monolithic insulating joints or insulating kits? 1

[racp12]

I am involved in a natural gas 36”OD, API 5L (grade not yet defined) pipeline project in Venezuela.
Regarding Cathodic protection for valve stations, a colleague told me that use of monolithic insulating joints is obsolete; therefore insulating kits (gasket, sleeves and washers) must be used.
My main experience is on process plants, not on cross country pipelines, and I have no previous knowledge of monolithic insulating joints. So, I decided searching through Google in internet, and I found very good and updated information on MIJ.
My question is:
Besides lower initial cost, what other advantages have insulating kits to be preferred for this application?

 

[MTPipeliner]

I've only installed one, but one advange for us was that we could bury it without trying to coat a flange. It also can't shift and start to leak like a flange possibly could.

I've been pleased with the one I was involved with, but that's not really much of a test.

 

[gr2vessels]

The insulating kits are designed for small currents insulation. The MIJ's are designed for insulation against large and small currents, able to take lightning strikes (unlike the insulating kits). I don't know what was the basis for your coleague to dismiss the MIJ's, but I believe that's incorrect and the insulating kits are not acceptable alternative for the cross country underground gas piping insulated with MIJ's. Except perhaps for 20 m long run of 1" fuel gas line buried in the regulator yard, where the insulating kit is an extravagant expenditure.
cheers,
gr2vessels