Keywords
Citation
(2001), "BAC series of GCU current interrupters", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 48 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2001.12848fad.016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
BAC series of GCU current interrupters
BAC series of GCU current interrupters
Keywords: BAC Corrosion Control, Corrosion
According to BAC its GCU series of DC current interrupters is built to withstand a wide range of field conditions and is controlled using an easy to read LCD menu screen which also allows accurate, easy, versatile and economical synchronous switching of cathodic protection stations.
The GCU series of current interrupters is supplied in three ratings to cater for most types and capacity of DC power sources: GCU15/R4 Amp DC capacity – (Compatible with the GCU/R3 model), GCU25/R1 Amp DC capacity and GCU100/R1 Amp DC capacity. The solid state unit, using state of the art electronics, housed in a rugged IP65 sealed enclosure indicates the condition of the built-in NiMh battery.
The GCU interrupters are used to accurately switch "on" and "off" cathodic protection DC current sources in order that the true polarised pipe to soil potential, used as a criterion for cathodic protective levels, may be recorded on the pipeline. The instant "off" potential is said to be considered accurate as this eliminates an additional voltage drop when the system is switched on and the subsequent volt drop caused by cathodic protection current flow in the soil. Any number of GCU interrupters can be synchronised to predetermined "on/off" cycles between 0.1 seconds to 6,000 seconds. With 50 factory preset ranges and 50 user selectable ranges any variation of switching cycle can be chosen and saved for future use.
The units can be programmed to sleep and then reactivate during non-survey hours, such as night time. With a claimed accuracy of 20m seconds a day the units can operate for prolonged periods before any resynchronisation is necessary. With the display switched off, up to 150 hours of switching time is possible before batteries require re charging. The GCU Interrupters are designed to save time during maintenance and survey periods through reliability, easy operation and versatility.
Details available from: BAC Corrosion Control. Tel: +44 (0)1952 290321; Fax: +44 (0)1952 290325.