DEEP WELL ANODE INSTALLATION

A deep well anode is a vertically drilled cathodic protection anode system.  These wells can range from depths of 100 to 500 feet in an attempt to find low resistance strata and groundwater.  An individual anode wire is brought to the surface and terminated in an anode junction box.  From there, a larger positive cable is routed to the cathodic protection rectifier for power.

We provide all the project materials and, as we own our own drilling equipment, we better control the work schedule as well as the quality of the system installation.  Our goal is to install a low resistance anode system that will provide excellent service and protection for many years. 

We can also assist you in planning for the deep well system installation.  There are many nuances that need addressing and our team of planning experts can be an excellent resource to ensure the anode system is installed properly and efficiently.

DEEP WELL ANODE ABANDONMENT

At the end of service life, deep well anodes systems must be “abandoned” depending on the area of the country and the local regulations.  Abandoning the well can include the removal of electrical wires, excavation to the concrete seal and installing a secondary concrete seal to prevent surface water from migrating into the well and the groundwater.

We are a recognized expert in this procedure and have abandoned hundreds of anode wells over the years.   We work in compliance with local water agencies or other regulating bodies to ensure your deep well is properly and legally abandoned.

Once again, we own our own equipment for this effort and our personnel are trained to provide the quickest and most cost effective solution.

DISTRIBUTED OR CONVENTIONAL ANODE SYSTEM INSTALLATION

These anode systems work well if you have ample space and may provide cost savings versus a deep anode installation.  Typically, the anodes are installed at a depth of 10 to 20 feet and spaced at least 10 feet apart horizontally.  However, these preferences are easily changed to accommodate the design.  Petroleum coke breeze is poured around each anode and the anode cable is electrically connected to a “header cable”, which is routed from the anodes to the cathodic protection rectifier. 

Our team members are experts in this process and Farwest has installed hundreds of these anode systems.  In addition, we provide our own project materials for a turnkey installation, making the customer’s job much easier.

AC MITIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION

When a pipeline is installed in or crosses an AC power corridor, the induced AC power from the power lines can cause a serious corrosion issue on a pipeline in the vicinity of the power line.  To prevent AC corrosion, a mitigation system is installed that directs the induced AC power to ground and safely away from the pipeline.

While there are a number of system designs, many pipeline companies employ the use of a linear grounding system installed parallel to the pipeline.  Vertical grounding systems can also be used for AC mitigation purposes depending on the customers need and the system parameters.

In addition, grounding mats are employed around aboveground pipeline structures to protect personnel from safety issues caused by “step-touch” voltage differentials.  These inexpensive mats, used in conjunction with decouplers, provide a safe work area for pipeline workers.

Farwest provides this service along with the supply and installation of accessory items such as solid-state decouplers (SSD’s), test stations and many other associated products.

RECTIFIER INSTALLATION

A rectifier, or cathodic protection power supply, provides DC power to impressed current cathodic protection systems.  A rectifier is usually installed as part of the larger C.P. system but can be installed after the fact due to repair needs, upgrades, compliance issues and more.  Remote rectifier monitors (RMU’s) can also be added to an existing rectifier installation allowing the system operator to monitor the C.P. system from the comfort of the office. 

Farwest has installed thousands of rectifiers and RMU’s and our installation team are experts.  They install these electrical components safety, neatly, quickly and in compliance with local electrical codes and regulations.

TEST STATION INSTALLATION

One of many cathodic protection accessories, test stations allow testing and monitoring access to underground pipelines or other buried structures.  A test station system usually consists of a monitoring/access box, one or more reference electrodes, cathodic protection coupons and associated wiring.  Each system is placed along the pipeline at regular intervals and provides the pipeline operator with invaluable information about the cathodic protection system protecting the pipeline.

In recent years, technology has improved to allow “remote monitors” installed at each test station.  These RMU’s now monitor the pipeline and provide operational details without human intervention at the test station.

Farwest has provided and installed many thousands of test stations to pipeline operators and similar clients.  The work often requires excavation, traffic control, shoring, electrical work, street repair and more depending on the client, the location and the regulatory body overseeing the effort.  Let us help you with your test station or other cathodic protection accessory needs.

CASING FILLS

Injectable casing fillers are used to prevent galvanic corrosion of a pipeline casing and the internal “carrier pipe”.  In addition, casing fillers prevent “resistive electrical shorts” caused by water intrusion between the casing and carrier pipe.  The fill material is a petrolatum based wax material that is either pumped hot or cold, depending on the product, into the annulus between the pipe and casing.  If installed properly, this solution can prevent a lifetime of issues.

As an alternative, soluble corrosion inhibitors can be used to protect the pipeline and casing.  Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI’s) are pumped into the casing annulus to prevent corrosion issues.  Typically a less costly solution, it is another tool in the fight to prevent corrosion issues inside of a pipeline casing.

Farwest is an experience installer of these systems and has the knowledge, experience, resources and tools to provide these services for you. 

WATER TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Cathodic protection systems are utilized to protect the internal, submerged steel surface of water storage tanks.  While coatings provide first-line protection, cathodic protection protects the steel where the coatings are compromised.  Depending on the efficiency of the coating, the type of cathodic protection system may be either a galvanic system or, where more protection current is required, an impressed current or powered system may be needed. Once installed and if properly maintained, water tanks can last for decades saving millions in repair or upgrade costs.

With advances in coating technology for tanks, the demand for cathodic protection protective current can be reduced.  This is a positive for the tank operator as smaller, galvanic cathodic protection systems are can be a perfect solution.  The patented PowerMag 1000 is an excellent choice in these instances and provides automatic output control for a galvanic C.P. system reducing cost, the need for AC power and other maintenance issues.

Our team of experts have installed many cathodic protection systems in water tanks over many years.  We provide our own project materials, our own equipment and the expertise to complete the project efficiently and quickly.  In addition, our Technical Services team can commission the cathodic protection system and monitor it to ensure the system is working properly.

UNDERTANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Corrosion often attacks the underside bottom of above-ground storage tanks of all type types.  This can occur to any type of storage tank in contact with earth or other corrosive media.  However, if properly designed and installed, an undertank cathodic protection system can provide years of protection preventing expensive repairs and leaks.

Cathodic protection systems for these structures can be challenging especially if the tank is already in service.  The Farwest team can provide systems and solutions to extend the life of the tank bottom while saving precious resources inside the tank.