Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Which of the following factors must be considered when evaluating a structure’s corrosion potential?

1. Soil temperature

2. Elevation of the structure

3. Environmental moisture content

4. IR drop across various points

The correct answer is: IR drop across various points

When evaluating a structure’s corrosion potential, understanding the IR drop across various points is crucial. The IR drop refers to the voltage loss that occurs due to the resistance of the medium through which the current flows. In the context of cathodic protection, knowing the IR drop is essential for accurately measuring the potential at the structure and ensuring that the protection system is functioning effectively. If there is a significant IR drop, particularly in large systems, it can lead to misleading potential readings. This could result in areas of the structure being inadequately protected if the measurements do not accurately reflect the true potential due to resistance in the earth or other conducting media. Hence, considering the IR drop enables professionals to assess whether the structure is experiencing sufficient protection against corrosion and to make necessary adjustments to the cathodic protection system. In contrast, while factors like soil temperature, elevation, and environmental moisture content do influence the overall corrosion process and the performance of protection systems, they do not directly impact the accuracy of potential measurements in the same way the IR drop does. Focusing on accurate potential readings is fundamental for effective corrosion management.