The typical above ground field erected tank is used to store fluids like liquid fertilizer, petroleum products and a variety of chemical products and solutions — and many of these materials contain volatile organic compounds, which gradually eat away at the inside of these tanks over time and eventually result in leaks and spills.

When these above ground storage tanks are subject to federal, state and local mandates set up to protect against pollution and contamination, you can’t afford to let your tanks become corroded. Corrosion control has a number of benefits, ranging from the environmental to reducing the costs of tank inspections and maintenance.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent corrosion from taking place within your above ground storage tanks. Here’s a list of three of our favorite techniques for preserving the lifespan of your steel storage tanks:

Internal flexible PVC tank liners

PVC, a synthetic plastic polymer, is a great way to add extra reinforcement to your above ground storage tanks. By lining the inside of your tanks with a PVC lining, you can help prevent the onset of corrosion within each tank while benefiting from the cost-effectiveness of this method.

Cathodic protection

Cathodic protection is another way to protect the internal surface of an above ground storage tank against its contents’ corrosive properties. This technique essentially converts the metal surface into the cathode of an electrochemical cell — the tank will be connected to a piece of more easily-corroded metal that acts as an anode, or sacrificial metal.

Double-walled tank structure

Another option to consider? Constructing double-walled tank structures. These structures offer extra protection against leaks and spills, and last longer against corrosion than both internal flexible PVC tank liners and cathodic protection; however, double-walled tanks tend to be more expensive.

Have any other questions for us about the benefits of storage tank coating or how to determine the appropriate coating for your tank? Ask us whatever’s on your mind by leaving a comment below.