Investigation of the Potential Impact on a Buried Pipeline from Fish Barriers Using Asynchronous Pulsed DC

Abstract Within the man-made Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), a series of submerged electrodes pulse DC through the water creating electric fields that deter invasive fish species such as the Asian Carp from entering Lake Michigan. The barriers operate by pulsing asynchronous direct current (DC) through steel electrodes secured to the bottom of the canal which the invasive fish species cannot pass through. Operating in different phases since the initial installation in 2002, the barrier is capable of peak pulsed currents in the magnitude of 10kA. This paper explores the analysis of the waveforms and potential measurements relating to the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed DC with respect to a nearby pipeline. The effects the pulsed DC has on CP passivity, corrosion, and potentially pipeline integrity will be discussed. Mitigation and monitoring methods are investigated to better qualify and quantify any potential risk to the buried pipeline.