Network operators can take advantage of a new simulation software tool for AC predictive and mitigation techniques. The solution handles both steady-state inductive interference and fault current analysis for pipeline networks influenced by AC power transmission lines. The software can deal with any configuration (no limitation on number of pipes, transmission lines, bonds, groundings, coating and soil resistivity) and is very user-friendly and robust since a general applicable algorithm is used to calculate the induced EMF (electromotive force), eliminating the need for a subdivision of the pipelines in abstract segments parallel or not to the transmission line(s).

With the calculated values for the EMF, the induced voltages and currents are then obtained by solving the well-known transmission line model using a numerical technique that allows to specify the pipeline parameters (diameter, coating, soil resistivity, …) for each individual sections of the pipeline. In addition, the effect of phase wire changes and hanging catenaries can be taken into account.

Elsyca CatProAC's main features are: 

• based on transmission line model;
• pipe and HVAC tower coordinates can be read from (GPS) files;
• database with standard pipelines and HVAC tower;
• no separation of pipeline in “near parallel” zones needed;
• calculation of EMF naturally converges to zero for increasing separation distances;
• no limitation on number of pipelines and HVAC tower;
• no limitation on number of (direct) bonds and groundings,
• use of sections with different properties (size/coating/soil resistivity);
• calculates induced voltages/currents;
• Metric (kms) and English (miles) system.

The Elsyca CatProAC software has been designed for the optimization of cathodic protection systems of large networks of buried pipelines taking into account following effects:

• interference from HVAC power transmission lines;
• interference from burried HV cables.

By applying the Elsyca CatProAC software tool, the CP engineer can easily calculate different AC mitigation set-ups under various conditions (soil resistivity, coating quality, pipeline dimensions, tower configuration, …) in order to custom-fit the system to his mitigation requirements. Consequently, the number of on-site interventions can be reduced significantly.