Work Instruction No.
:
Asset Protection
Cathodic protection
Cathodic Protection Unit Inspection
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this work instruction is to
describe the process verifying that Cathodic
Protection Units (CPU’s) are functioning
correctly and are maintained in a safe working
environment. All work shall comply with APT
O&MS Health, Safety and Environmental
Management Systems and meet the
requirements of all relevant statutory gas
supply legislation.
2 REFERENCES
9019 Cathodic Protection System
Maintenance and Testing Procedure
3 GENERAL INFORMATION
Minor inspections of CPU’s are usually
conducted on a monthly basis to ensure the
functionality and integrity of all equipment
associated with Cathodic Protection Unit. The
frequency of minor inspections shall be no
greater than 2 monthly
Major maintenance of CPU’s shall be carried
out on a 12 monthly basis.
4 PROCEDURE
4.1 Minor Inspection of CPU’s
• Check that the unit is operating.
• Check the voltage and current
outputs from the permanently
installed meters.
• Confirm that the direction of the
current is flowing from the pipeline to
the ground bed.
• Inspect the integrity of the anode bed
cabling and where possible measure
the potential of each anode in the
anode bed.
• Make certain that the cabinet is
secure, free from rust and hinges
and locks are functional.
• Where required apply grease or
lubricant to the cabinet door hinges
and locking mechanisms.
• Clean the cabinet and any ventilation
screens of spider webs, bird nests
Issue 2 October 2007
6610
Approved by: Manager
Pipeline Standards
and other debris, where required
report the condition of painted
surfaces and signage.
• Inspect the condition of wire
insulation, batteries, circuit breakers,
fuses and lightning arrestors. Carry-
out any repairs where required.
• Switch off the 240V AC supply then
clean and check the physical
connections of components such as
rectifiers, transformers, AC and DC
cabling.
• Confirm the mode of operation -
constant current, constant voltage or
potential control and record on the
Cathodic Protection Unit Inspection
Test Report.
• Perform any minor repairs. Report
any major faults or damage for
follow-up maintenance.
• Test reports should be completed
and forwarded to the Cathodic
Protection Supervisor.
4.2 Major Maintenance of CPU’s and
Ground Beds
The items to be inspected during these
maintenance routines are the Impressed
Current Cathodic Protection Unit, the anode
ground bed and any power supply equipment.
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection
Unit (CPU)
The following items are to be covered:
• Check the general condition of the
CPU cabinet and mounting stand.
Clean and touch up paintwork as
required.
• With power to the unit isolated,
inspect the wiring for security and
deterioration.
• Inspect the cabinet for water ingress
and general cleanliness. Identify and
rectify any water ingress.
• Check all electrical components and
their mountings for security and
deterioration.
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 Work Instruction No.:
Cathodic Protection Unit Inspection
6610

• Check vents and cooling fans if

fitted.
• Check panel doors and meters.
• Check the voltage and current
outputs using a multimeter and verify
the accuracy of the permanently
installed meters.
• Record the voltage and current
output.

Anode Ground Bed

The following items are to be covered:
• Check the integrity of cables looking
for any ground disturbance which
may have caused damage to the
cable’s or their connections.
• Check any new structures erected
near the ground bed to assess any
effect or damage to the ground bed.
• Conduct a loop resistance check to
determine if there has been any
increase in resistance. A significant
increase from “as commissioned”
readings would indicate a problem
with the ground bed or cable.
On completion of the inspections, complete
the relevant maintenance report sheet, noting
any items requiring further attention.

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