DC Interference in Pipeline Systems: A Fresh Perspective

Direct current (DC) interference is a prevalent issue in pipeline systems.1 Traditional explanations, such as those provided in AMPP courses, describe it as a stray current. This current chooses the path of least electrical resistivity, such as a metallic pipeline, and flows unintentionally. The pipeline “picks up” the stray current at one point and discharges it into the soil at another. The pipeline experiences accelerated corrosion at the discharge point.