site

Typical Mitigation Site

Other Grounds Casings at road crossings Station grounding system Existing metallic vault Abandoned pipeline Culvert Other metallic structure with low resistance to earth

Mitigation - Other Issues Risks at insulated joints Other affected facilities Hazardous locations

Mitigating at an Insulated Joint

Mitigating at an Insulated Joint Provides AC mitigation for pipeline Provides over-voltage protection for insulated joint Easy location to test, install

Other Affected Facilities Transfer of AC fault conditions to other structures Goal is to keep voltage from rising, control current flow Doesn’t mean that current will not get on your pipeline or others Accomplished by bonding, grounding

Example site Road Metering Station Casing IJ Power line Substation Pipeline IJ

Example site Road Metering Station Casing IJ Power line Substation Pipeline IJ

Hazardous Locations Accomplish mitigation while complying with codes Determine your site classification Use certified (listed) products and methods Keep conductors short to limit overvoltage, possible arcing, due to lightning

Hazardous Locations CFR 192. 467 – combustible atmospheres and insulated joints CFR 192 incorporates the National Electrical Code “by reference” NEC defines hazardous locations and product requirements

Questions? For follow up questions: mike@dairyland. com