The Polatrak V-String electrode by Deepwater 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 for CP retrofit monitoring or to supplement other Polatrak monitoring instruments.

Accuracy is ± 0.02V, which is adequate for a general performance monitor.

The electrode wire typically 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.

Applications

• Offshore platform jackets & drill rigs.
   
• Seawater ballast banks on SPAR, TLP, and FSU / FPSO structures.
   
• Risers.
   
• Inshore structures, piers, jetties, wharves.
   
• Inside J-tubes or in tight spaces where CP has to be monitored.

Main Benefits

• Low cost and ease of installation allow many more reference points to be sampled.
   
• Low profile and lack of welded attachments allow electrode location in node crotches, inside annular spaces, and on pipelines and risers.
   
• Lack of a copper cable allows the electrode element to polarize any pinhole or small defects in the conductor, keeping the electrode serviceable.
   
• Steel cable can be literally tied like a rope to subsea members and will not abrade, making V-String perfect for low cost monitoring system retrofits.

V-String reference electrode in situ on a pipeline, held in place with RetroClamp™.