Spotting rust or damage on your metal equipment can be disheartening. It might seem like the only option is replacement. But what if you could have prevented that damage entirely?
By taking preventative measures to shield your metal surfaces from corrosion beforehand, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration.
One key way to prevent corrosion damage on active metal surfaces like tanks is to use cathodic protection. This essentially creates a protective shield around your metal, preventing rust and keeping your equipment functioning properly.
This article dives deeper into cathodic protection and how to effectively manage it, empowering you to safeguard your valuable metal equipment for the long term.
What is Cathodic Protection?
Cathodic protection is crucial for maintaining water tanks by shielding submerged or buried metal structures from rust and corrosion. This method is extensively used to protect various components such as tanks, piping systems, valves, pumps, and other submerged or buried metal elements.
However, despite its effectiveness in preventing corrosion, cathodic protection can incur substantial costs, especially for large-scale steel assets.
Types of Cathodic Protection
The two primary categories for cathodic protection services are ‘Galvanic’ and ‘Impressed Current Cathodic Protection’.
Galvanic
Galvanic protection, also known as galvanization, offers a popular method for safeguarding metals like steel from corrosion. It works by applying a protective layer, primarily composed of zinc, onto the metal surface. This zinc layer acts like a sacrificial shield, essentially corroding itself to protect the underlying steel.
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection
Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) offers a powerful and long-lasting solution for safeguarding metal structures from corrosion. Unlike galvanic protection where a sacrificial metal layer provides temporary protection, ICCP utilizes an external power source to actively fight corrosion.
Imagine a constantly charged shield protecting your metal. In ICCP, anodes made of metals like magnesium, aluminum, or zinc (similar to those in batteries) are strategically placed around the protected structure. These anodes are more likely to lose electrons (corrode) compared to the metal you want to protect.
An external power source is connected to the system, forcing electrons to flow from the anodes and onto the protected metal. This creates a reversal of the natural corrosion process, essentially turning the protected metal into a giant cathode (electron receiver) and preventing it from corroding.
Why is Cathodic Protection Important?
Cathodic protection is essential for water tanks to prevent corrosion and maintain their structural integrity. Water tanks, especially those used for storing potable water, are susceptible to corrosion due to continuous exposure to water and various environmental factors. Without proper protection, corrosion can weaken the tank’s structure, leading to leaks, water contamination, and potentially catastrophic failures.
Implementing cathodic protection effectively reduces the risk of corrosion on submerged or buried metal components within water tanks, including the tank itself, piping systems, valves, and other internal parts. This protective measure prolongs the tank’s lifespan, ensures the safety and quality of stored water, and minimizes the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
In summary, cathodic protection is crucial for water tanks to maintain functionality, durability, and reliability while prioritizing public health and environmental safety.
Prevents Corrosion
Industrial water tanks and pipelines are vital infrastructure, but they face a hidden danger: leakage currents. These currents, originating from sources like electrified railways, neighboring corrosion control systems, or welding equipment, can silently eat away at the metal underground.
Leakage currents trigger a process called electrolytic corrosion. This damages the metal, potentially causing cracks even before the infrastructure becomes operational. The situation is further complicated by the varying composition of soil, making it difficult to predict the exact impact on buried carbon steel pipes and tanks.
By applying a carefully designed cathodic protection system, you can significantly extend the lifespan and integrity of your underground water storage and transportation network.
Economical
Galvanizing, anodizing, and painting are essential techniques used to prevent corrosion across diverse industries. These methods prove highly advantageous for small, above-ground pipelines that require frequent maintenance due to their accessibility.
Yet, for high-pressure pipelines transporting oil and gas, additional measures are essential to effectively combat corrosion. Ensuring adequate plate thickness to withstand high pressures may not always be economically viable, potentially resulting in revenue loss, higher maintenance costs, and plant downtime. In such cases, combining coating with cathodic protection emerges as the most cost-effective solution to guarantee the integrity and durability of pipelines.
Offers Safety and Efficiency
Ensuring the safety and efficiency of pipelines, especially those buried underground or submerged in water, is critical. Corrosive soil conditions can pose a significant threat, but cathodic protection offers a reliable solution.
Imagine a protective shield safeguarding your pipelines from even the harshest environments. That’s the power of cathodic protection. This technique effectively combats corrosion, a natural process that can deteriorate metal pipes over time.
By utilizing cathodic protection, you can significantly enhance the overall corrosion resistance of your pipelines, ensuring their long-term functionality and safety.
In Conclusion
Cathodic protection systems are pivotal in safeguarding steel infrastructure, enhancing asset longevity and utility. Widely recognized for their effectiveness in preventing corrosion on metal surfaces, cathodic protection is extensively employed to safeguard diverse structures such as pipelines, tunnels, water treatment plants, offshore production platforms, underwater storage tanks, ship hulls, and more.
Looking for Tank Refurbishments? Contact NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks Today!
Upon requesting Water Tank Cleaning, we’ll conduct an on-site inspection to evaluate your tank’s condition. Our cleaning team at NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks will then create a personalized cleaning plan and address any necessary repairs.
Afterward, we’ll offer you a quote for the services requested and arrange a convenient time to begin the cleaning process at your location.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la
