API 571 Certification (Corrosion & Materials) Practice Test

Utilizing cathodic protection systems is an effective method for mitigating corrosion in buried pipelines. This method involves applying a small, externally applied direct current to the pipeline, which helps to neutralize the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. The primary function of cathodic protection is to prevent the pipeline from oxidizing by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This significantly prolongs the lifespan of the pipeline by preventing corrosion-related damage.

While other options, such as coating with paint or using plastic materials, can provide some level of protection, they do not offer the same degree of effectiveness in preventing corrosion caused by soil conditions and moisture. Reducing moisture in the soil can also help, but it's often impractical in many environments. Cathodic protection, therefore, stands out as a specialized and proactive technological solution specifically designed to combat corrosion in buried infrastructure.