Pipeline communications

摘要

Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.

主权项

1. In a pipeline impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system, a method of synchronizing power control switching of individual ICCP systems associated with respective sections of such pipeline, comprising:
impressing an alternating current (AC) signal on at least selected ones of the multiple sections; and disabling individual ICCP systems in accordance with characteristics of a received impressed AC signal; wherein disabling comprises synchronously disconnecting individual ICCP system power supply transformers from their normal power source.