No impact on nature or the neighbourhood
KKS (cathodic corrosion protection):
The ARG pipeline system is protected by a cathodic corrosion protection (CCP) system that is monitored daily. CCP stands for cathodic corrosion protection and means that the pipeline in the ground is surrounded by a slight electric current to prevent rust formation.
Further information can be found in DVGW worksheet GW 10:2008-05 ’ Cathodic corrosion protection (CCP) of steel underground storage tanks and pipelines – Commissioning and monitoring’, DVGW worksheet GW 16:2008-05 “Cathodic corrosion protection (CCP) of steel underground storage tanks and pipelines – Remote monitoring” and DIN EN 12954:2001-04.
‘At least once a year, the effectiveness of the cathodic protection system must be explicitly verified on a cathodically protected object. This means that compliance with the protection potential criterion in accordance with DIN EN 12954 must be verified at all points where the protective coating is defective on the object to be protected.’
Intensive measurements can indicate corrosion sites that should be investigated further (e.g. exposure or pigging).
When estimating service life, especially for crack-like defects, dynamic operating loads are a key factor that significantly influences the remaining service life.
The ARG Pipeline has an unlimited operating licence and a service life of 100 years is generally assumed for such a pipeline. With appropriate maintenance, a long-distance pipeline can be operated for several decades. Intelligent pigging is carried out at regular intervals. This involves sending a pig equipped with highly sensitive measuring instruments through the pipeline. The device uses ultrasound to check every millimetre of the inside for corrosion. This also allows any deformation of the pipe to be detected. Due to its underground location, the pipeline is also largely protected from the effects of weather. External corrosion is prevented by a plastic coating and cathodic corrosion protection.
The service life of the ARG network is estimated using a calculation method developed by TÜV Rheinland, which has been in use for around 30 years and is constantly being refined. This method is used to assess the strength of defective pipeline pipes and is specified in technical standard DIN 2413, section 4.2.3, for service life assessments of pipes with surface damage.