BS EN 16299 is a European standard that discusses the Cathodic protection of external surfaces of above-ground storage tankbases in contact with soil or foundations. Cathodic protection is one of the most effective methods for preventing corrosion on a metal surface.
BS EN 16299 defines the conditions necessary for an effective application of the cathodic protection method to mitigate corrosive attacks on the external surfaces of above-ground storage steel tank bottoms in contact with soil, cushion or foundations.
BS EN 16299 specifies the requirements for the design, implementation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of such a cathodic protection system. BS EN 16299 applies both for new and existing tanks.
BS EN 16299 on cathodic protection applies to:
Cathodic protection is often used to mitigate corrosion damage to active metal surfaces. It is used all over the globe to protect pipelines, water treatment plants, above and underwater storage tanks, ship and boat hulls, offshore production platforms, reinforcement bars in concrete structures and piers, and more.
For the existing tanks, corrosion risks of external surfaces of tank bottoms may be important and possibly cause leaks, depending on the nature of the soil, cushion, foundations, design of the tank, and other equipment electrically connected to it such as an earthing system. BS EN 16299 provides guidance depending on the design and environmental conditions of the tank as detailed in the present standard, cathodic protection is effective to mitigate corrosion when designed, implemented, operated and maintained.
BS EN 16299 provides cathodic protection which is aimed at supplying a direct current (d.c.) to the steel surface such that the steel-to electrolyte potential is lowered to values where corrosion becomes insignificant.
EN 16299:2013