PROBLEM

Soil-side corrosion of aboveground storage tanks is a chronic problem in the industry. It is a principal cause of storage tank failure and imposes a major environmental and operational challenge worldwide.

Different foundation construction methods and corrosion protection systems have been implemented over the last several decades, in attempts to mitigate and control soil-side corrosion. Such as the use of asphalt pad, bituminous sand, cathodic protection (CP) and coating.

However, total effectiveness of these techniques, as standalone or combined, have been questionable in providing the required protection, especially against pitting corrosion.

The inevitable presence of air gaps between the bottom plates and at the tank pad, due to hydrostatic stresses and filling and emptying cycle, and at weld overlaps shields the Cathodic Protection current in these areas.

Corrosion of the underside of the tank bottom plates leads to metal loss and ultimately perforations in the tank floor. The results of such failures are substantial on multiple fronts:

  • Unscheduled interruptions
  • Loss of products
  • Costly repairs and safety concerns

SOLUTION

CorroLogic® System for Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST)

In the last 20 years, the use of Corrologic® Vapor-phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI®) has grown significantly. With more than 600 tanks currently protected by Corrologic® systems, confidence is growing in this important technology.

CorroLogic® Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI) are Amine Carboxylate based. They provide protection by a combination of volatilization from the VCI source, and adsorption onto surfaces where the rate of soil-side corrosion of the bottom plate is thereby inhibited

The volatile nature of the inhibitor allows it to mitigate corrosion in hard-to-reach areas and supplement the Cathodic Protection (CP) for increased overall corrosion protection.

VpCI’s are effective alone, or in combination with CP. It is important to recognize that VpCI® chemistry is well proven for over 40 years and been utilized by many major corporations around the world for a wide variety of applications. The system can be applied to New Tanks, Out-of-service Tanks, and In-service Tanks.

BENEFIT

Tank owners and operators are adopting CorroLogic® AST Solution to protect tank bottoms and extend the service life of the tank. CorroLogic® AST Solution provide several advantages such as:

  • Reduce the pitting corrosion and metal loss thickness rate
  • Extend tank inspection interval and the service life of bottom plates
  • Monitor and analyze the corrosivity of the environment under the tank to ensure the inhibitor is controlling the corrosion rate and keeping it low
  • Compatible with Cathodic Protection

Storage Tank Corrosion Protection

Corrosion is a chronic problem in the aboveground storage tanks. It’s detrimental to the environment as well as it is extremely risky due to major losses in the form of products as well as monetary. Corrosion if left unattended can prove to be catastrophic in some cases.

Aboveground tanks are made of metals and are extremely big in size. They rest on top of the ground, designed to store different types of liquid or gas substances.

Soil-side corrosion on storage tanks is very prevalent due to it being in continuous contact with the soil and other elements. Corrosion takes place gradually and can ultimately lead to perforations.

Regular check-ups and the right products can increase the Storage tank service life. Cortec® technology helps in the prevention of spills, overfills, and corrosion on these tanks by providing a complete solution. Our microbial technology becomes a barrier between the elements and the metals, giving it continuous protection against corrosion.

Cortec’s storage tank corrosion protection solutions are chosen and trusted by thousands of companies in the oil and gas industry globally.

Either it is the protection for storage tank bottoms which is in continuous contact with the soil hence, more prone to corrosion or its protection of Storage tank internal walls which is in contact with the stored elements at all times, Cortec® has products for all. With internal walls protection, it also saves the stored element from getting destroyed or reacting to the metals.

Above ground storage tanks repair is also possible with our VpCI® Technology. Our trained personnel and regularly updated documents guide our clients to the effective preservation of the tanks.

Cortec® Middle East provides services in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait.