Corrosion Protection Systems
Corrosion Protection Systems (CPSs) shield metal structures in contact with land or water from corrosion. Corrosion can be defined as the destruction of a metal through its adverse reaction to a particular environment, for example soil or water.
A CPS is a system which applies an electrical current to a metallic (primary) structure to protect the structure from corrosion caused by its contact with soil or water. The major underground metallic structures in NSW include pipelines and cables used to transport electricity, gas, telecommunications and water throughout NSW, but can also include large structures such as steel piled wharves.
Metallic structures, such as cables, pipes and buildings made from reinforced concrete, are at risk of corrosion where they are buried in soil or immersed in water. There is also a risk of corrosion from the effects of stray electrical currents from electrified transportation systems such as the NSW electrified rail system. Corrosion can result in significant maintenance costs.
There is over $18 billion worth of underground metallic structures in NSW, many that deliver water, gas, electricity and telecommunication services. The majority of CPS owners and operators are large corporations or bodies who own or operate buried or immersed structures for the purpose of providing utility services.
The Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation 2020 requires corrosion protection systems to be registered (apart from those exempt by Clause 4 of the Regulation).
NSW Corrosion Protection Systems compliance process
All CPS applications and processing takes place via the Public Register of NSW corrosion protection systems.
Each current CPS owner is required to obtain a user login to access the CPS owner's area. This takes place as part of the application process.
The online system enables CPS owners to establish testing cycles, assign interested parties and transfer ownership.
All registered CPS owners are required to submit an annual report to the Department through the online system.
Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation
The Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation 2020 was remade under the Electricity Supply Act 1996. The objective of this Regulation is to govern the safe operation of electricity through corrosion protection systems. The Subordinate Legislation Act 1989 requires a Regulatory Impact Statement be implemented for all new statutory rules.
Guide for the Measurement of Electrolysis Corrosion Interference
This technical guide was prepared by the NSW Electrolysis Committee and has been reviewed by a consultant with technical expertise in this area. However, the NSW Government and the Department make no guarantees as to the accuracy of its content and assume no liability for any errors or omissions that may be present within it.
History
In 2010 the former Better Regulation Office (BRO) conducted a review of the Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation 2008. This regulatory review involved extensive consultation with the corrosion protection industry. The final BRO Report was released in late 2010.
A key recommendation of the review was the establishment of an online register along with a number of changes to the processing of CPS applications covered by the Regulation.
As a result, the NSW Government has developed the online application to streamline CPS registration and processing.
For further information
Corrosion Protection Systems (CPS) enquiries: [email protected]
Phone: 02 8275 1927