How Do Power Lines Influence Underground Metal Corrosion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the influence of power lines on underground metal corrosion, particularly concerning pipelines and other structures. Participants explore the technical recommendations regarding corrosion risks associated with alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the potential for corrosion in underground structures near power transmission lines, citing technical recommendations and the behavior of eddy currents generated by AC systems.
  • Others argue that there is no significant problem, referencing the long-term experience with structures near overhead power lines and suggesting that if corrosion were a real issue, there would be restrictions on construction near power lines.
  • A participant notes that issues can arise with underground pipes and cables in DC systems, providing historical context regarding lead-sheathed telecom cables and the use of cathodic protection.
  • Another participant questions the concern by pointing out that utilities use metal posts for fences at substations, implying that if underground metal corrosion were a significant issue, this practice would not be common.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the extent of the corrosion risk posed by power lines, with some asserting that it is a concern and others dismissing it as unfounded. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference technical recommendations and historical practices without fully resolving the assumptions regarding AC and DC systems' effects on corrosion. The discussion lacks consensus on the implications of these factors.

m.s.j
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According to some technical recommendation, we must be concerned about metal under ground structures (e.g. pipe lines) corrosion in neighbor of power transmission lines.
Sinusoidal high current elements can produce eddy induced currents in their surroundings .The eddy currents in electrical path around of power lines are AC type inherently. On the other hand, according to electrochemical fundamental laws, the AC induced current can not be caused any oxidation or corrosion effects.
How can you explain the reason of that recommendation?

BEST REGARDS
MSJ


--------------------------------------------------------------
Creative thinking is enjoyable,Then think about your surrounding things and other thought products. http://electrical-riddles.com
 
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It is a false alarm. Hundreds of thousands of structures near overhead power lines have decades of experience. The problems you fear are not really problems. If there were such problems , there would also be restrictions on what can be build near power lines.
 
m.s.j said:
According to some technical recommendation, we must be concerned about metal under ground structures (e.g. pipe lines) corrosion in neighbor of power transmission lines.
Sinusoidal high current elements can produce eddy induced currents in their surroundings .The eddy currents in electrical path around of power lines are AC type inherently. On the other hand, according to electrochemical fundamental laws, the AC induced current can not be caused any oxidation or corrosion effects.
How can you explain the reason of that recommendation?

BEST REGARDS
MSJ--------------------------------------------------------------
Creative thinking is enjoyable,Then think about your surrounding things and other thought products. http://electrical-riddles.com
There can be problems with undergound pipes and cables when the power system is DC, for instance, tramway system. It was a big problem when telecom cables were lead sheathed. It was the practice to impress a cathodic protection current on the cable to give protection.
 
If underground metal was a problem, utilities would not use metal posts to hold up the fence at substations.

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