Corrosion rate measurement for steel sheets of a fuel tank shell being in service

Abstract

Some corrosion progress trends specific for cylindrical steel shells of typical above-ground fuel tanks are first identified experimentally and then quantitatively compared with one another. The inference is based on many random thickness measurements related to the selected corrosively weakened coating sheets and carried out at various moments of the tanks in question service time. It is shown in detail that in this type of structures, due to the manner of their use and, particularly, the material stored inside, the corrosion process is in general significantly accelerated over time. For this reason, a nonlinear formal model describing the simulated corrosion development anticipated for the future fuel tank service time seems to be the best choice in forecasting its remaining time to failure.

Remaining service time prediction for corroded shell of a steel tank used for liquid petroleum fuels storage

“…This was so, because with the passage of time a layer of corrosion products developed on the steel surface, and this layer seemed to protect the steel to a significant degree against destructive action. On the other hand, the research conducted by the Authors on fuel tanks located in the south of Poland yielded a different result [15]. The corrosion progress in the sheathing plates, at the beginning relatively slow and fairly even due to the layers of protective coating applied on the inside surfaces of the tank, after extended service time usually exhibited significant increase in speed.…”

“…Only a segment of the whole tank shell is presented. At left the nominal thickness of each tested ring is indicated (based on [15]).…”