Corrosion Engineering Services

Stray Current Corrosion Investigations

A stray-current corrosion investigation looks for outside electrical current entering and leaving a metallic structure and causing concentrated metal loss where the current exits.

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Service overview

What this service involves

Stray-current corrosion can produce severe, localized metal loss where current leaves a structure. Because the source may be remote and operating conditions may change with time, the investigation must connect damage morphology with electrical measurements, continuity, nearby systems, operating cycles, and site history.

Calicore can document conditions, review test stations and isolation, coordinate time-based measurements, and develop an evidence-based next step. Mitigation or CP system design is referred to the appropriately qualified specialist when required.

Step by step

How the process works

The exact scope is matched to the project, but a typical assignment follows these steps.

01
Map the affected system
We review the damage pattern, buried utility layout, electrical connections, test stations, and possible outside current sources.
02
Check continuity and isolation
Available bonds, isolation points, and electrical continuity are documented before selecting the measurement program.
03
Collect time-based evidence
Measurements are coordinated with location, time, and possible source operation because a single reading may miss an intermittent condition.
04
Compare the patterns
The electrical record is compared with the damage and other credible corrosion mechanisms before findings are issued.

Review criteria

What the investigation record needs to establish

Stray-current findings depend on where and when measurements were made and whether the suspected pattern can be repeated.

Instrument, reference, test location, and connection details
Time-correlated operating conditions and repeat readings where needed
Continuity, isolation, and nearby-system information
Alternative corrosion mechanisms and limits of the available data

What you receive

Typical project deliverables

Site and nearby-source reconnaissance
Continuity, potential, or interference test plan
Time-correlated field data
Findings and specialist-design recommendations

Common project needs

When this service is useful

Buried pipelines and utility crossings
Facilities near DC systems or transit
Unexpected localized external wall loss
Suspected shorts between metallic systems

Frequently asked