Cathodic protection of a remote river pipeline

Abstract

The 261-km long 500-mm diam Kutubu pipeline, which runs through dense jungle swamps in Papua, New Guinea, was built for Chevron Niugini to transport oil from the remote Kutubu oil production facility in the Southern Highlands to an offshore loading facility. The pipeline was laid with a section in the bed of a wide, fast-flowing river. This section was subject to substantial telluric effects and current density variations from changing water resistivities. The cathodic protection system's effectiveness was monitored by coupon off'' potentials and required an innovative approach.