Metal storage tanks often encounter corrosion-related incidents. Along with the development of tank integrity management, their corrosion protection has drawn more attention. Impressed current cathodic protection is deemed the most effective for ensuring tank safety. This study uses COMSOL's finite-element method to create a cathodic protection model for a storage tank's external bottom plate, analysing the influence of heterogeneous factors on its potential distribution. Results show that the best protection occurs when the auxiliary anode is in high-resistance soil and the bottom plate in low-resistance soil. The cathodic protection potential of the bottom plate shifts positively with anode operation time, related to anode wear. Tank diameter and spacing affect protection, with the best outcome when spacing equals diameter. The research benefits the theory and engineering application.
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