The PHMSA stated objective is to develop methods and standards to qualify (VCIs), establish performance metrics, and develop monitoring best practices for their use in breakout tank corrosion control. This project is focused on establishing methods and standards for qualifying VCIs as an alternative to CP systems, identifying performance and monitoring metrics, and establishing best practices for VCIs in breakout tank service. As per PHMSA, the project scope must:

1. Perform a literature review of relevant research from private or public research efforts,
2. Consider methods of VCI application under primary tank bottoms, between bottoms in tanks with multiple bottoms, and under original tank bottoms,
3. Establish a method to evaluate the performance of VCIs compared to a functioning CP system and qualify their effectiveness for use in breakout tank applications,
4. Establish best practices for VCI application and monitoring in breakout tank application, and
5. Deliver reported results in 24 months.