Construction features and environmental factors influencing corrosion on a self-contained fluid-filled submarine cable circuit in Long Island Sound

A 345 kV self-contained fluid-filled cable circuit was installed in an environment where corrosion of the armor may occur. To better understand the conditions that may result in corrosion, stray currents in the cable end zones and in the middle (submarine) of the circuit were measured, and cable samples were analyzed to determine the electrochemical activity of the cable's outer layers. The results of the project revealed that electrolytic corrosion would affect the semiconductive polyethylene if sufficient stray current density (greater than 0.15 A/m/sup 2/) was induced by stray currents which were present in Long Island Sound where the cables are installed. Measurements revealed stray current densities in excess of this level towards one end of the cable route. Various other considerations for corrosion are also discussed.