V-String™
Zinc reference electrode
The V-String zinc reference electrode has a rugged conductor with a strong over-braid of polyester fibers.
The Polatrak V-String electrode is a low-cost zinc reference electrode designed for offshore platform and pipeline monitoring. The ultra-rugged construction and ease of installation make this a viable tool general purpose cathodic protection monitoring retrofit systems, or to supplement other Polatrak monitoring instruments, such as the DR-2 dual reference cell, or the MA-1 monitored sacrificial anode. The V-String's accuracy is +/- 0.02, V which is perfectly adequate for a general performance monitor.
The electrode wire consists of a galvanized steel aircraft cord with a PVC jacket and an over braid of polyester fibers. This combination makes the electrode virtually indestructible. V-Strings have been installed on dozens of different types of structures, from platforms and offshore pipelines to shallow water wind farms.
Interrogating the electrode can be done in several different ways. If installed on a traditional structure, the conductor can be wired to the surface and connected to a monitoring panel. In some instances, the panel can also be wired to a satellite transmitter. For subsea assets and offshore pipelines, the V-String can be interrogated by ROV using the SunStation subsea readout.
Related Technical Information
Recent Advances in Offshore Cathodic Protection Monitoring
Abstract: Offshore production facilities and pipelines are being installed in new, more hostile environments. Advances in Cathodic Protection Monitoring for new structure types in deepwater as well as for high temperatures are discussed.
Cathodic Protection Monitoring in Alaskan Waters
Pipelines and structures located offshore of Alaska face unique challenges to monitoring cathodic protection. Advances in Cathodic Protection Monitoring technology are discussed. New portable ROV instrumentation as well as fixed monitoring of parameters affecting CP system performance ...
Monitoring CP System Performance in Deep Water Production Systems
Abstract: In many cases it is not the actual water depth but rather the nature of the production hardware that determines optimum maintenance and inspection strategies of CP systems. Here the newest available innovations for CP monitoring in deep water will be discussed ...
Full Online Technical Library
To see a complete list of technical papers and articles about cathodic protection and corrosion control, please visit the technical library section of this web site.
Related News
Patent Granted to Deepwater
US Patent 7,425,249 B1 has been granted to Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. for the Subsea Solar Powered Test Station with Voltage Readout, marketed by Deepwater as the "SunStation."
Deepwater retrofits CP on 2 deep water subsea field developments in 3 days
In February, Deepwater Corrosion Services performed anode retrofits on 2 subsea development systems in 73 hours.
22 Years of Corrosion Inspection
For over 20 years, Deepwater Corrosion Services has been leading the way in offshore corrosion inspection, from our very first topside inspection in 1986.
Key design points
Reliable cathodic protection measurement
The lack of copper in the conductor cable allows the electrode element to polarize any pinhole or small defects in the conductor, keeping the electrode serviceable for a long period of time (25 years).
Protective polyester over-braid
The polyester rope that covers the conductor is designed to withstand immense amounts of friction, protection the conductor in situations where the V-String is rubbed against a structure by moving currents etc.
Monitoring system retrofits
The V-String is low profile enough to be fitted to a RetroClamp system, which can be installed by diver or ROV on any tubular member or flange.