Doc No. REV.

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT

OF POLARIZATION POTENTIAL SHIFT P0XXX-A-CP-PN-MS-001 00
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METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF POLARIZATION POTENTIAL SHIFT

1 INTRODUCTION

One of the cathodic protection criteria involves polarizing a steel structure by at least 100 mV from its
corrosion potential (Ecorr). Since polarization is a function of time, the amount of polarization can be
determined either in the formation of polarization or the decay of polarization as shown in below
Figure.

Figure shows Potential versus Time Plot for Determining Polarization Potential Shift Polarization
formation can be determined in two ways. First, the difference between the instant-ON potential
measured at t1 is compared to the on-potential (EON) measured at t2. If the difference is equal to or
exceeds 100 mV then the structure is considered cathodically protected.

Second, when the cathodic protection current is interrupted at t2 and the instant-off potential (e.g.,
polarized potential) is measured, if the difference between the instant-off potential and the corrosion
potential (ECORR) is must equal to or exceeds 100 mV then the structure is considered cathodically
protected.

These two cases can be summarized respectively as follows:

 Doc No. REV.
METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT
OF POLARIZATION POTENTIAL SHIFT P0XXX-A-CP-PN-MS-001 00
Page : 2 of 2

EON – EINSTANT ON ≥ 100 mV

EINSTANT OFF - ECORR ≥ 100 mV

1.1 METHOD # 1 ON POLARISATION DECAY MEASUREMENT

 Switch ON the CP system and measure CP system instant ON potential (EINSTANT ON).
 Now record readings with respect to certain time interval till the ON potential (EON) of system
will have minimum or no significant potential difference.
 Use below equation to find ON polarisation decay, if polarisation decay is equal to or exceed
100mV then the CP system is satisfying criteria of 100mV ON Polarisation decay.

EON – EINSTANT ON ≥ 100 mV

1.2 METHOD # 2 OFF POLARISATION DECAY MEASUREMENT

 Switch OFF the CP system and measure CP system instant OFF potential (EINSTANT OFF).
 Now record readings with respect to certain time interval till the OFF potential of system will
reach till Corrosion potential () or no significant potential difference observe.
 Use below equation to find OFF polarisation decay, if polarisation decay is equal to or exceed
100mV then the CP system is satisfying criteria of 100mV ON Polarisation decay.

EINSTANT OFF - ECORR ≥ 100 mV

Note :

1) Polarization formation methods can only be used at the time a system has been energized
since the corrosion potential is likely to change with time and soil conditions.
2) Also, if the instant-on potential is going to be used to determine the amount of polarization
shift the system must be energized through an interrupter where the ON half-cycle is very short
compared to the OFF half-cycle to avoid polarization being included in the instant-on potential.
3) If the 100 mV criterion is met at a location, then the on-potential at that location can be used
as a proxy criterion as long as the soil conditions, pipe operating temperature, and coating
conditions remain the same.