What is typically monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of a cathodic protection system?

The effectiveness of a cathodic protection system is primarily evaluated by monitoring voltage levels. This is because cathodic protection works by applying a negative electrical potential to metal structures, such as pipelines or storage tanks, to prevent corrosion. By regularly measuring the voltage at various points in the system, technicians can determine if the protective potential is adequate and consistent across the structure.

Voltage measurements indicate how well the cathodic protection is performing. For instance, if the voltage readings fall below a certain threshold, it may suggest that the system is failing to protect the structure effectively, leading to possible corrosion issues.

Other factors like magnetism, temperature, and pressure do not directly assess the cathodic protection's capability to safeguard against corrosion. While those parameters might be relevant in certain contexts, they are not indicative of the protective potentials necessary for evaluating the performance of cathodic protection systems. Hence, focusing on voltage provides the most relevant and actionable insights regarding the integrity and longevity of the protected structures.