“Tanks” is the generic term used to describe any above ground, buried or mounded liquid container. Generally, these containers are built for long term use and regular routine maintenance may not be economically feasible or practically possible.
When tanks are constructed from steel, careful consideration should be given to the surfaces of the container which will be in contact with the soil, as it is these facets which will be exposed to potentially significant corrosion, which may not be easily identified or timeously rectified.
Whether optimal corrosion protection of these surfaces will be achieved by the use of coatings and/or cathodic protection can only be determined after detailed evaluation of the site and operational conditions as well as a risk analysis of possible failure. Caution should be taken to ensure that any coatings utilised are compatible with cathodic protection if this is being implemented.
Often in tank farms, the use of localised cathodic protection is recommended to ensure that the protective current is indeed primarily protecting the desired asset rather than surrounding steel structures.
With numerous tank projects completed, Isinyithi is well-placed to assist with all of your tank farm corrosion queries.
Optimal corrosion protection system
The internal surfaces of a tank may also need to be protected from corrosion. Once again, careful lining selection is crucial to ensure compatibility with the anticipated start up parameters, operating conditions and the chemical environment. Cathodic protection (CP) or, in specific situations, anodic protection (AP) may also be indicated. Comprehensive detailed design of the CP or AP system will be required to ensure that the submerged surfaces of the tank are adequately protected at all times.
In order to ensure that ICP is able to provide a customised solution which will provide the optimal corrosion protection system to meet the client’s requirements, the following information will be required:
- tank size (height and diameter)
- material of construction
- location
- coating system(s)
- lifetime
- product (if internal protection is required)
- and any other useful information