Corrosion can compromise the integrity of storage tanks, leading to leaks, environmental contamination, and expensive repairs. To mitigate the risks associated with corrosion, it is essential to implement effective corrosion control strategies.
In this blog post, we will explore key strategies for controlling corrosion in storage tanks and ensuring their long-term performance and reliability.
Controlling Storage Tank Corrosion
Without a doubt, corrosion is the principal enemy of a storage tank. All liquid products — even water — are corrosive. Dry bulk chemicals are often abrasive to the tank walls, requiring a strong coating to resist scratches and abrasions, which expose the steel to corrosion. Unprotected steel can begin to corrode in a matter of hours.
That is why there are various ways to control and even prevent corrosion from affecting your storage tanks. The most known way is protective coatings and tank linings for your storage tanks. Let us explore the strategies for controlling corrosion in your storage tanks.
1. Protective Coatings and Linings
Applying high-quality protective coatings and linings to storage tanks is a fundamental strategy for corrosion control. These coatings act as barriers, preventing corrosive substances from coming into direct contact with the tank’s metal surface.
Coatings should be selected based on the stored product and the tank’s operating conditions. Make sure that the coatings and linings are compatible with the stored product and capable of withstanding the storage tank’s operating conditions.
2. Cathodic Protection
Cathodic Protection is an effective measure that helps mitigate corrosion in storage tanks that are buried underground. Cathodic protection is implemented in two ways: by attaching a sacrificial anode and by electricity.
By attaching a fast-corroding metal to the storage tank and being the sacrificial anode, by way of natural science, the fast-corroding metal will divert corrosion to itself away from the storage tank. Through electricity, impressed current systems use an external power source to generate a protective electrical current to prevent corrosion from happening.
3. Proper Ventilation, Humidity Control, and Tank Placement
Controlling the tank’s environment is essential in minimizing corrosion. Adequate ventilation helps dissipate moisture and prevents the accumulation of corrosive substances. Proper humidity control is crucial to reduce the risk of corrosion. Implementing ventilation systems and dehumidifiers can help maintain optimal conditions within the tank, minimizing the potential for corrosion.
Storage tank placement also plays a role in corrosion control, as the environment where a storage tank is placed determines whether corrosion can be easily controlled or not. Having your storage tanks near the sea or under trees will potentially corrode the external part of your storage tanks.
4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections are a must, as it plays a critical role in corrosion control. Visual inspections should be conducted to identify any signs of corrosion, coating or lining damage, or leaks. It is important to monitor the tank’s performance, including pressure levels, leakage rates, and product quality.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, removal of sediment or debris, and prompt repairs, is essential to prevent corrosion and maintain the integrity of the tank.
5. Proper Material Selection
Choosing corrosion-resistant materials for storage tanks is an effective preventive measure. Most storage tanks are made using metal, mostly stainless steel. However, all storage tanks will degrade over time, and for metal storage tanks, it will most likely corrode as time passes by. Stainless steel tanks have an expected service life of over three decades when well maintained and applied with the proper coatings and linings.
Corrosion Monitoring
Corrosion monitoring is the tracking of the gradual destruction of materials over time. Without proper monitoring, storage tanks can slowly wear down due to corrosion, causing leaks or failures and contributing to poor performance and reliability.
Implementing corrosion monitoring systems provides valuable data on the corrosion rate and helps identify potential issues in storage tanks. Regularly monitoring and analyzing the collected data allows for timely intervention and maintenance, preventing corrosion-related problems.
Control Corrosion Today!
Implementing effective corrosion control strategies is crucial for maintaining the performance and reliability of storage tanks. Protective coatings and linings, cathodic protection, proper ventilation, regular inspections and maintenance, proper material selection, and corrosion monitoring are key components of a comprehensive corrosion control program.
By investing in these strategies, you can mitigate the risks associated with corrosion, extend the lifespan of your storage tanks, and minimize costly repairs and environmental hazards.
Effectively Control Corrosion with Storage Tank Inspections!
Controlling corrosion in storage tanks is never easy. But with Storage Tank Inspections, it might just be. As our name suggests, we specialize in tank inspections for potable storage tanks and other storage tanks. Call us today and let us know how we can help you!
