Cathodic Protection for Above Ground Storage Tank Bottom Using Data Acquisition

Abstract

Impressed current cathodic protection controlled by computer gives the ideal solution to the changes in environmental factors and long term coating degradation. The protection potential distribution achieved and the current demand on the anode can be regulated to protection criteria, to achieve the effective protection for the system.

In this paper, cathodic protection problem of above ground steel storage tank was investigated by an impressed current of cathodic protection with controlled potential of electrical system to manage the variation in soil resistivity. Corrosion controller has been implemented for above ground tank in LabView where tank's bottom potential to soil was manipulated to the desired set point (protection criterion 850 mV). National Instruments Data Acquisition (NI-DAQ) and PC controllers for tank corrosion control system provides quick response to achieve steady state condition for any kind of disturbances.