Abstract

The cathodic protection of steel structures for Puma Energy in Papua New Guinea have been deteriorating since construction due to inadequate potential supply from the anodes. The magnitude of protection using sacrificial anodes have been considered inadequate and thus amount to failing CP systems throughout all parts of the country. This has been revealed via various other CP companies and commissioned by Puma Energy PNG Limited to carry possible inspection and maintenance on established structures. Because the sacrificial anodes entirely depend its potential difference between the cathodes and anodes, it is quite tedious and complex to adequately supply protective current throughout all intended structural path for effective protection. The sacrificial anodes cathodic protection system established throughout all Puma Energy terminals in the country have reported to have been failed. Massive and complex structures such as steel tanks of both underground and surface or pipelines have inadequately protected by the sacrificial anodes. As such, the company is looking for recommendations to improve sacrificial anodes to impressed current cathodic protection system. Port Moresby’s Idubada CP terminal and Weak, East Sepik provinces have faced the same problems and is widely faced throughout the country. Puma Energy’s facilities are deteriorating and failing CP protection and thus have been greatly recommended by various CP contactors to looking into possible replacement with impressed current method as it rendered effective protection than sacrificial anodes.