Anti-Corrosion Strategies for Enhancing Petrochemical Storage Tank Integrity

Storage tanks serve as critical components in the storage and refinement of petrochemical products, playing an indispensable role in the overall process. However, the extended usage of these tanks exposes them to corrosion risks, originating from the petrochemical products and atmospheric substances. This corrosion poses a potential threat of oil leakage and, in severe cases, may lead to significant safety incidents, causing substantial losses for enterprises and adverse environmental impacts. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance the anti-corrosion capabilities, both internally and externally, of oil storage tanks.
 
Drawing upon extensive practical experience in production and construction over the years, we delve into a comprehensive analysis and discussion of anti-corrosion strategies for petrochemical storage equipment.


 
1. Causes of Internal Corrosion of Petrochemical Storage Tanks
 
Gas Corrosion: Areas not directly in contact with petrochemical products, such as tank tops and walls, may suffer from acid gases like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, gases introduced during the filling process, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can contribute to corrosion.
 
Liquid Corrosion: Parts in direct contact with petrochemical products, particularly the tank bottom, are susceptible to corrosion from chemicals. Gravity-induced settling of moisture and impurities not only triggers chemical corrosion but also induces electrochemical corrosion.
 
2. Anti-corrosion Technologies for Internal Corrosion
 
Optimal Use of Anti-corrosion Coatings: Employing coating protection stands out as the most economical and convenient method to safeguard the tank's interior. Coatings with superior water resistance, chemical resistance, adhesion, and resilience to bending and impact, such as epoxy coatings, should be selected.
 
Integration of Corrosion Inhibitors: The addition of corrosion inhibitors effectively delays the onset of corrosion. Applying these inhibitors to the surface of the anti-corrosion coating further fortifies the protection of the oil storage tank.
 
Enhanced Steel Thickness: In areas prone to corrosion, strategic increases in steel thickness in vulnerable parts contribute to extending the tank's service life. Regular inspections are indispensable for identifying and promptly addressing issues, ensuring operational efficiency.
 
3. Causes of The External Corrosion
 
External corrosion, primarily stemming from atmospheric factors, is closely linked to the tank's location. Coastal regions, with heightened air humidity, face greater corrosion risks. It is advisable to conduct regular inspections, particularly in high-corrosion zones.
 
4. Advanced Anti-corrosion Technologies for Tank Outer Walls
 
Diversified Anti-corrosion Coatings: Applying distinct anti-corrosion coatings on the tank top, walls, and bottom represents a common and effective approach. Coating selection should align with the tank's position, and coatings must harmonize with the environmental conditions. Utilizing a primer with outstanding rust resistance, a middle layer with robust shielding performance, and a finishing coat with repeated coating capabilities maximizes the positive impact of anti-corrosion coatings.
 
Specialized Finishing Coats for Tank Bottom: To safeguard the tank bottom, utilizing asphalt or epoxy coal tar paint as a finishing coat proves effective in preventing direct contact with soil, thereby extending the tank's service life. Regular inspections, especially in high-corrosion areas, are recommended, with at least one systematic inspection per year.

5. Coating package scheme for petrochemical storage tanks