Which system is essential to ensure tanks and piping are electrically isolated from metal structures?

The system that is essential for ensuring that tanks and piping are electrically isolated from metal structures is galvanic cathodic protection. This system works by utilizing sacrificial anodes, which are more easily corroded than the metal structures being protected. When connected, these anodes corrode preferentially, creating a protective electrical current that mitigates corrosion in the metal tanks and piping.

By electrically isolating the tanks and piping, galvanic cathodic protection effectively prevents the corrosion that can occur through interference with surrounding metallic structures or the environment. This method is particularly relevant in underground storage tank applications, where moisture and soil conditions can accelerate corrosion processes.

While impressed current systems are also used for corrosion protection, they rely on an external power source to create the protective current, which cannot provide electrical isolation in the same way that galvanic cathodic protection does. Leak detection probes monitor for leaks but do not address electrical isolation. Factory-applied coatings serve to physically protect the surfaces from corrosive environments but do not inherently provide electrical isolation.