Technical note: Improved cathodic protection under above ground tank with coating containing solid electrolyte

Abstract

A new technique for controlling the external corrosion of above ground storage tank bottoms has been developed, based on the combined application of a special coating system and impressed current cathodic protection. It is characterised by a specially formulated paint which contains the solid electrolyte sodium β” (β)-alumina as an ionically conducting component. Because of the close proximity of the cathodically protected surface to the coating anode, the approach has significant advantages over conventional cathodic protection systems. The feasibility of the proposed technique has been verified both by laboratory tests and in practical applications.