AC Interference and mitigation

The close proximity between high voltage transmission powerlines and buried pipelines has become increasingly prevalent, resulting in smaller project footprints, a lesser overall quantity of right-of-ways, and reduced environmental impacts. This concentration of infrastructure introduces the challenge of alternating current (AC) interference. Powerlines may potentially cause detrimental effects on paralleling or crossing pipelines including safety hazards, accelerated corrosion, coating damage, and other undesirable outcomes. 

Our company offers a range of services related to assessing AC interference risks, and implementing mitigation:

• · Mitigation installation inspection services
• · Field site surveys for AC interference risk assessment
• · Soil resistivity testing - 4 pin wenner method
• · Pipeline AC mitigation installation services
• · Facility gradient control installation services
• · AC interference monitoring installations: coupons and remote monitoring

Have you recently completed a pipeline AC interference assessment or site grounding design and subsequently hired a installation contractor? Did the completed works meet your AC model assumptions and target values? MMI offers post-construction fall of potential (3 pin) testing for validation of the true resistance of your installed grounding to be referenced against your designed target resistance. 

While our organization has extensive familiarity with AC interference projects, we do not typically offer any detailed design or modelling services. We would be pleased to refer you to alternative organizations who are not only reputable, but well recognized as industry leaders whom employ established professionals within this field.