Remote potential monitoring for offshore structures protected by cathodic protection systems

The application of cathodic protection to the prevention of corrosion in steel structures immersed in sea water is a well established method. Monitoring such systems helps to ensure that the desired level of protection has been achieved and maintained for the prevailing conditions. This level is determined by the steel/ electrolyte (the sea water) potential. However, as it is impractical to measure this value directly a standard reference electrode, immersed in the electrolyte, is used and a value measured between this electrode and the structure. The measured value depends on the type of electrode employed.