Why deploy SensorGuard for impressed Current Cathodic Protection ?

The primary reason for deployment of SensorGuard in this application is so that the AC and DC sides of the rectifier can be lifted (opened) during lightning activity. This isolation protects the rectifier circuitry, as well as the connected elements on the DC side, during the threat. The effect to the corrosion control process is minimal because the ‘disconnection’ only lasts for a short period of time, typically 15 minutes.

Another reason for deployment of SensorGuard for this application is that the conductors out to the anode bed are not all that robust. Intended to carry small amounts of current (DC output of between 10 and 50 amperes and 50 volts) during the corrosion control process, these leads cannot withstand the large amounts of current associated with even an average lightning strike of 30KA. Because anode beds are a ground field, they are a target of fault currents and are vulnerable because of their construction. When lightning hits, the lead-in conductors, as well as other grounding elements can be damaged or destroyed and may have to be replaced. SensorGuard can then protect the whole operation. When the threat moves on, SG reconnects and the pipe is now back under full cathodic protection and the anode bed (ground field) has survived.