When a tank is temporarily closed, the cathodic protection system:

When a tank is temporarily closed, the cathodic protection system:

• A. Must be turned off
• B. Must remain in operation
• C. Should be removed
• D. Operator can have it on or off

Answer: (B)

Cathodic protection is kept active to continuously suppress the electrochemical corrosion of buried metal. When a tank is temporarily closed, there are still buried surfaces in contact with soil, and turning off the CP system removes that protection, allowing corrosion to resume and potentially accelerate. Keeping the protection on maintains the protective current and the metal’s negative potential, helping prevent leaks or structural damage during the period of closure. While maintenance or testing may require adjustments, the prudent practice is to keep the CP system operating.

Cathodic protection is kept active to continuously suppress the electrochemical corrosion of buried metal. When a tank is temporarily closed, there are still buried surfaces in contact with soil, and turning off the CP system removes that protection, allowing corrosion to resume and potentially accelerate. Keeping the protection on maintains the protective current and the metal’s negative potential, helping prevent leaks or structural damage during the period of closure. While maintenance or testing may require adjustments, the prudent practice is to keep the CP system operating.