The Stray Current Mapper (SCM) is a safe and cost-effective way of mapping the magnitude and direction of stray current interference on a pipeline. These are usually caused by third party cathodic protection systems (static interference currents) or DC electrified rail systems (dynamic interference currents).
Most metal pipes have a protective coating to help prevent against the onset of corrosion. When these coatings are damaged a destructive chemical reaction occurs at the point of the defect, this causes current to flow from the pipe to the ground. This current and any other forced onto the pipeline from a foreign source is known as stray current, and significantly contributes to the corrosion process. The SCM allows you to completely map and accurately pinpoint from above ground (without connection to the pipeline) the area where current discharge is taking place (usually coating defects).
The SCM is also capable of data-logging for up to 48 hours, meaning that information can be stored over a real-time period, then processed and analysed at a later date to identify both the location and source of the interference.