Apparatus and system for automated pipeline testing

A system for measuring values associated with cathodic protection of a structure, the system comprising:

• a plurality of test units communicatively coupled with each other, each test unit comprising:
• at least one voltmeter configured to obtain measurements of voltage between a first input and a reference cell, wherein the first input is at least one of the structure, a unprotected coupon buried next to the structure, and a protected coupon buried next to the structure;
• a wireless transmitter configured to send and receive signals wirelessly with at least one of other test units, a Web server, or a host computer;
• and
• a processor communicatively coupled with the voltmeter and the wireless transmitter, and configured to receive measurements from the voltmeter, store at least some measurements received from the voltmeter, and send at least some measurements received from the voltmeter to the wireless transmitter to be communicated to the Web server or host computer,
• wherein at least some of the test units are communicatively coupled in a daisy-chain or mesh radio network configuration.

A method of monitoring cathodic protection of a buried pipeline at a particular point on the pipeline, the method comprising:

• automatically sending a signal from a processor of a remote test unit to a switch electrically connecting the pipeline with a protected coupon buried close to the pipeline, wherein the signal is configured for instructing the switch to open, interrupting current flow between the pipeline and the protected coupon;
• storing, with the processor, a measurement of voltage between the protected coupon and a reference cell taken a pre-determined interval of time after instructing the switch to open;
• and
• transmitting the measurement of the voltage between the protected coupon and the reference cell to a Web server or host computer configured to present the measurement of the voltage between the protected coupon and the reference cell to a user via a Web browser.