How can underground gas piping be protected from corrosion?

Underground gas piping is particularly susceptible to corrosion due to moisture, soil acidity, and electrochemical reactions. The correct method for protecting underground gas piping from corrosion involves using protective coatings or cathodic protection methods.

Protective coatings serve as a barrier between the pipe material and the soil, minimizing direct contact that could lead to corrosion. These coatings are specifically designed to withstand underground conditions.

Cathodic protection works by using an electrochemical method to prevent the corrosion of the metal surface. This can be achieved through either sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems, which effectively redirect the corrosion process away from the gas piping.

While galvanized materials can provide some level of corrosion resistance, they are not effective as a long-term solution, especially in harsh underground environments. Embedding the piping in concrete may provide some physical protection but does not inherently prevent corrosion. A drainage system addresses moisture issues, but it does not directly protect the piping from corrosion on its own. Therefore, using protective coatings or cathodic protection methods is the most effective strategy for safeguarding underground gas piping from corrosion.