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Simulation of polarization on internal of tanks- Cathodic Protection

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cleber313

Electrical
Feb 20, 2009
1
Hi,
`
I`m working on a small research related to internal cathodic protection of oil-water separator tanks(on-shore) operating under higher temperatures(~80 C). Anybody has some hint on how to simulate(simplified but 3D, in matlab for example) polarization spreading when using impressed current protection?

Thanks in advance,
Cleber
 
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I don't know how to simulate it, but I'm really interested in your research. I've had a bunch of "experts" (I guess that means they're from out of town) claim that there is no way that impressed current can possibly have any impact on internal corrosion. Conceptually, I disagree with them, but data is sorely lacking on either side.

Where are you doing your research and will it be published?

David
 
The experts probably came from a different planet but that's another story. Impressed current is a little unwieldy because: a) it will require a dedicated vessel entry point; b) there is a lot of metalwork, deflector plates, mist mats etc etc, hanging around inside complicating space; c) it will require monitoring which is no easy matter in operation; and d) there is scope to blow off the internal coating with poor control. Generally, the industry will go with a good coating and sacrificial anodes simply changing them out at vessel inspections - it's by far the simplest way to go and it does work.

For researching 'polarisation spreading', I can only recommend producing a simulated vessel bottom with a simulated oil water mixture and simply mapping the potential with a reference electrode probe.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer
 
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