INTRODUCTION
A major update of the 1992 NACE T7L192 Publication “Cathodic Protection Design Considerations for Deep Water Structures” has been completed by Task Group TG 269 and the updated document issued1
In response to the offshore petroleum industry rapidly moving into deeper ocean depths (>700 meters production and 2,500 meters exploration) in 1990, NACE developed a state-of-the-art report “Cathodic Protection Design Considerations for Deep Water Structures” and published it in 1992. This report was developed by NACE Task Group T-7L-8 {Corrosion in Deep Water} (chaired by Clark Weldon), a component of Unit Committee T-7L {Cathodic Protection}, under the auspices of Group Committee T-7 {Corrosion by Waters}. In 2002, this technical report was reviewed for currency according to NACE policy. Note that in 2002 exploration drilling was occurring at depths deeper than 3,000 meters and production was occurring deeper than 2,200 meters. Because of the many deep water developments since 1992, the industry had gained considerably more experience. Due to the significant progress in deep water developments, the report reviewers concluded that this state-of-the-art report should be revised to include the recent experiences and research. NACE Task Group (TG) 269—Cathodic Protection Design for Deep Water was formed in 2002 to update the 1992 document and include new industry experience and research results. The TG has been actively working on the revised document for the past five years. The document has been considerably expanded to cover more deep water issues that have surfaced since 1992. Both Task Group T-7L-8 and TG 269 were composed of representatives from the offshore oil/gas production and corrosion control industries. The updated report1 This paper will provide a summary of the revised report, identify and review the changes/additions that were made to the 1992 report, and acknowledge those NACE members and staff who contributed their time and expertise to develop this report. SUMMARY OF THE REVISED REPORT The revised state-of-the-art report presents an extensive review of literature (132 references) that addresses the application of CP in the oceans at depths greater than 300 m (1,000 ft) and insight from NACE members actively involved in offshore deep water activities.
supplements NACE SP0176, “Corrosion Control of Submerged Areas of Permanently Installed Steel Offshore Structures Associated with Petroleum Production" and was issued under the auspices of STG 30—Oil and Gas Production—Cathodic Protection. . The report update addresses the significant changes regarding cathodic protection (CP) that have occurred in deep water projects since 1992 when the deepest structures were in ~700 meters water depth while projects of today are in ~3,000 meters water depth. This state-of-the-art report provides a summary of the information currently available in the literature regarding CP in deep water and the variables in seawater chemistry that affect CP and CP design. This report addresses environmental effects on CP, results of tests and field experience in deep water, and the present state-of-the-art technology in deep water CP design. An overview of the report's updates is provided.
