March 27, 2025 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Airports consume vast quantities of jet fuel daily, necessitating large-scale storage solutions in the form of aboveground storage tanks. These tanks must comply with strict safety and environmental regulations, including measures to prevent corrosion on tank floors. While cathodic protection has traditionally been the primary method for corrosion inhibition, CorroLogic® Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors have emerged as a reliable industry standard over the past two decades, offering an advanced approach to protecting airport storage tanks.
The Importance of Corrosion Protection for Airport ASTs
Ensuring corrosion protection for storage tank bottoms is essential for both operational and environmental safety. Corrosion gradually weakens the metal floor, increasing the risk of hazardous leaks if left unaddressed. Preventative measures that reduce corrosion and minimise the need for repairs can significantly cut costs and operational downtime.
Cathodic protection is commonly used to combat corrosion by delivering an electrical current through the tank pad, counteracting the natural electrochemical reactions that lead to metal deterioration. However, due to the uneven nature of tank floors and potential air pockets that form as tanks are filled and refilled, some areas may not maintain continuous contact with the treated sand pad, leaving them vulnerable to localised corrosion.
The Advantages of CorroLogic®
Unlike CP, CorroLogic® operates through vapour-phase action. Once the corrosion inhibitors are introduced beneath the tank floor, they diffuse throughout void spaces, forming a protective molecular layer on all exposed metal surfaces. This ensures comprehensive protection, whether used independently or alongside CP. Research indicates that combining these methods may enhance overall corrosion protection.
A key benefit of CorroLogic® is its adaptability. Unlike CP, which requires a continuous power source, CorroLogic® functions without electricity and can be applied at various stages of a tank’s lifecycle—during construction or even while in service. This eliminates the need to drain large volumes of fuel, reducing downtime and associated costs. The effectiveness of CorroLogic® has been demonstrated in two decades of field trials, leading to its inclusion in industry standards such as API Technical Report 655 and AMPP SP21474-2023.
A Practical and Cost-Effective Corrosion Solution
As the aviation industry seeks practical and economical solutions for AST corrosion protection, CorroLogic® presents a viable alternative. Its vapour-phase mechanism addresses gaps in other protective strategies while remaining effective even if CP power is interrupted. With a proven track record in the field, CorroLogic® offers a smart, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution for airport AST corrosion management.
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