An Introduction to Cathodic Protection Inspection and Testing
- By Usman Naseer
- 0
Course Description
Corrosion is the natural deterioration of a material, usually a metal, due to its reaction with the environment. It is an electrochemical process involving an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and electrical circuit. The cost of corrosion globally is estimated at 3-4% of GDP, making prevention critical.
What you'll learn in this course?
Define the fundamental principles of cathodic protection and its role in corrosion control.
Differentiate between galvanic (sacrificial) and impressed current cathodic protection systems.
Identify the key inspection tools and instruments used in CP testing.
Execute essential field tests including structure-to-electrolyte potential, continuity, and soil resistivity.
Interpret CP test results against industry standard criteria (NACE SP0169, ISO 15589-1).
Troubleshoot common CP system failures using inspection data.
Complete a basic CP inspection report with actionable recommendations.
Course Curriculum
- What is Corrosion?
- Basic Electrochemistry of Corrosion
- What is Cathodic Protection (CP)?
- History and Standards Overview
- Why Inspect and Test CP Systems?
- Galvanic (Sacrificial) CP Systems
- Impressed Current CP (ICCP) Systems
- Key Differences – Galvanic vs. ICCP
- Components Requiring Inspection
- Coating and CP – The Perfect Pair
- The Essential CP Tester’s Toolkit
- Reference Electrodes – Why CSE?
- High-Impedance Multimeter – The Rule
- Pre-Inspection Safety Checks
- Documentation Before Field Work
- Structure-to-Electrolyte Potential (ON Potential)
- Instant-OFF Potential – Eliminating IR Drop
- 100 mV Polarization Criterion
- Soil Resistivity Testing – Wenner 4-Pin Method
- Continuity Testing (Bond Verification)
- Rectifier Inspection (ICCP Only)
- Anode Bed Condition Testing (ICCP)
- DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) for Coating Defects
- Close Interval Potential Survey (CIPS)
- Acceptable Potential Criteria (NACE SP0169-2013)
- Over-Protection – The Hidden Danger
- Stray Current Interference
- Interpreting Rectifier Data Trends
- Excel-Based Data Interpretation
- Common False Readings & How to Avoid Them
- Troubleshooting Flowchart – Low ON Potential
- Troubleshooting – No Protection Found
- The CP Inspection Report Template
- Example Recommendations
- Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
- Key Takeaways – Part 1
- Key Takeaways – Part 2
- Case Study – Pipeline Under-Protection
- Case Study – Over-Protection Damage
- Summary (One-Page Recap)
- Assessment (20 MCQs)
- An Introduction to Cathodic Protection Inspection and Testing
Usman Naseer
3 
Course includes:
Levelintermediate
Duration180 minutes
Lessons42
Quizzes0
CertificationsYes
Enrolled0