Storage tanks are designed to safely hold large volumes of liquid, but not all of the product inside is of the same quality. Over time, heavier materials and water can settle at the bottom, while the cleanest portion remains near the surface.
Drawing liquid from a fixed point in the tank can risk pulling in unwanted sediment or water, affecting product quality. Floating suction units provide a simple, reliable solution by adjusting the draw-off as liquid levels change, helping ensure that the product remains clean and consistent.
Product Quality Inside Storage Tanks Is Not Always Uniform
Even in well-maintained storage tanks, liquid quality can vary from top to bottom. Over time, heavier materials or water settle at the base of the tank, while the surface layer remains cleaner and more consistent.
This variation can lead to problems during transfers if the suction point is fixed in one location. Operators may unknowingly pull lower-quality product, which can affect downstream processes, product specifications, or end-use performance.
The limitations of Fixed Suction Points
Fixed suction points are simple, but they have a significant drawback: they cannot adjust to changing liquid levels. As the tank empties, the fixed suction point may approach the layer of water, sludge, or other settled material. This can result in:
- Contamination of the transferred product
- Increased filtration or reprocessing requirements
- Reduced overall product quality
Floating suction units address this problem by moving with the liquid surface, maintaining a draw-off point in the cleanest part of the tank.
How Floating Suction Units Work to Maintain Product Quality
Floating suction units are designed to “float” on the surface of the liquid. As the level rises or falls, the unit adjusts its position automatically, ensuring the suction point stays at the optimal height.
By following the cleanest layer, floating suction units:
- Minimise water and sediment pick-up
- Maintain consistent product quality
- Reduce the risk of contamination downstream
This simple, dynamic adjustment is what makes floating suction units so effective in large or active storage tanks.
Single Arm vs Double Arm Floating Suction Units
Both single and double arm designs perform the same basic function: keeping the suction point in the clean layer of liquid. The difference lies in:
- Single Arm: Ideal for tanks where the height is less than the diameter.
- Double Arm: Ideal for tanks where the height exceeds the diameter.
Either way, the main goal remains the same, ensuring product quality by drawing from the cleanest available liquid.
Conclusion
Floating suction units are a simple yet highly effective solution for maintaining product quality in storage tanks. By keeping the suction point in the cleanest part of the liquid, they help prevent contamination, reduce product loss, and support consistent downstream operations.
Whether using a single arm or double arm design, the goal remains the same, ensuring that the product drawn from your tanks is as clean and reliable as possible. For operators and companies around the world, floating suction units provide a practical way to protect product quality and improve overall storage tank performance.
