| 摘要 |
A flexible pipe comprises an inner conductive pipe and an electrically insulating outer sheath in contact with an electrolyte. Damage to the electrically insulating outer sheath is detected by supplying current between an external anode and a location on the inner conductive pipe where the sheath is damaged to expose the inner conductive pipe to the electrolyte and sensing an electric field between the anode and the inner pipe. The anode may be a sacrificial anode comprising magnesium. The anode may be connected to the positive terminal of a dc power supply or power pack with the conductive inner pipe connected to the negative terminal. The pipe may comprise a cathodic protection system for reducing corrosion of a structure connected to the pipe. The invention is particularly suitable for buried flexible pipes or risers transporting oil or gas and exposed to sea water. |
