Why do storage tank bottoms need cathodic protection?

Tank bottoms can corrode from soil-side moisture, salts, foundation materials, coating damage, and differential aeration. Cathodic protection helps reduce corrosion risk by supplying protective current to exposed steel.

Can zinc ribbon be used under tank bottoms?

Zinc ribbon can be used in grid or loop layouts where project design, soil conditions, and applicable standards support sacrificial anode protection. Final selection should follow the tank CP design basis.

When is an MMO ribbon grid considered for a tank bottom?

A project-designed grid using MMO-coated titanium ribbon as the active anode is commonly considered during new tank-bottom or suitable double-bottom construction where access, foundation layers, current demand and the owner specification support an impressed-current system. Any titanium conductor bar is a separate grid component.

Representative system concept

Storage Tank Cathodic Protection Anodes

Materials and inquiry guidance for external cathodic protection of above-ground storage-tank bottoms. Associated piping, grounding/AC-mitigation and containment systems require separate design review.

Protecting Tank Bottoms and Foundation Areas

Aboveground storage tank bottoms are exposed to soil-side corrosion risks that may not be visible during operation. This page helps owners, EPCs and CP specialists compare project-defined impressed-current and sacrificial material options for new construction and suitable double-bottom retrofits.

MMO Titanium Ribbon Anode Grids

MMO-coated titanium ribbon is the active current-discharge anode in a distributed impressed-current grid beneath a new or accessible replacement tank bottom. Any uncoated titanium conductor bar is a separate, project-defined grid component.

View MMO titanium ribbon anode

Zinc Ribbon Grid Layouts

Zinc ribbon anodes can be considered in tank-bottom loop or grid layouts where the current demand, electrolyte and applicable design basis support galvanic protection.

View zinc ribbon anodes

Magnesium Anode Beds

Magnesium anodes may be used where project current demand, electrolyte conditions, and soil resistivity require a higher driving voltage.

View magnesium anodes

Typical Storage Tank Applications

Tank-bottom CP may be considered for oil, chemical, water and fuel storage tanks at terminals and industrial plants. Associated piping, grounding/AC-mitigation and containment-zone corrosion control are separate scopes and require their own drawings and design review.

Information Needed for Quotation

Provide tank diameter, foundation type, soil or sand resistivity, required design life, anode layout concept, project standard, installation method, destination, and required delivery schedule.

Planning a tank bottom CP project?

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