AC Power Line Interference onPipeline and its Mitigation

Metallic pipelines, particularly gas, oil or water pipelines, running in parallel or crossing a high voltage power lines will have the effect of low frequency induction (LFI) or in simple terms, AC interference. This will have an effect on touch and step voltages along the length of the pipeline. This is a safety hazard which requires mitigation.

High voltage power lines with operating voltage above 100kV are the main concern in AC mitigation. Voltage lower than 100kV are typical not included in the AC interference and mitigation study.

One of the most common type of mitigation for LFI is grounding. The grounding electrode used in this instance is the Zinc Grounding Cell.