API RP 651, Cathodic Protection of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tanks, is a recommended practice developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) covering procedures and practices for achieving effective corrosion control on aboveground storage tank bottoms through the use of cathodic protection. This RP was originally published in 1997, and the most recent 4th Edition was released in September of 2014.

API RP 651 contains provisions for the application of cathodic protection to existing and new aboveground storage tanks. Corrosion control methods based on chemical control of the environment or the use of protective coatings are not covered in detail. When cathodic protection is used for aboveground storage tank applications, this RP can provide information and guidance specific to aboveground metallic storage tanks in hydrocarbon service. Certain practices discussed may also be applicable to tanks in other services.

API RP 651 should serve only as a guide to persons interested in cathodic protection. Specific cathodic protection designs are not provided. Such designs should be developed by a person thoroughly familiar with cathodic protection practices for aboveground petroleum storage tanks. This RP does not designate specific practices for every situation because the varied conditions in which tank bottoms are installed preclude standardization of cathodic protection practices.

Related Topics

• API 560 - Fired Heaters for General Refinery Service
• API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 - Fitness-For-Service (FFS)
• API 594 - Check Valves: Flanged, Lug, Wafer, and Butt-Welding
• API 620 - Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
• API 650 - Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
• API 660 - Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers
• API 661 - Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
• API RP 1160 - Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
• API RP 1173 - Pipeline Safety Management Systems
• API RP 1176 - Assessment and Management of Cracking in Pipelines
• API RP 1188 - Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Facilities Integrity Management
• API RP 538 - Industrial Fired Boilers for General Refinery and Petrochemical Service
• API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry
• API RP 572 - Inspection of Pressure Vessels
• API RP 573 - Inspection of Fired Boilers and Heaters
• API RP 574 - Inspection Practices for Piping System Components
• API RP 575 - Inspection Practices for Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks
• API RP 576 - Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices
• API RP 577 - Welding Processes, Inspection, and Metallurgy
• API RP 578 - Material Verification for New and Existing Alloy Piping
• API RP 580 - Risk Based Inspection (RBI)
• API RP 581 - Risk Based Inspection Technology
• API RP 583 - Corrosion Under Insulation and Fireproofing
• API RP 584 - Integrity Operating Windows
• API RP 585 - Pressure Equipment Integrity Incident Investigation
• API RP 75 - Safety and Environmental Management System for Offshore Operations
• API RP 751 - Safe Operation of Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Units
• API RP 754 - Process Safety Performance Indicators for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries
• API RP 934 - Materials and Fabrication of Heavy Wall Pressure Vessels for High-Pressure Hydrogen Ser
• API RP 939-C - Guidelines for Avoiding Sulfidation (Sulfidic) Corrosion Failures in Oil Refineries
• API RP 941 - Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures
• API RP 970 - Corrosion Control Documents
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Relevant Links

• API Standards Homepage
• Purchase Document

Topic Tools

Share this Topic

Contribute to Definition

We welcome updates to this Integripedia definition from the Inspectioneering community. Click the link below to submit any recommended changes for Inspectioneering's team of editors to review.

Contribute to Definition