100 mV CRITERION APPLICATION

By
Joseph Pikas
NACE CP & Corrosion Specialist

NACE RP0169 states that external corrosion control of steel and cast iron piping may be
achieved if there is a minimum of 100 mV of cathodic polarization between the structure
surface and a stable reference electrode contacting the electrolyte. Measurement of
cathodic polarization with the cathodic protection (CP) system energized or polarization
decay when the CP system is turned off are both acceptable methods of evaluating
conformance to this criterion.
Despite widespread acceptance of this protection criterion by the corrosion control
industry, most CP practitioners prefer to evaluate their CP system effectiveness against
the -850 mV potential criterion. The simplicity of a single potential measurement versus
multiple measurements or continuous observation of cathodic polarization buildup or
decay is the deciding factor for operators concerned with monitoring costs.
However, aging coating systems and increasing use of IR free or instant off polarized
potential measurements have resulted in increased use of the 100 mV polarization
criterion. In a recent industry survey of 75 CP practitioners/users, the number of
companies employing the 100 mV polarization criterion has increased 300% (from 26%
to 76%) in the last ten years. While most of the survey respondents report using the
polarization criterion for only a small percentage of their system (11% on average), the
trend towards more widespread use in locations where it offers advantages of users is
clearly established.
The following discussion assumes familiarity with NACE TM0497-97, Measurement
Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection of Underground or Submerged
Metallic Piping Systems. This report is intended to summarize the circumstances where
the 100 mV polarization criterion is most often utilized, as well as identify some of the
sensitivities and problems associated with testing to this criterion.
WHEN TO USE THE CRITERION
The majority of CP practitioners surveyed utilize the polarization criterion only in areas
where it is uneconomical or impractical to achieve the -850 mV CSE potential criterion.
However, there may be circumstances where a polarization criterion is preferred for
technical reasons. These rationale are categorized as follows:

-850 mV CSE is Impractical:

Large bare structures such as tank bottoms, bare (uncoated) pipelines, and structures
where older coatings have significantly deteriorated such as on older pipe systems make
the -850 mV criterion impractical to achieve without addition of massive amounts of
current to achieve compliance with the criterion. Simple application of depolarization
measurements will often reveal that a structure with polarized potentials more positive
than -850 mV CSE have depolarized potentials in the order of -300 mV to -600 mV.
Attempts to achieve -850 mV CSE polarized potential are therefore unnecessarily
conservative and expensive.
Native Potentials are Unusually Low:
The -850 mV polarized potential criterion has been arrived at in order to afford assurance
of corrosion protection in most situations. It is therefore conservative and in some
locations the structure will be protected with much less current. Well drained, aerated
soils (such as sand) are known to be associated with extremely low native structure
potentials. . In this circumstance, the 100 mV polarization criterion is an appropriate
criterion for CP designers.
Native Potentials are Unusually High:
In cases where native structure potentials range between -750 and -800 mV CSE, often
associated with wet, low resistivity, low oxygen, acidic or sulfate reducing bacterial
containing soil or high pipe temperatures, simply attaining -850 mV CSE may not meet
the intent of RP-0169. Clause 6.2.2.2.2 states In some situations, such as the presence
of sulfides, bacteria, elevated temperatures, acid environments and dissimilar metals, the
criteria in Paragraph 6.2.2.1 (-850 mV) may not be sufficient. CP practitioners who
encounter such rest potentials during surveys are advised to use the 100 mV polarization
criterion.
IR Free Potentials are Unattainable due to Non-Interruptible Current Sources:
The two most common situations that render the -850 mV CSE polarized potential
criterion difficult or impossible to evaluate are (pipelines) where sacrificial anodes are
directly connected without test stations, or where foreign company rectifiers which
influence the protected pipeline may not be interrupted. The existences of these noninterruptible current sources mean that simple interruption of the impressed current
sources will not ensure that IR free polarized potentials are reliably obtained. Coupon
test stations may be used under these conditions to establish protection in accordance
with the 100 m polarization criterion.
Coating Preservation:
Many pipeline systems are comprised of sections with greatly varied coating efficiencies.
Protecting bare pipe to -850 mV CSE in these instances can result in very high polarized

potentials on the well coated parts of the protected structure leading to accelerated
coating damage. Several pipeline operators cite coating preservation as a significant
factor in their decision to use the 100 mV polarization criterion.
The True Criterion:
Because the polarized survey involves an interrupted on/off survey and a second
depolarized survey some time later, the additional cost of the polarization survey must be
balanced against the additional cost of CP to assure one of the first two NACE criteria.
Many will perform an on potential or an off potential survey first and then, when adding
incremental cathodic protection is undesirable, proceed to perform a polarization survey
to determine whether or not 100 mV or more of polarization exists.
IMPLEMENTATION
In addition to the test methods outlined in TM0497-97, the following comments are
provided:
Polarization Growth vs. Decay:
Application of any monitoring procedure should be practical. It is recommended that
new, unprotected structures have a complete native state (static) potential survey
performed prior to initial application of cathodic protection. This will ensure that
unusually high native potentials are considered appropriately, and provide an excellent
baseline for a polarization survey. This survey will necessarily be conservative for two
reasons: a) the rest potential of the protected structure will typically become more
positive as the system ages, and b) if monitoring of the cathodic polarization is
terminated when 100 mV of polarization is achieved a steady state level of polarization
(which would be more cathodic) may not yet be achieved.
For existing facilities, it is most practical to establish the level of polarization through
monitoring of depolarization. This test will also be conservative, because the native
potential may not yet be achieved once 100 mV has been observed and the CP systems
re-energized.
It is important to observe basic guidelines for monitoring either polarization or
depolarization:
Seasonal Variations in Native Potentials:
Seasonal variations in native (free corrosion) potential vary geo-climatically, with
structure age and CP history. These variations can change the native potential by 100
mV or more. It is therefore critical that the native potentials be taken within a short time
of the polarized potential. For these reasons the depolarized potential should be taken
every time the 100 mV criterion is evaluated in order to correctly determine the amount
of polarization and confirm a 100 mV shift.

Because the polarized potential and native potential may fluctuate seasonally, a
conservative approach is to perform the 100 mV criterion evaluation when polarization is
the lowest. Polarization tends to decrease when moisture around the structure increases,
and the structure temperature increases. These cycles are typically seasonal in nature and
may or may not occur at the same time depending upon geo-climatic location and
pipeline operating characteristics.

Long Line Currents:

Long line currents flowing during a depolarized survey can make the 100 mV criterion
non-conservative. Long line currents arise when cathodic protection is switched off, as
during a depolarized survey. They are caused when current flows between regions of the
pipe with different potentials (anodic and cathodic regions) caused by many factors, most
notably soil variations. When such current flows, the measured potentials will be
distorted somewhat. In regions of active, corrosive soil, the very negative native
potential will appear a little more positive due to these long-line currents. Since the
amount of polarization is calculated by subtracting this slightly lower potential from the
polarized potential, the total amount of polarization will appear greater than the actual
amount of polarization at this location. Since this location corresponds with the more
corrosive soil on the pipeline, it may be prudent to increase the amount of polarization in
these regions to more than 100 mV or to use other tools such as cathodic protection
coupon test stations or in-line inspection data to assure corrosion protection.
High pH Susceptibility:
RP0169 advises that caution is advised against using polarized potentials less negative than -850
mV for cathodic protection of pipelines when operating pressures and conditions are conducive to
stress corrosion cracking. The November 1996 SCC report by the NEB1 lists in Table 3.1 (pg.
16) that high pH SCC can occur in the range of -600 mV to -750 mV. More recent research
suggests that this range is also a function of pipe temperature and may be a little smaller than
indicated in the 1996 report.
The Importance of Reference Electrode Placement
TM0497 recommends identifying the location of the electrode to allow it to be returned
to the same location for subsequent tests. This is critical where soil composition is
highly variable and/or has high resistivity, as reference electrode placement variations of
50cm or less can significantly affect the potential measurements. It is recommended that
the ground be temporarily marked with flags or paint between measurements. Permanent
markings are also useful for subsequent surveys.

Current Interruption Strategies

To implement the 100 mV polarization criterion, the current sources affecting the
structure are interrupted. This is difficult, if not impossible, on galvanic cathodic
protection systems where the anodes are connected directly to the structure. In this type
of situation, cathodic protection coupons are being used. This is accomplished by
connecting the coupon to the structure so that it is protected with the structure. The
protected current to the coupon is interrupted and the polarization measured on the
coupon.
On impressed current cathodic protection systems, all current sources affecting the
structure are interrupted. This will include the impressed current sources on the system,
bonds to other systems, and impressed current sources on other systems that may be
influencing the potential on the system under test. Typically, interrupting two or three
impressed current sources either side of the section being tested is sufficient.
When interrupting more than one current source, the current interrupters are usually
synchronized for ease of data interpretation. Special current interrupters with accurate
clocks are manufactured for this purpose. There are also current interrupters that use the
signals from GPS satellites to synchronize and thus control the interruption cycle.
To minimize the depolarization of the structure during testing, the time the current is off
is minimized compared to the on time. A duty cycle of 75 to 80 percent current on is
often used. An example would be eight seconds on and 2 seconds off. The interrupter
can be either a slow cycle (8/2 seconds) or a fast cycle (800/200 milliseconds). Some
people believe that there is less depolarization of the structure during the off time using
the fast cycle interruption.
Interrupters can be installed anywhere on the current source that is convenient. They are
often installed in one of the DC output leads, the AC input leads, or across the tap
settings of rectifiers. The location is often dictated by the current and voltage
interruption rating of the interrupter. When placed in the DC circuit, the interrupter adds
resistance in the circuit and therefore decreases the current output for the rectifier.
The location of the interrupter can sometimes have an effect of the shape of the
waveform after interruption and thus affect how long after interruption one should wait
before taking the off potential. Oscilloscopes are often used to monitor the DC waveform
to ensure that all interrupters are synchronized and to determine when the off potential
should be recorded. Other DC current sources such as TEGs, solar cells, etc are usually
interrupted by placing the current interrupter in one of the DC leads.
Polarization characteristics
Polarization of a structure is time dependent. A plot of polarization versus time will
generally result in an exponential curve. The shape of this polarization curve is
dependent on the time constant of the structure. The time constant is a function of the

total current applied, the amount of bare metal, the size of the structure, the environment
and other factors. Polarization times can range from a few seconds to days to weeks.
One means of determining the polarization time is to use a recording voltmeter to
generate a plot of the polarization curve. The time for a structure to polarize after current
is applied may be considerably different form the time for the structure to depolarize after
the current is removed.
Measurement of the polarization on a structure requires the measurement of the instant
off potential. This measurement requires the installation of current interrupters on the
current sources influencing the structure. The instant off potential can be obtained by
interrupting all the current sources simultaneously or by interrupting each current source
one at a time and using superposition to determine the actual instant off potential.
Depending on the location where the interrupter is installed and the resistance, inductance
and capacitance of the circuit, interruption of the DC current can cause spiking in the
instant off potential and thus erroneous data.
Polarization testing can be performed on a system protected by galvanic anodes if the
current from the anodes can be interrupted. Isolated directly connected galvanic anodes
do not have to be disconnected if there are sufficient other current sources to achieve the
required amount of polarization.
The amount of polarization of a structure is proportional to the current applied. The
depolarized potential or native potential of a structure will decrease in magnitude with
time and polarization, with the depolarized potential decreasing approximately in direct
proportion to the amount of polarization. 2
Monitoring Practices
The 100 mV polarization criterion can be met by measuring either the amount of
polarization from native potentials or the depolarization after the cathodic protection
system has been in service time to allow for complete polarization. Polarization testing is
usually performed by measuring the native or static potential of a system before any
current is applied. The cathodic protection system is then energized and the system
allowed to polarize until the on potential stabilizes. On and instant off potentials are then
measured with the polarization being the difference between the instant off and the native
potential. Coupons can also be used to measuring the amount of depolarization.
Depolarization testing is usually performed by measuring the on and instant off
potentials, turning the current sources off, and allowing the system to depolarize. After
the system has depolarized, the potential is again measured. The amount of polarization
is the difference between instant off potential and the depolarized potential.
Depolarization may take from a few minutes to a number of weeks. .
Once the 100 mV criterion has been established at a location, verification is usually
performed on a periodic basis. . One way to accomplish this is by repeating the complete

polarization testing. Another is to use either the on or instant off potential reading
obtained during the initial testing as a measure of the effectiveness of the criterion if there
have been no significant changes in the system being protected.
Retesting time frames for performing a complete polarization test usually vary from one
to five years with some going longer. Retesting is usually driven by changes in the
system that is being protected. These changes can include changes in rectifier current
output, changes in the amount of material being protected, changes in cathodic system
configuration, environmental changes, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Cost of survey
The cost to perform a survey to demonstrate the 100 mV shift criterion is greater than the
850 mV criterion. There is duplicate effort required in that the areas have to be
surveyed twice. In addition, the cost of analysis is more, since the interpretation of the
data is more involved. The areas that meet the 850 mV criterion may not be resurveyed
to demonstrate 100 mV shift criterion in order to reduce the cost. Since the 100 mV
criterion is often applied to older pipe systems, some companies perform close interval
surveys of the on, instant off and depolarized potentials. This also adds additional cost.
Additional cost in some areas is due to the time required to depolarize, in some cases
requiring 30 days or more to fully depolarize.
Conversely, performing a 100 mV polarization survey can reduce costs by reducing the
amount of remediation necessary to demonstrate compliance to criteria, as well as allow
work to go on a more practical schedule, since compliance has been demonstrated, and
prompt remedial action timeframes are not required to be met.
Cathodic protection coupons can reduce the cost of obtaining the polarization shift data.
The 100 mV shift criterion is not be valid for use on systems with the interconnection of
different metals (e.g. steel pipe connected to copper grounding system) In addition, for
galvanic cathodic protection systems, a depolarized survey may not be practical to
perform.
Cost of current
Facilities that meet the 100 mV shift criterion have less current required in most soil
conditions. Applying the criterion is almost always less expensive than recoating or
installing additional cathodic protection current.
Reduction of cathodic protection current should always be performed following complete
depolarization. This may be necessary where the cost of current is extremely high, for

example solar, engine generator, wind, thermo-electric generation, or other sources of

cathodic protection current.
Bare pipelines can rarely meet the 850 mV potential criterion, and other criteria are
usually more expensive to evaluate.

Level of Protection
The 100 mV shift criterion is a more technically correct criterion than potential criteria.
There are concerns about the possibility of high pH SCC. Some regulatory agencies do
not accept the 100 mV shift criterion. Annual demonstration of compliance can be
expensive if the entire survey is required to be performed annually.
The 100 mV shift criterion can reduce the possibility of overprotection, including
cathodic disbondment and hydrogen embitterment, and reduce the risk of stray current.
Effects of Heat and Bacteria
Hotter environments and the present of bacteria tend to increase the amount of
polarization required to obtain protection. In these cases, more than a 100 mV of
polarization may be required.
IR Drop Errors
IR drop errors can be a problem in the interpretation of some of the cathodic protection
criteria. Due to using the instant off potential in the 100 mV polarization criterion, IR
drop errors are not a problem.
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
SCC can be a problem for some pipelines operating in certain environments. One of the
variables that affect the susceptibility of a pipeline to SCC is the instant off potential.
The instant off potential of pipelines protected using the 100 mV criterion may fall in the
range of potential that are susceptible to SCC. It may be necessary to increase value of
polarization where SCC is suspected such as underneath shielded high dielectric type
coatings.
Note:
For Additional Information see NACE TM0497-97, Measurement Techniques
Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection of Underground or Submerged Metallic
Piping Systems.