Safety and Corrosion Issues Related to Electrical Isolation

Electrical isolation is a common practice applied by pipeline operators for various purposes, including, in most cases, mandatory requirements by the owners. Despite the importance of electrical isolation, several corrosion and safety-related issues have been reported by the industry associated with the application of electrical isolation. This article discusses the safety and corrosion issues related to electrical isolation and provides recommended practical measures to mitigate or eliminate such issues. It also offers guidelines that may help operators select a proper electrical isolation device and techniques to avoid common failures from occurring on such devices.