Have you ever heard the term cathodic protection system? If you’re like many people, you probably don’t think about it very often – if at all. But the truth is, cathodic protection systems require regular maintenance and monitoring to function properly. After all, cathodic protection or CP is the most popular way to protect your underground propane tank or your metallic gas piping below grade from corrosion or rust in Arizona. So, ensuring it’s working as it should is crucial.
What is a Cathodic Protection System?
First, let’s take a step back and explain what cathodic protection is. A cathodic protection system is simply a process that helps to control or direct the flow of electrons in order to prevent corrosion. This can be done in one of two ways: sacrificial anode cathodic protection or impressed current cathodic protection.
Sacrificial anode cathodic protection works by using a more active metal, like magnesium or zinc, that will corrode before your propane tank or gas piping does. This way, the more active metal takes the brunt of the corrosion, protecting your underground tanks and pipes.
(We talk about four different types of gas piping in this post)
Impressed current cathodic protection, on the other hand, uses a piece of equipment called an anode to constantly introduce electrons into the system, thereby protecting your tanks and pipes from corrosion.
Most cathodic protection systems use a combination of both sacrificial anode cathodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection for the best results.
Why Check Your Cathodic Protection System?
Now that you know a little more about cathodic protection, you might wonder why it’s so important to check your system regularly. After all, if it’s doing its job, shouldn’t it just keep working?
The answer is yes and no. While cathodic protection systems are designed to last for many years, several factors can impact their performance over time. For example, changes in soil composition or moisture content can affect how well electrons flow, which can, in turn, impact the effectiveness of your CP system.
Additionally, as your propane tank or gas piping ages, it can become less resistant to corrosion. This means your cathodic protection system has to work harder to protect it. This is why it’s so important to have your CP system regularly checked by a qualified professional – to ensure that it is still working as it should.
(Find out what to do if you have a propane tank leak here)
How Often Should My Cathodic Protection System Be Checked?
How often you need to check your cathodic protection system will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of CP system you have, the environment in which it is installed, and the level of corrosion activity in your area. In general, however, a qualified technician should check most CP systems at least once a year.
Cathodic Protection testing is required by the Arizona Corporation Commission to be a part of our annual inspection that we conduct for you.
Along with CP reads, our natural gas inspection services can consist of the following:
- Odor Tests
- Proper Valve Operation
- Above-Ground Piping Inspections
- Below-Ground Piping Inspection
- Leak Survey
- Gas System Mapping
- Line locating
Call Us Today to Book Your Natural Gas Inspection
RP Gas Piping in Arizona is on standby to help with all of your natural gas needs. We’re fully certified and qualified to inspect cathodic protection systems, as well as perform a variety of other natural gas services. So contact us today to book your inspection. We look forward to speaking with you!
Did you learn a lot from this post?
Here are three more to read next: