Since 1989, US Tank Protectors, Inc. has been immersed in the storage tank cathodic protection industry, offering solutions that combine specialized engineering and in-depth technical expertise. Its founder and president, Lou Koszewski, has more than four decades of experience in this field and has been at the forefront of the most influential technical committees, such as NACE SP0193-2016 and the API 651.
During a recent interview, Koszewski explained how his company has transformed the way the industry approaches the problem of corrosion in metal tanks. The main focus is to protect infrastructure without affecting equipment operation, even in complex cases such as double-bottom tanks.
Prolonged protection without environmental impact
The cathodic protection consists of applying electric current on the tank steel to stop the corrosion process, particularly on the side that is in contact with the ground. This method replaces the need for chemicals and has no environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for companies seeking to align their operations with sustainability standards. According to Koszewski, in new installations, the system is designed to last up to 50 years. In other applications, such as perimeter systems, the useful life ranges from 10 to 20 years.
We simply apply current through the soil, so there are no chemical injections or anything else. It’s an electrical charge that we apply to the steel to stop the corrosion of the tank.
Lou Koszewski.
A key solution for business continuity
The highlight of the interview was the mention of a patented system that makes it possible to protect double-bottom tanks without shutting them down or taking them out of service. This technology represents a crucial breakthrough for operators who cannot afford interruptions, such as the energy, petrochemical or logistics sectors.
The installation of this system is performed during routine maintenance periods, with the support of specialized contractors. In most cases, the process takes no more than a few days, optimizing resources and avoiding operational delays.
Technical background and direct contact
In addition to its innovation, US Tank Protectors is distinguished by a solid track record and a highly trained team in design, installation, testing and audits of cathodic protection systems. They have designed thousands of overhead tank solutions across the country, establishing themselves as a technical benchmark in the industry.
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Source: Inspenet.