Suites 2 & 3
Greenbank House,
Swan Lane,
Hindley Green,
Wigan,
WN2 4AR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1942 522180,
Fax: +44(0)1942 522179
dcvg@dcvg.com or
sales@dcvg.com

DC Voltage Gradient Technology & Supply Ltd.

We Lead - Others Follow

ECDA is a four step process involving the integration and analysis of data from multiple surveys and field examinations with the pipeline’s physical characteristics and operating history.

Step 1:- Pre-Analysis ( Use the DCVG Direct Pre-Assessment Software)
Collects and analyses data from constructions records, operating and maintenance history, alignment sheets, corrosion survey records and above ground surveys from prior integrity evaluations, to determine whether ECDA is feasible and defines ECDA sections of pipeline for study.

Step 2:- Indirect Inspection (Use Quantum CIPS and Analogue DCVG as a one pass survey and DCVG Direct Assessment Software for Analysis )
Uses two or more inspection techniques, selected in Step 1, to define the severity of coating faults, other anomalies and areas of corrosion activity that could or may have occurred.

Step 3:- Direct Examination ( Use EXCAVAT Section of Direct Assessment Software)
Analysis of data from Steps 1 & 2 to select sites for excavation and pipe metal examination. Data from the excavation is combined with all available information to identify and assess the impact of external corrosion on the pipeline. This step involves identification of any metal, coating and cathodic protection repairs required to improve mitigation of external corrosion.

Step 4:- Post- Assessment. (Use the DCVG Direct Post-Assessment Software)
The assessment of all available data to evaluate the effectiveness of the ECDA process and determine reassessment intervals.

ECDA (External Corrosion Direct Assessment)

Reference:- ANSI/NACE Standard RP0502-2002 Item No. 21097

Note:-

Considerable information from the archives of PIM/DCVG/APRT Group were made available to the sub committee producing the NACE Standard.

The NACE specification characterises, on pg 12 table 2, DCVG with ACVG. These are two totally different technologies and should not be considered the same which is what the table does.

A SIMPLE EXPLANATION

When introducing the ECDA concept into your company you will have to read and digest the complete NACE RP0502-2002 recommended document. It is not easy to read and understand. To simplify the introduction of ECDA, in conjunction with Southern Cathodic Protection Company Inc., DCVG have introduced an ECDA Procedure Manual that sets out all the steps, instructions and reporting procedures necessary to satisfy government inspectors.