Study on the Influence Law and Prediction of Anode Ground Bed Design Parameters on Cathodic Protection Potential in Buried Pipeline Areas

ABSTRACT Corrosion of underground metal structures in oil and gas stations requires effective cathodic protection, with anode ground bed design being crucial. This study determined average soil resistivity and cathodic polarization curves based on field data. A numerical model of the buried pipeline network was established using COMSOL Multiphysics, and the distribution of protection potential was analyzed under different anode ground bed design parameters. Using the national CSE standard for protection potential, a decision tree model was also created. Results show a negative correlation between protection potential and the number of auxiliary anodes, anode ground bed groups, and anode size. The most negative protection potential occurs at burial depths of approximately 2.5–3.5 m. The number of anode ground bed groups and the size of auxiliary anodes have a greater impact on protection, while burial depth does not require specific setup conditions.