What Determines How Corrosive Your Soil Is?

Written by Angela

Reach out to Dreiym Engineering for any Corrosion, Electrical or Forensic Questions.

February 10, 2020

How Does A Close Interval Survey Work?

A close interval survey is conducted on pipelines to assess the entire structure’s cathodic protection status by recording the pipe-to-soil potential profile. What sets a close interval survey apart from other surveys is it communicates the protection levels along the entire structure, rather than just sections or specific points on it. They identify otherwise hidden risk areas so that the issues can be resolved and prevented from becoming larger. They’re typically performed at the system’s inception to act as a starting line of information. Then, they’re followed up on every five years with smaller testing points in between the five-year gaps.

Close interval surveys are performed utilizing three tasks:

  1. First, the field crew locates and marks the pipeline with an indicator, such as flags or stakes, at regular intervals. They base this process on measurements or chaining.
  2. Next, they collect data. The data collected includes the pipe-to-soil potentials and a notation of the pipe and the surrounding earth’s physical features along the right-of-way. They also collect GPS coordinates for each feature recorded.
  3. Last, the crew clears the right-of-way survey wire and other materials used, such as copper wire. They identify and fix breaks along the way and determine what parts may require a heavier material, such as an insulated wire resistant to breakage.

The data collected provides the survey’s results. Once the results are given, it should be easy to identify problem areas. The recommendation is usually to address those problem areas, or potential problem areas, as quickly as possible. Issue areas have the potential to fester and lead to larger and more expensive issues that can become costly to correct.

Dreiym Engineering offers two types of close interval surveys: interrupted and native. Both of these studies should be performed for both new and existing structures to get the best and most accurate information on the structure.

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About Dreiym Engineering

Dreiym engineering is a full-service engineering company, providing design, consulting, procurement, and construction services. Founded in 2014, we have grown from humble origins to serve our customers in a growing number of engineering fields. Our goal is to find business partners looking for electrical engineering, corrosion engineering, or other engineering services. Our primary office is just north of Houston, Texas, with an additional location in Austin, Texas. Dreiym Engineering is a small company based out of Texas that looks for the best opportunities to partner with companies and customers. We specialize in forensic engineering, fire investigation, and corrosion engineering. Give us a call or email for any questions you may have.

We are also available for any questions you may have about civil or mechanical forensic engineering through our partner engineers that service much of the United States and abroad.

If you are looking for help with any service, simply contact us to get started.

 

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