WHY IS CORROSION OF IN-SUMP EQUIPMENT AN ISSUE?
Corrosion of equipment in sumps causes deterioration and shortens its useful life span. As corrosion advances it has the potential to affect the integrity of piping and electrical systems, and the serviceability of submersible turbine pump (STP) equipment.
Corrosive conditions are caused when three common components are present:
- Ethanol Vapors
- Water
- Bacteria
Water provides an environment where bacteria can degrade the ethanol vapors to create acetic acid. Acetic acid is then the catalyst for the process of corrosion to begin.
WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO LIMITING CORROSION?
The corrosive process needs ethanol vapors, water and bacteria to create acetic acid. To reduce the likelihood of corrosion in a sump, eliminate the presence of any one of these components.
Limiting the amount of ethanol vapor in sump spaces is done by eliminating any possible vapor paths in sump equipment. While limiting the presence of water is more difficult, the goal for limiting corrosion should always be to maintain a dry sump.
First steps include:
- ENSURE FITTINGS are fuel tight.
- CHECK VENT TUBES AND FITTINGS where vapors may have a path through from tank head space.
- CHECK cord grips, manway caps, gaskets and electrical conduit for potential water ingress.
- ENSURE THAT RISER PIPES AND FITTINGS are installed appropriately.
LIMITING IN-SUMP CORROSION
To combat corrosion it’s important to understand the conditions in your sump. Corrosion is controlled if humidity levels below 60% are maintained. If humidity is greater than 60%, corrosion will not be controlled and will be accelerated with the presence of ethanol vapors.
Key Questions to Consider:
If you anticipate standing water:
In cases where water is present and the sump space is not tight, there is limited ability to control the conditions to reduce the likelihood of corrosion. For this purpose, the Red Jacket® Red Armor® STP includes a stainless steel riser, stainless hardware on the Packer Manifold, and a specialty protective coating to stand up to additional moisture in the sump. If using an existing The Red Jacket STP consider installing a stainless steel riser to protect against water getting into the tank from corrosion of the riser threads.
Learn more about Stainless Steel Riser Pipes
If you are using ultra-low sulfur diesel and are concerned about corrosion:
The use of ultra-low sulfur diesel creates an environment in the sump that is prone to causing equipment corrosion. The stainless steel construction of all exposed surfaces ensures the Red Jacket Red Armor STP will maintain its integrity and stand up to corrosion in the sump and in the tank. This includes stainless steel column piping and specialty coating on UMP surfaces for increased protection of materials in the storage tank.
Learn more about The Red Armor STPIf you are dispensing high-ethanol blends:
Operating with high-ethanol blends increases the amount of ethanol vapor in the sump space which can accelerate corrosion. The Red Jacket Red Armor STP stands up to the corrosive environment, while the Sump-Dri Desiccant System keeps the sump in better condition and ensures longer life of parts contained in the sump. The Sump-Dri Desiccant System is specially formulated to capture both moisture and ethanol vapors, removing them from the environment around your in-sump equipment.
Learn more about Sump-Dri
If you are operating E85 or B-20 – B100:
The Red Jacket Alcohol Gas (AG) Submersible Turbine Pump models are built with materials compatible with Ethanol and Biodiesel blended fuels, and have received UL79A & UL79B certifications for renewable biofuels.
Learn more about The Red Jacket Alcohol Gas STPIf you are operating in E10 – E15:
The Red Jacket STP is compatible with fuel blends that feature lower concentrations of ethanol. The use of any ethanol increases the likelihood of ethanol vapor in the sump space and the use of a Sump-Dri Desiccant System may be necessary to take the vapors and moisture out of the environment.
Learn more about Sump-Dri
If you are operating in Clear Gas (no ethanol) or 100% Diesel:
In sumps operating in Clear Gas or 100% Diesel and free from standing water, the likelihood of corrosion is lower and you should use The Red Jacket STP.
Learn more about The Red Jacket STPRelated Products
The Red Armor® Submersible Turbine Pump
The ultimate survivor in your fueling infrastructure, the Red Armor series of submersible turbine pumps is built to last in the harshest corrosive environments created by ULSD and ethanol blends.
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The Red Jacket® Alcohol Gas Submersible Turbine Pump
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The Red Jacket® Submersible Turbine Pump
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Red Jacket® Stainless Steel Riser Pipes
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The Red Jacket Sump-Dri Desiccant System uses a specifically formulated dessicant blend that protects equipment in the STP sump from corrosive conditions.
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The Red Jacket Trapper Intake Screen is the first line of defense against debris from microbial induced corrosion or other harmful particulate from entering the site fueling system.
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