In-situ Überwachung von Isoliertrennstellen in kathodisch geschützten Rohrleitungen

Translated title of the contribution: In-situ monitoring of insulation joints in cathodically protected pipelines
  • Matthias Zöbl

Research output: ThesisMaster's / Diploma thesis

Abstract

Buried pipelines must be protected against corrosion by electrical measures in accordance with legal requirements. Moreover, it is necessary to connect these pipelines to protective earth in the area of operational facilities. As a result, pipelines need to be divided into galvanically separated sections. Practical experience has shown that the insulation joints used for this purpose can be bridged by processes inside the pipeline, leading to undesirable operating conditions and internal corrosion.

By analyzing various methods for the automated monitoring of insulation joints, a current measurement using a Rogowski coil was identified as the most promising method. Thus, a measurement system based on such a Rogowski coil that can detect insulation resistances up to 10 kΩ is to be developed.

The present master's thesis establishes the theoretical requirements for such a measurement system and compares potential solutions for the individual system components. Expected signal voltages in the range of several 100 nV pose a considerable challenge, that needs to be addressed. These voltages must be amplified by a low-noise amplifier prior to being digitally reconstructed using a suitable algorithm.

Subsequently, the system components are realised in hardware and their performance is compared to previously conducted simulations. Finally, the individual components are assembled into a complete measurement system and its performance is verified under both laboratory and real-life conditions.

Despite the potential for optimisation regarding the temperature stability of the resulting measurement system, the accuracy requirements can be easily met. Subject to certain constraints, it is even possible to extend the measuring range up to 100 kΩ. The developed measurement system therefore contributes significantly to the safe operation of cathodically protected pipelines.

Translated title of the contributionIn-situ monitoring of insulation joints in cathodically protected pipelines
Original languageGerman (Austria)
Supervisors/Reviewers
  • Da Silva, Marco, Supervisor
Award date12 Sept 2025
Publication statusPublished - 02 Sept 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Fields of science

  • 202 Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Information Engineering
  • 202012 Electrical measurement technology
  • 202027 Mechatronics

JKU Focus areas

  • Digital Transformation

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