The galvanic cathodic protection system of an underground storage tank includes the placement of sacrificial anodes onto the tank during its manufacturing, along with wiring for an inspection station located near the surface. These systems function for a limited duration, during which the sacrificial anodes deteriorate while providing protection to the tank or piping. As the sacrificial anodes near the conclusion of their effective lifespan, their effectiveness diminishes, and they begin to corrode.
Controlled Current Corrosion Mitigation
The impressed current cathodic protection system generally provides electrodes with a considerably prolonged lifespan in comparison to a galvanic anode. These configurations include a rectifier that converts the alternating current power source into a direct current, precisely calibrated to provide the required protection. Since the power supplied to the electrode is not generated by its degradation, the power output to the electrode can be adjusted if needed, as long as the electrodes continue to function.
Ensuring Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System Effectiveness
It’s advisable to schedule regular inspections by a third-party inspector to verify that your cathodic protection system adequately protects your UST system.
This inspection should occur:
- At least once every year following the previous test.
- Within 60 days after any repairs to your UST system.
Maintain records of at least the last two tests.
Inspect your rectifier regularly and document the readings every 60 days to ensure it operates within normal parameters.
Maintain records of the facility’s operating life.
Never deactivate your rectifier!
What Cathodic Protection Does
Cathodic protection is an electrical technique utilized to counteract corrosion, safeguarding underground tanks and pipelines by harnessing the inherent energy present in all metallic substances. In simple terms, metallic materials known as anodes are buried near the tank and pipelines. These anodes are interconnected by a wire and possess a significant amount of natural energy. This natural energy facilitates the flow of electricity through the soil, wire, and buried metal. Over time, the buried anodes completely dissolve into the soil, thereby preventing corrosion of the steel tank or pipelines. Cathodic protection systems are divided into two types: impressed current and sacrificial anode. Impressed current systems necessitate an external power source, while sacrificial anode systems do not.
3 Top Tips for Cathodic Protection System Longevity
- Are You Conducting Regular Inspections?
Regular testing and inspection are advisable to verify the effectiveness of your system. Implementing a monitoring and logging system can further aid in corrosion prevention.
Scheduled inspections and maintenance help ensure compliance with current Federal regulations. These regulations stipulate that your system undergo testing by a qualified cathodic protection tester within six months of installation and every three years thereafter.
However, delaying testing for three years poses a significant risk of substantial damage to steel tanks and lines if the cathodic protection system has not been functioning properly.
- Is Your Cathodic Protection System Providing Adequate Corrosion Protection?
In impressed current protection systems, a rectifier control box is typically located near the tank monitor. The box contains a voltmeter as a standard feature, while an ammeter with a red/green indicator light is optional. It’s important to note that these meters and indicator lights only indicate the presence of power, not its sufficiency. If the indicator light on the system is red, corrosion protection is deactivated. In such cases, immediate contact with a cathodic protection specialist is necessary.
- Are there Exposed Wires in the System?
Inspect the area around the tanks for any broken or disconnected wires, particularly those likely associated with the cathodic protection system. A damaged wire could lead to malfunctioning of a section of the system, indicating inadequate corrosion protection. If you identify such wires, consult your cathodic protection professional to confirm if they are part of the cathodic protection system. If these wires are indeed part of the system, repairs will be necessary to ensure they are not exposed.
Always remember that any excavation in the tank field area can potentially disable the cathodic protection system. If you have any concerns, it’s advisable to contact your cathodic protection specialist for guidance.
Does Your Underground Tank need a Cathodic Protection Inspection?
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