Importance of CP Systems
Buried components of aging telecommunication towers are at ever-increasing risk of underground corrosion and material loss. Cathodic protection protects underground or submerged metallic structures through the use of a negative charge applied by an external source to the structure.
Cathodic protection is the most effective and economically feasible method for mitigating corrosion risk for oil/gas, water/waste water, and utility transmission/distribution underground assets.
Matergenics CP Systems
We understand that safety and reliability of towers are essential requirements of the telecommunications industry. In addition to providing advanced corrosion inspection services for telecommunication structures, Matergenics is specialized in design, installation, assessment, and monitoring of cathodic protection systems for telecom towers with different structural designs and materials.
Read Our Cathodic Protection Newsletter!
Cathodic Protection Services
Matergenics offers a wide array of services to control corrosion and protect again assets including underground pipelines, poles, latticed towers, grillage, anchor rods, substation equipment, and more! We have obtained a position of
considerable prominence in the cathodic protection computerized design and wireless monitoring of CP installations.
Our services include the following:
Design and Modeling
We use computer simulation for anode bed design in order to optimize the protection level for different components of structures and materials.
Installation
Installation of anodes for again telecom towers by Matergenics requires minimal soil disturbance. We actively work to reduce the cost of excavation and labor for our clients.
Assessment
Matergenics has a through protocol for the assessment and testing of CP systems after installation is complete. The results give us an insight on protection level and remaining life.
Cathodic Protection System Design
Matergenics engineers have developed a finite-element electro-chemical simulation tool that can incorporate all relevant parameters in design and optimization of anode beds for cathodic protection of telecommunication towers.
The design phase of cathodic protection system includes the following tasks:
Review of structural drawings and Geo-Technical reports
Analysis of previous corrosion inspection reports
Preparation of 3-D CAD models of the buried components to be protected
Design And Material Selection For Coating System
Computer Aided Design For Optimization Of Anode Bed Performance And Installation Cost
Cathodic Protection System Installation
Cathodic protection systems are recommended along with coating application to extend the anodes longevity and provide an improved protection level.
Coating Application
Based on characteristics of the soil service environment, buried members of the tower may be selected for partial coating with different types of self-priming mastics.
Application of protective coating includes the following steps:
1) Surface cleaning and preparation; equivalent to SSPC-SP2 (hand tool cleaning) or SSPC-SP3 (power tool cleaning)
2) Assessment of substrate sondition
3) Coating application with proper wet film thickness
Anode Installation
Installation of anode beds specifically designed for aging telecom towers by Matergenics requires minimal soil disturbance. This means an increase in work safety, and reduced cost of excavation and labor work for our clients. We also install cathodic protection systems for new towers during construction time.
Cathodic Protection System Assessment
Matergenics has developed a thorough protocol for assessment and testing of anode beds and cathodic protection systems. This assessment protocol can be applied to aging and new CP systems to estimate protection levels and remaining life.
Tests in our assessment protocol:
Open circuit potential test for individual anodes
DC current from individual anodes and anode bed
DC current through grounding system
Soil-to-structure electro-chemical potential
Instant-OFF potential (as per NACE SP0169-2013)
Based on the outcome of assessment results, recommendations will be provided to the client for anode bed upgrade or the next assessment schedule for monitoring the performance of cathodic protection systems.
Documentation and Technical Reporting
A comprehensive technical report that includes design specifications, installation details, and assessment results will be prepared by NACE certified professional engineers. All activities and key measurement readings will be photographically documented and will be available upon request.
We are Here to Help!
We respond to all customers promptly by sending a technical proposal to address testing, investigation and the proposal costs. If we need more information, our engineers will contact you.We respond to all customers promptly by sending a technical proposal to address testing, investigation and the proposal costs. If we need more information, our engineers will contact you. Whether you are a large corporation or a small enterprise, we will provide you with the attention you need and deserve. In so doing, we hope to work with you for many years to come.
Please call Dr. Zee at 412-952-9441, Tara at 412-537-6239 or 412-788-1263 and let us know how we can assist you in your soil investigation. Alternatively, you can send your request to info@matergenics.com.
Looking forward to hearing from you!