Tips From

Frank the Tank

 

CORROSION PROTECTION

Tanks made from non-corrodible materials such as fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or other non-corrodible materials do not require operation and maintenance for corrosion protection.  However, tanks and piping made from metal that routinely contain regulated substances and are in direct contact with the ground need corrosion protection and the corrosion protection requires proper operation and maintenance. 

Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection Systems 

Sacrificial anodes are buried and attached to tank components for corrosion protection.  Anodes are pieces of metal that are more electrically active than steel, and thus they suffer the destructive effects of corrosion rather than the steel they are attached to. 

Operation and Maintenance of Sacrificial Anode Systems 

You need to have a periodic test conducted by a qualified corrosion tester to make sure your cathodic protection system is adequately protecting your UST system.  This test needs to be conducted: 

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Within 6 months of installation.

 

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At least every 3 years after the previous test.

 

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Within 6 months after any repairs to your UST system.

 

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Make sure that the professional tester is qualified to perform the test and follows a standard code of practice to determine that test criteria are adequate.

 

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§      If any test indicates that your tanks are not adequately protected, you need to have a corrosion expert examine and fix your system. 

§         Testing more frequently can catch problems before they become big problems.

 

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You need to keep the results of at least the last two tests on file.

 

 

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