Grid layout
Ribbon conductors and cross-connections can form a distributed network across the tank footprint.
Tank Bottom ICCP · Under-Tank MMO Anodes
MMO Anode Systems for Tank Bottom Cathodic Protection
A tank-bottom ICCP layout must deliver current across the external steel bottom within the actual foundation or interstitial space. HELE can supply ribbon, mesh-ribbon, wire or linear anodes to the approved grid, ring or zone drawing.
Tank diameter alone does not determine anode length, spacing, output or life. Foundation layers, liner, coating condition and monitoring access must be included.
Tank typeNew, replacement or double bottom
FoundationSand, liner and resistivity
LayoutGrid, mesh or concentric rings
InterfacesCrossovers, leads and monitoring
Application Basis
How Tank Bottom ICCP Protection Works
An under-tank ICCP system distributes protective current across the external surface of the steel bottom. MMO ribbon, mesh-ribbon, wire or linear anodes are installed in the foundation or interstitial space according to the approved geometry, while reference electrodes and monitoring points support commissioning and long-term control.
The layout must account for foundation resistivity, sand pad, liner or membrane, tank-bottom coating, replacement-bottom geometry, electrical continuity and construction sequence. HELE supplies the agreed anode components and assemblies; the tank CP designer confirms zoning, current demand and monitoring strategy.
Selection Factors
Grid Anodes vs Concentric Ring Linear Anodes
Select the distribution pattern from tank geometry, foundation construction, installation timing and current-distribution model.
Mesh-ribbon layout
Expanded or mesh-ribbon elements can provide a low-profile distributed arrangement with specified connection details.
Concentric rings
Linear or wire anodes can be routed in rings to suit a circular tank and project-defined zoning.
Double-bottom retrofit
The interstitial geometry, spacer arrangement, penetrations and monitoring access control constructability.
Anode Options
MMO Anode Forms for Under-Tank Layouts
The preferred form must be tied to the installation drawing, crossing or splice design, cable routing and foundation method.
MMO Ribbon Anode
Best considered when: a low-profile grid or ring element is specified for controlled routing beneath the tank.
Confirm: ribbon width/thickness, coating/loading, crossing connections, leaders and termination.
MMO Mesh Ribbon
Best considered when: a distributed mesh element suits the approved foundation or interstitial layout.
Confirm: mesh geometry, connection tabs, layout panels, joints and placement method.
MMO Wire Anode
Best considered when: a flexible anode route is needed for rings, perimeter runs or localized zones.
Confirm: wire diameter, active length, insulation transitions, joints and termination.
MMO Linear Anode
Best considered when: a cable-type anode assembly is designed for concentric or distributed installation.
Confirm: attenuation, active length, cable construction, seals, joints and reel handling.
Configuration Logic
New Tank, Replacement Bottom and Double-Bottom Layouts
A new-build layout can be coordinated with the foundation before the bottom plate is installed. A replacement or double-bottom project may constrain anode height, routing, penetrations and test access. The issue-for-construction package should show each anode run, junction, reference electrode, monitoring lead and protected work sequence.
Design Control
Tank diameter alone is not enough to determine layout or quantity. Foundation layers, liner, coating condition, current distribution and monitoring locations must also be reviewed.
Engineering Matrix
Tank Bottom Anode System Inputs
Use these inputs to define the quotation and the approved anode supply schedule. The CP designer confirms the final design values.
| Decision | Why it matters | Evidence to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Tank geometry | Defines the protected footprint and distribution pattern. | Tank diameter, bottom arrangement, annular plates and layout drawing. |
| Foundation | Controls electrolyte path and installation method. | Sand pad, concrete, membrane/liner, resistivity and layer thicknesses. |
| Project type | New, replacement and double-bottom tanks have different access. | Construction sequence, available clearance and penetration details. |
| Current demand | Drives zones, anode length and power inputs. | CP calculation, coating basis, design current and design life. |
| Monitoring | Supports commissioning and long-term control. | Reference electrode type/location, test leads and data collection plan. |
| Connections | Field joints and continuity affect the distributed network. | Connection detail, welding method, cable schedule and inspection plan. |
Project review
Match the Anode Layout to the Tank Construction Sequence
The approved tank-bottom drawing should connect the anode pattern with the foundation build, cable routes and future monitoring points.
New tank
Coordinate anode runs, reference electrodes and cable exits before the bottom plates and foundation layers close access.
Replacement bottom
Check available height, penetrations, existing layers and the construction sequence before selecting a grid or ring geometry.
Electrical layout
State current by zone, ribbon or linear run length, crossover method, feeding and isolation at the approved locations.
Inspection access
Identify continuity checks, as-built records, reference electrodes and test points that remain accessible after installation.
Project Inputs
Before Requesting a Quote
- Tank diameter, bottom arrangement and construction drawings
- New-build, replacement-bottom or double-bottom project type
- Foundation, sand pad, membrane/liner and resistivity data
- Bottom coating condition, design current and target design life
- Required grid, ring or mesh layout and zoning philosophy
- Cable, connections, reference electrodes, documents and schedule
Installation & QA
Interfaces That Must Be Controlled
- Verify anode routes, crossings, spacing and reference locations against drawings
- Protect ribbon, mesh, wire, joints and lead cables during foundation work
- Inspect field welding or connection method and electrical continuity
- Record pre-cover checks, photos, coordinates and test results
- Prevent damage during sand placement, compaction and bottom construction
Supply Boundary
Supply Scope and Project Responsibilities
Define responsibilities in the purchase specification. HELE can configure and manufacture agreed anode components or assemblies; complete system engineering is not automatically included.
HELE supply can include
- MMO ribbon, mesh-ribbon, wire or linear anode elements
- Factory leads, terminations and specified connection hardware
- Project-specific layout panels or assemblies where agreed
- Drawings, inspection records, packing and traceability documents
Confirm separately in the contract
- Final tank CP design, current calculation and anode spacing
- Foundation design, civil work and field installation
- Rectifier, reference electrodes and monitoring unless specified
- Commissioning and acceptance testing unless contracted
Inside HELE
Inside Our Manufacturing & Quality System
HELE can verify supplied ribbon, mesh-ribbon, wire or linear elements against the agreed width, length, active zone, coating basis, factory leads and connection schedule. Prefabricated grids or sections need separate dimensional and continuity acceptance criteria.
Material and geometry
Confirm the supplied titanium form, dimensions, active zone and order identification.
Coating and assembly
Control the specified coating basis, connection, cable, seal, backfill or mounting features included in the order.
Electrical checks
Record continuity, connection or insulation results when the inspection plan defines method and acceptance limits.
Release package
Match drawings, inspection records, labels and packing documentation to the approved supply schedule.
Field installation, CP calculations, commissioning and performance acceptance follow the agreed project responsibility matrix.
FAQ
Tank Bottom ICCP Anode Questions
Which MMO anode layout is best for a tank bottom?
The choice between grid, mesh-ribbon and concentric linear arrangements depends on tank geometry, foundation, liner, project type, current-distribution model, construction sequence and monitoring plan.
Can a tank-bottom anode system be installed during a retrofit?
Yes, but replacement-bottom and double-bottom projects have different clearances, routing and construction interfaces. The issued design must match the actual interstitial arrangement.
How is under-tank anode spacing determined?
Spacing is established by the responsible CP designer using the tank dimensions, foundation and liner configuration, coating condition, current demand and current-distribution requirements.
What should be checked before the tank bottom covers the anodes?
Verify routes, spacing, connections, continuity, lead identification, reference electrodes, cable protection and as-built records, then document the approved pre-cover inspection.
Does HELE supply reference electrodes and the rectifier?
They can be reviewed as separate project scope. The standard page scope is the MMO anode component or assembly, and any added monitoring or power equipment must be listed in the RFQ.
What data should be sent for a tank-bottom anode quotation?
Send the tank and foundation drawings, project type, CP design current, design life, proposed layout, anode specification, cable and connection details, monitoring requirements, quantity, destination and schedule.
Inquiry
Request an ICCP Anode Supply Review
Share the tank arrangement, foundation and current demand. A plan showing the bottom, liner and proposed anode runs will speed up the supply review.
- ✓ Tank diameter and bottom construction
- ✓ New, replacement or double-bottom project
- ✓ Foundation, liner and resistivity
- ✓ Design current and grid or ring drawing; connections, monitoring and evidence
Prefer email?
sales@heletitanium.comFactory & Engineering Center
Titanium Valley, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China