GTEC 2014 Fall Compliance Conference

CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMSCATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMSUnderground Fuel Tanks & PipingUnderground Fuel Tanks & PipingOwner Monitoring & Maintenance Owner Monitoring & Maintenance

RequirementsRequirements

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• STiP3 Tanks

• Steel Product Lines With Galvanic Anodes

• Steel Flex Connectors/Swing Joints

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• Monitoring Requirements• PEI – Annual Testing• Federal EPA – Every 3 Year Test• Georgia EPD – Every 3 Year Test

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• An evaluation of the cathodic protection system must be conducted by a certified tester every 3 years.

• The tester must be certified by NACE, GTEC or other recognized trade organization.

• The owner is responsible for making sure the tester is properly certified.

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• Field tests must include: • Verification of tank and piping materials• Local and remote potential measurements• Diagram of fueling system

• Test results must be presented on the Georgia EPD form

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• Test results show the tanks and/or piping do not meet criteria, why?• Poor coating• Electrically grounded• Tie down straps• Type of backfill• Poor construction practices

GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTIONGALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION

• My reports says my tanks are not in compliance, what do I do?• 60 days to repair from date of test• Tester to conduct trouble shooting and/or

current requirement tests• Clear ground contact• Add galvanic anodes or impressed current

Tank

Lifting Lug

Native Soil

Galvanic Anode

Fill

Pavement

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• Monitoring Requirements• Rectifier Monitoring

• PEI – Monthly• Federal EPA – 60 Days• Georgia EPD – 60 Days

MONTHLY RECTIFIER MONITORINGMONTHLY RECTIFIER MONITORING

Amps

Volts

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• Monthly Rectifier Monitoring• Record volts and amps on form• Compare output readings to target levels• Take action if readings do not fall within

target

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• Monthly Rectifier Monitoring• No volts or amps

• Check breakers and fuse

• Volts but no amps• Damaged cables

• Fuse blows every time• Lightning damage to diode

• 60 days to repair

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• 3 Year Surveys• Must use certified tester• Tester must do a complete test with remote

and local potentials• Results must be issued on Georgia EPD

form

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• 3 Year Survey – Failing Results• Tester did not complete test• Rectifier needs to be adjusted• Cable has been cut• Anodes depleted• Cable connection to tank is loose• Improper original design

IMPRESSED CURRENTIMPRESSED CURRENT

• 3 Year Test Failure• Repairs must be made in 60 days• Owner needs to be sure repairs are

actually required• Owner needs to be involved in repairs, to

be sure workmanship is of good quality• Expert must sign off on repairs

OWNERS RESPONSIBLITYOWNERS RESPONSIBLITY

• Owners must be aware of cathodic protection system monitoring and maintenance requirements

• Owners must be aware of the survey results, and take appropriate actions

• Owners must be involved in providing quality control on repairs