waterworks

SOUTHERN CATHODIC PROTECTION COMPANY
is pleased to provide
Cathodic Protection for Water Towers & Water Facilities 

Cathodic Protection for Water Storage Tanks
Cathodic protection is a standard, cost-effective, accepted method to prevent corrosion of the submerged surface inside steel water storage tanks. Cathodic protection systems for water storage tanks are almost always impressed current systems. Technical and economic reasons dictate that galvanic anodes almost never be used to protect a water storage tank.

Design Considerations
Design of a cathodic protection system for a steel water storage tank is normally controlled by the following four considerations. 

• Current Requirements for Protection
• Water Resistivity
• Geometry of Structure
• Anode Service Life

If anode design provides a uniform distribution of current, then the current requirement for protection of a water storage tank is calculated by multiplying total surface area by a predetermined current density. Although many factors can influence current density, the required current density can usually be determined by examination of a water analysis. The operating current is never pre-calculated, but is determined from tank-to-water potential measurements.

Circuit resistance of the cathodic protection system consists almost entirely of the anode-to-tank resistance and this resistance is dependent on the length and size of anodes and water resistivity. In higher resistivity waters, anode configuration is governed by current distribution, and higher voltage rectifiers are used.

Geometry of the structure controls the anode configuration for proper current distribution. For smaller tanks one ring of anodes will usually provide proper current distribution to side and bottom of the tank. For larger tanks, additional inner rings of anodes may be required to provide uniform current distribution to the bottom. A separate anode with separate controls is normally used to protect the riser pipe in an elevated tank.

Sound engineering practice dictates that each cathodic protection system be inspected annually. For this reason anodes are frequently designed for only one year of operation.  

Installation
A cathodic protection system for a water storage tank can be installed with relative ease. It is not necessary to drain the tank, nor is any surface preparation required, although it is recommended that the underwater surfaces be painted on new tanks.

The radius of the ring of anodes is approximately half the radius of the rank and the distance from the bottom of an anode to the bottom of the tank is approximately half the radius of the anode ring. After the installation is complete the rectifier is energized and adjusted to obtain the required current. The required current is determined by taking tank-to-water potential measurements at points of minimum potential.

Economics
It is true that the cost of installing a cathodic protection system is frequently less than the cost of painting. However, this is not justification for not painting. Cathodic protection is a part of the total corrosion control program, which includes periodic painting. The fact that cathodic protection of a painted surface can be achieved with a much lower current is an important economic consideration. True economic justification is obtained when the cost of a corrosion control program which consists of a cathodic protection system and a painting program is compared with the cost of repair over a given period of time assuming no corrosion control program.

Operation and Maintenance
Cathodic protection systems in water tanks are very reliable and require very little maintenance. It is recommended that the rectifier meters be read on a monthly basis and that the system be given a complete inspection each year. The annual inspection should include potential measurements to determine the effectiveness of the system. If the anodes are designed for one year of operation, they should be replaced during the annual inspection. 

Waterworks facilities
Corrosion control programs provide water departments with lower maintenance costs, longer equipment life, water conservation and fewer service interruptions. The very nature of waterworks facilities makes corrosion control an economic necessity. Typically the combined use of coatings and cathodic protection has proven ideal for controlling corrosion on:

• Water storage tanks
• Water & wastewater treatment equipment
• Sewage lift stations
• Transmission & distribution pipelines