Documenting MANDATORY Anode Tests

The 2011 edition of NFPA 58 included

several changes for the installation of cathodic protection devices, which now must be installed, tested and monitored on all new underground propane-storage containers. These new rules are found in section

6.6.6.1(A)-(O).

A major aspect of the new rules is the cathodic protection system shall be monitored by testing and the results documented.

The sacrificial anodes shall be tested upon installation; for continued verification of the effectiveness of the system, 12-18 months after the initial test, and follow-up testing shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 36 months.

GEC provides employee training on Cathodic Protection testing requirements and provides a sample inspection & test form as part of our curriculum. For more information on Employee Training programs offered by GEC, CLICK the link in the right column under the heading, "EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAMS."

Replacement Components for Cathodic Protection Testing Equipment: SULFATE CRYSTALS & ELECTRODES

Note: Under average conditions, an electrode should be emptied and cleaned out every two or three months. However, if the electrode is allowed to remain in prolonged contact with low resistivity soil or water, more frequent rejuvenation may be desirable. For consistent results, manufacturers recommend using the highest purity CuSo4 Crystal's possible.

Precautions:

STORAGE: CuSo4 will deteriorate over time. Electrodes, which are purchased in bulk and stored for later use, should always be checked before placing into service. Copper rods can become tarnished or pitted by deteriorating CuSo4 and the CuSo4 will become unusable. The copper in this condition will become contaminated, which will cause inaccurate readings. CuSo4 should have a rich, deep blue color. If the crystals appear to have become whitened or have the appearance of being dehydrated, discard in a safe manner and replace with fresh. Do not store the electrodes in a damp atmosphere. Some types of fungus or mold can contaminate the ceramic plug assemblies. Always rotate your stock using the "FIFO" (First In, First Out) method.

Common Source of Error: The voltmeter used in conjunction with reference electrodes should be of sufficiently high impedance (10 megohms or greater) so that contact resistance, which can occur between electrode and soil, does not affect readings. When taking readings, the ceramic plug must come in contact with soil. Vegetation such as grass should be moved out of the way. Grass or other items will add resistance and result in inaccurate readings. Reference electrodes are designed to be durable, but over time, the ceramic plug assembly will become contaminated by foreign materials and become worn or cracked. At this point, the replacement of the ceramic plug assembly is highly recommended. If the CuSo4 mixture within the electrode becomes cloudy white, reverse osmosis has occurred and rejuvenation is recommended.

GEC sells replacement CuSo4 copper sulfate crystals (Part # 16906, .75 lbs) for half cells. And replacement electrode half cells (Part # RE-5C).