Practical Strategies to Develop Fit-for-Purpose AC Mitigation Using Iterative Assessment

Abstract AC interference modeling for pipelines often relies on conservative assumptions due to limited access to detailed powerline data. This can result in mitigation recommendations that are economically unfeasible and technically impractical to implement. This paper presents a practical, data-driven approach to optimizing AC mitigation strategies across three complex pipeline projects. Each case involved limited powerline information and initially produced excessive mitigation requirements. Through iterative model refinement, enhanced data analysis, and targeted field investigations, the mitigation designs were aligned with actual site conditions. This approach improved constructability and delivered significant cost savings — totaling millions of dollars. The paper offers a framework for operators to critically assess and adapt AC mitigation recommendations, minimizing the gap between theoretical modeling and real-world implementation.