The operation of transformer rectifiers (electrical units that place a voltage onto the pipeline to counteract the electrolytic corrosion reaction) is critical to cathodic protection. The voltage must be applied consistently and at the correct level:
- Too low – and the pipeline will be insufficiently protected
- Too high – and the pipeline may become brittle
Pipeline operators are recommended to check the correct functioning of their rectifiers at monthly intervals.
Manually collecting, monitoring and analysing rectifier measurements is labour-intensive, carries high health and safety risks and is costly. And (very importantly) they can only be reactive – problems can lie undetected for long periods, during which the pipeline is insufficiently protected. By contrast, Abriox Rectifier and Solar Station Monitors provide an immediate status of the rectifier.
Rectifier measurements are taken automatically by a Transformer Rectifier Monitor installed at the rectifier. This checks that the electrical supply is still present, monitors the voltage and current output and (optionally) can take ON and OFF potential measurements at the rectifier drain point.
Abriox Rectifier and Solar Station Monitors also offer the facility to synchronize remotely with other rectifiers on a pipeline for CIPS (Close Interval Potential Surveys) or DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) surveys. Excel models can additionally control a solid state relay to provide a signal for tracing the pipeline route.
Transformer Rectifier and Solar Station Monitors
SUNBIRD Transformer Rectifier Monitor
Electrical Supply
Rectifier Output Voltage and Current
On/Off Potential or Rectifier Second Current*
Remote Synchronization for Surveys*
30 Day Backup Battery Life
5G IoT
Hourly Check of Rectifier Outputs
Immediate Alerts for High/Low Thresholds
Weekly Reports for Min, Max and Average on All Channels
Surge Protection on All External Inputs and Outputs
Pipeline Locate*
*Available on selected models
Note: Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
MERLIN6 Transformer Rectifier Monitor
Electrical Supply
Rectifier Output Voltage and Current
On/Off Potential or Rectifier Second Current*
Remote Synchronization for Surveys*
2 Year Backup Battery Life
4G/3G Networks
Hourly Check of Rectifier Outputs
Immediate Alerts for High/Low Thresholds
Weekly Reports for Min, Max and Average on All Channels
Surge Protection on All External Inputs and Outputs
Pipeline Locate*
*Available on selected models
Note: Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
MERLIN XT6 Transformer Rectifier Monitor
Electrical Supply
Rectifier Output Voltage and Current
On/Off Potential
Remote Synchronization for Surveys
2 Year Backup Battery Life
Iridium Satellite (Meshed Constellation)
Hourly Check of Rectifier Outputs
Immediate Alerts for High/Low Thresholds
Weekly Reports for Min, Max and Average on All Channels
Surge Protection on All External Inputs and Outputs
Pipeline Locate
Note: Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.