PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Cathodic Protection System for Metallic Piping

(Amendments/ Supplements to NACE SP0169)

PTS 15.20.14
October 2018

© 2018 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.

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October 2018
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FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.

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October 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4

1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM ....................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ................................................................................................ 5
2.0 AMENDMENTS / SUPPLEMENTS TO NACE SP0169 .................................................. 6
2.1 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 1: GENERAL ................................................................... 6
2.2 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 3: DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR EXTERNAL
CORROSION CONTROL.................................................................................................... 6
2.3 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 4: PIPING SYSTEM DESIGN ............................................ 7
2.4 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 5: EXTERNAL COATING ................................................. 7
2.5 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 6: CRITERIA AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR
CATHODIC PROTECTION ................................................................................................. 8
2.6 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 7: DESIGN OF CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS ......... 8
2.7 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 8: INSTALLATION OF CP SYSTEMS................................. 9
2.8 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 10: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CP SYSTEMS . 9
3.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 11

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PTS provides the minimum technical requirements for external cathodic protection (CP)
system design, installation, commissioning and monitoring of the underground and
submerged metallic piping system. This PTS was developed to ensure the safe and reliable
operations of the equipment at PETRONAS assets. This PTS adopts NACE SP0169 with
additional requirements as an amendment and supplement based on PETRONAS lessons
learnt and best practices.

1.1 SCOPE

This PTS is applicable for underground and submerged metallic piping system. This PTS does
not cover cathodic protection for pipeline systems, structure and equipment, for which
specific PTS already in place as following:

i. Onshore pipeline – PTS 11.32.01

ii. Offshore pipeline – PTS 11.32.02

iii. Fixed offshore structure – PTS 15.20.11

iv. Storage tank and pressure vessel – PTS 15.20.15

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition Of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.

1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

None

1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviations Description

1 API American Petroleum Institute

2 CIPS Close Interval (Potential) Survey

3 CP Cathodic Protection

4 CSE Saturated Copper/Copper Sulphate

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5 IF Insulating Flange

6 NACE National Association of Corrosion Engineers

7 RP Recommended Practice

8 SRB Sulphate Reducing Bacteria

9 TA Technical Authority

10 TRU Transformer and Rectifier Unit

Table 1.1: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 15.20.14 (April 2019) replaces PTS 15.12.01 (September 2018).

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2.0 AMENDMENTS / SUPPLEMENTS TO NACE SP0169

In this and the following sections the reference clauses of NACE SP0169 are amended or
supplemented. Existing clause is revised or new sections are added as mentioned. Clause that
are not mentioned in this PTS shall apply and remain valid.

2.1 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 1: GENERAL

2.1.1 Amend clause 1.3 to the following:

“The provisions of this standard shall be applied under the responsible direction of competent
individuals. Such individuals must either be registered professional engineers, NACE
International certified Corrosion Specialists or Level 3 CP Technologist, or individuals qualified
by professional education and related practical experience. All of the above individuals shall
be able to demonstrate suitable experience in external corrosion control of underground or
submerged piping systems.”

2.2 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 3: DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR EXTERNAL CORROSION
CONTROL

2.2.1 Add new clause 3.3:

“The need for CP for external corrosion protection of underground and submerged metallic
piping system shall be based on risk in term of safety, environmental and economic. Factors
recommended to be considered in the risk assessment is summarized in Table 1.

No. Factor Discussion

1 Soil Corrosivity  Soil corrosivity is a complex phenomenon and related to many
factors including soil moisture content and dissolved
electrolytes in the soil water. Soil resistivity is frequently used
to estimate soil corrosivity, mainly because soil resistivity is
easier to measure.
 Soil corrosivity may change with time due to changing water
tables or climates. Deserts, although giving the impression of
being dry and non-corrosive, can, in most cases, be considered
as moderately corrosive.
 Alternatively, soil corrosion rate may be estimated based on
established literature or standard such as API RP 581.
 CP is required for underground piping placed in soil with
resistivity of 1,500 ohm-cm or less.
 CP system is required for all piping submerged in water.
 When soil’s pH less than 5.5. are found, CP system should be
considered.
 When Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) activity is detected, CP
should also be considered.

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No. Factor Discussion

2 Coating Type  CP is often used in conjunction with coating to provide external
and corrosion protection.
Installation  Protection provided by coating against external corrosion is
Quality highly dependent on coating type, installation quality and age.
 Typically, if the piping design life is beyond the expected
coating life, CP system is required.
3 Previous  Previous experience with similar installations in comparable
Experience soil or water conditions, with or without CP system, may be
used to determine the probability of failure or external
corrosion rate of underground and submerged metallic piping.
The data is critical to determine need for CP system.
4 Corrosion  If “no-leak policy” is in force, CP is normally applied without
Management further investigation.
Policy
5 Product  Type of fluid carried by the piping affect the consequences of
leak.
 Release of high amount of hydrocarbon or toxic fluid lead to
relatively higher consequences when compared to release on
non-toxic fluid such as water. In such cases, installation of CP
system is recommended.
6 Location  Consequence of leak increases if the piping is located in public
area or near water source which may lead to water
contamination. In such cases, installation of CP system is
recommended.
Table 2.1: Factors in Determining Need for CP System

Where risk assessment indicates that CP system is not required for external corrosion
protection of a piping system, endorsement from relevant TA shall be obtained.”

2.3 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 4: PIPING SYSTEM DESIGN

2.3.1 Amend clause 4.2.2 to the following:

“External coatings are commonly utilized in conjunction with CP. When specified, they should
be properly selected, and applied. Desirable characteristics of external coatings shall be
compatible to CP system are given in Paragraph 5.1”

2.4 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 5: EXTERNAL COATING

2.4.1 Amend clause 5.2.3.1 to the following:

“Joints, fittings, and tie-ins must be coated with materials compatible with the existing
coatings and service environments.”

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2.5 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 6: CRITERIA AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR CATHODIC
PROTECTION

2.5.1 Amend clause 6.2.1.2 to the following:

“A minimum of 100 mV of cathodic polarization. Either the formation or the decay of

polarization must be measured to satisfy this criterion. In addition, this criterion shall not be
applicable for newly installed or commissioned CP system, and all special conditions stated in
Paragraph 6.2.1.4.”

2.5.2 Amend clause 6.2.1.3 to the following:

“A structure-to-electrolyte Instant-Off potential of –850 mV or more negative as measured

with respect to a saturated copper/copper sulphate (CSE) reference electrode. Alternatively,
a direct measurement of the current-applied potential (also known as On potential) may be
performed with consideration of the significance of voltage drops in the earth and metallic
paths.”

2.5.3 Amend clause 6.2.1.4.3 to the following:

“On mill-scaled or uncoated existing steel piping, cathodic polarization greater than 100 mV
might be required. Use of mill-scaled or uncoated of piping with intention to be protected by
CP system only is strictly prohibited for new piping system.”

2.5.4 Add new clause 6.2.1.4.8:

“When the potential is made too negative, detrimental effects can occur such as damage to
the piping’s coating, hydrogen embrittlement of susceptible steel or corrosion of amphoteric
materials. The most negative potential allowed with CP application, the overprotection
potential, should not exceed -1150 mV as measured with respect to a saturated
copper/copper sulphate (CSE) reference electrode.”

2.6 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 7: DESIGN OF CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS

2.6.1 Amend clause 7.3.3.10 to the following:

“Other maintenance and operating data including piping operating temperature range”

2.6.2 Add new clause 7.5.10:

“Feasibility and availability to install electrical isolation such as IF between interconnecting

facilities or systems”

2.6.3 Add new clause 7.6.9:

“CP system design shall consider all factors that potentially detrimental to CP performance
including presence of CP currents drain due to contact with foreign steel structure or missing
or failure of electrical isolation, current shielding by existing steel structure actual, poor

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coating quality against theoretical coating quality, and presence of previously unidentified
electrical isolation.”

2.6.4 Amend clause 7.7.2 to the following:

“Layout drawings shall be prepared for every sacrificial anode or impressed current CP
installation, showing the details and location of the components of the CP system with respect
to the protected structure(s) and to major physical landmarks. These drawings should include
right-of-way information.”

2.7 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 8: INSTALLATION OF CP SYSTEMS

2.7.1 Amend clause 8.2 to the following:

“All construction work on CP systems should be performed in accordance with construction

drawings and specifications. The construction specifications should be in accordance with
Sections 4 and 7. Quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) plan in form of Inspection and
Test Plan (ITP) shall be established.”

2.7.2 Amend clause 8.3.1 to the following:

“All construction work on CP systems should be performed under the surveillance of trained
and qualified personnel to verify that the installation is in strict accordance with the drawings
and specifications. Persons who perform the measurement, testing, survey and inspection in
this standard for CP design data gathering and evaluation of CP system at least shall be
recognized by NACE as Level 1 CP Tester.”

2.8 NACE SP0169 - 2013; SECTION 10: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CP SYSTEMS

2.8.1 Amend clause 10.1.1.3 to the following:

“When practicable and determined necessary by sound engineering practice, CIPS and Pipe
Coating Holiday Survey may be conducted at interval not exceeding five (5) years to:
a) assess the effectiveness of the CP system;
b) provide baseline operating data;
c) locate areas of inadequate protection levels;
d) locate areas of possible coating deterioration;
e) identify locations likely to be adversely affected by construction, stray currents, or
other environmental conditions; or
f) select areas to be monitored periodically.

Additional reasons for performing CIPS and Pipe Coating Holiday Survey are listed in NACE
SP0207. Guideline to evaluate and select suitable Pipe Coating Holiday Survey or alternative
method to CIPS is provided in NACE SP0502.”

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2.8.2 Amend clause 10.2 to the following:

“Representative baseline potential measurements shall be obtained at all available test

point/locations after each CP system is initially energized and fully polarized to determine
whether the applicable criteria have been satisfied.”

2.8.3 Add new clause 10.2.2:

“If effective CP criteria cannot be achieved after multiple adjustment to the CP system, more
extensive investigation and testing, such as CIPS or isolation checking, should be conducted
to determine the cause of the non-conformance”.

2.8.4 Amend clause 10.3 to the following:

“The effectiveness of CP system should be monitored via structure-to-soil potential

measurement at all test point/locations. The monitoring shall be conducted every three (3)
months for newly commissioned system and/or piping system that indicates poor CP
effectiveness. Longer testing interval might be appropriate for system that with proven CP
effectiveness depending on the variability of CP factors, safety considerations, and economics
of monitoring. The maximum monitoring interval shall not exceed one (1) year.”

2.8.5 Amend clause 10.4.1 to the following:

“All impressed current electrical systems including TRU, junction boxes and shunt, shall be
inspected and tested at intervals of two (2) months. Longer or shorter intervals for monitoring
might be appropriate based on previous performance record. Evidence of proper functioning
can be current output, normal power consumption, a signal indicating normal operation, or
satisfactory CP levels on the pipe. The maximum monitoring interval shall not exceed six (6)
months. Maintenance of impressed current electrical system shall be in accordance to PTS
13.02.01”.

2.8.6 Amend clause 10.4.4 to the following:

“The effectiveness of isolating fittings, continuity bonds, and casing isolation should be
evaluated at intervals of two (2) months or during the external corrosion control surveys. This
can be accomplished by electrical measurements. Longer or shorter intervals for monitoring
might be appropriate based on previous performance record and component age. The
maximum monitoring interval shall not exceed one (1) year.”

2.8.7 Amend clause 10.6 to the following:

“The test equipment used for obtaining each electrical value should be of an appropriate type.
Instruments and related equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition and
checked for accuracy.”

2.8.8 Amend clause 10.7.1 to the following:

“Repair, replace, redesign, revamp or adjust components of CP system.”

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3.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & Reading PTS 00.01.03
Guide
Field Commissioning And Maintenance Of Electrical Installations And PTS 13.02.01
Equipment

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Risk-based Inspection Methodology API RP 581 – 2016
Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged NACE SP0169 – 2013
Metallic Piping Systems
Performing Close-Interval Potential Surveys and DC Surface Potential NACE SP0207 – 2007
Gradient Surveys on Buried or Submerged Metallic Pipelines
Pipeline External Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology NACE SP0502 – 2010

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