Which process can create interference in cathodic protection systems?

Stray current is a significant source of interference in cathodic protection systems. It refers to the electric current that travels through the earth or other conductive mediums outside the intended electrical circuit. This current can originate from various sources, including nearby electrical systems, transit systems, or even grounding systems. When stray current interacts with the cathodic protection system, it can disrupt the protective potential that is intended to shield structures, such as pipelines or tanks, from corrosion. This interference can lead to insufficient protection and increased corrosion rates in certain areas due to the complex interactions of current distribution.

In contrast, while overheating, pitting corrosion, and electrolysis are related to corrosion processes and may impact the effectiveness of corrosion protection measures, they do not directly create interference in the operation of cathodic protection systems in the same way that stray current does. Overheating pertains to thermal issues within equipment, pitting corrosion is a localized form of corrosion, and electrolysis can refer to chemical processes that may be affected by electrical currents but do not act as pervasive interference like stray current.