Cathodic Protection Inspection Technologies and Tools applied to Subsea Pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico- A review

Oil and gas exploration and production industry in Mexican-territory faces enormous challenges to explore, discover and distribute hydrocarbons reserves for new deep waters fields. One of the main issues concern to offshore structures is the integrity of subsea pipeline structures due to the permanent risk against external corrosion. Moreover, the differences in parameters existed at different sea levels, such as temperature, pH, water composition and flow, magnify the need for accurate, real time monitoring of pipelines. Therefore, the identification and selection of tools and procedures to monitor the integrity of the cathodic protection as a corrosion control system has changed during the years. One of the most trustable technologies is the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) mounted survey systems, from which high and low resolution systems are available. High-resolution systems will give not only accurate on line potential profiles but also current density distribution, this is particularly important for integrity and direct assessment approach. In this work a review of the cathodic protection inspection procedures and tools as part of the integrity management program is included for recommended implementation to different facilities structures in deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Keywords: cathodic protection, inspection systems, direct assessment