Abstract
Investigations have been carried out to establish the causes of leakages occurring in long-term gas oil storage tanks. Samples of oil, water, etc. taken from the bottom of the emptied tanks and from blisters and pits found in the tank-bottoms have been examined and shown to contain sulphate-reducing bacteria. All of the evidence obtained points towards corrosion being due to the action of these bacteria rather than to any other corrosive effect.
Recommendations for the cleaning and repair of tanks are given.
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References
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