Best way to mothball a mild steel diesel tank?

[Deleted member 36384]

I use Cortec Products when cold stacking drilling rigs. In particular we use Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI), which are poured into mild steel tanks where access would be expensive. Typically, we just pour the product into the tank, seal up any orifices and let the the product do it's job by evaporating and coating the surfaces, it can be blown in as a vapour as well. For smaller things the product is supplied in pad format where the pad is placed into the container you want protected.

You probably need this, based on tank volume,

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rust-corrosion-inhibitors/2904308/

VCI EmittersCorrosion control emitters, which give off a vapour that adheres to metal surfaces and protects against corrosion. Protective layer is only molecular thickness but will protect a wide range of metals.
Non-toxic and safe to handle and apply
Molecular VCI layer does not interfere with electrical, optical or mechanical surface properties
Protects equipment during storage and operation.
Nitrate, silicone and phosphate free
No spraying, wiping or dipping
Compact, small emitter device with self adhesive back and self stick date label
Active and protects for up to two years
Effective even in regularly opened enclosures
Easy to use; remove from packing, stick inside enclosure box, close box for immediate protection
Protects electrical panels, electronic enclosures, switch gear, instruments, fuse boxes, computers and telecommuncation devices, etc.

Also this stuff but USA: https://www.theruststore.com/Cortec-EcoAir-VpCI-377-Corrosion-Preventative-P149C70.aspx

If you contacted Cortec UK I am sure they would tell you where you could buy their products.

 

[yodave]

BlowingOldBoots; thanks for the additional information.

I've given this some thought, and I've reviewed all of the potential solutions. It seems to me that the options for mothballing all have some downsides. Some bigger downsides than others. VCI seems like the best solution for mothballing.

The tanks themselves are a bit rusty at the bottom, but having had a hammer in there (as well as having them inspected in person by someone in the know), they are in a reasonably solid, serviceable condition. All things being equal, I'm beginning to think that keeping them both operational might be the way ahead for me. I don't want to lose the ability to use the second tank, and keeping diesel in there seems to be a pretty sensible way of preventing rust, as long as I minimise the chances of water getting in.

While some might say that's a cop-out, I did mention on my very first post that I'm 'considering' mothballing the tank. Having taken the advice and thoughts of forum members into consideration, and applying those to my particular circumstances, I think that it makes most sense to avoid mothballing.

Thanks once again for the advice and input on this. It was really useful despite the outcome ...and it may be useful to others googling in the future.