Storage Tanks play a critical role in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and petrochemicals, where maintaining product integrity and minimising losses are essential. However, traditional storage methods come with challenges, including vapour emissions, safety risks, and regulatory compliance. To address these issues, specialised tank designs have been developed to enhance efficiency and environmental protection.
One such innovation is the Internal Floating Roof (IFR), which has become widely used across various industries. Offering significant benefits in terms of emissions control, safety, and cost-effectiveness, Internal Floating Roofs play a vital role in modern storage systems. In this blog, we’’ be exploring what they are how they work, and why they are an essential component of liquid storage technology.
What is an Internal Floating Roof (IFR) and what is there purpose?
An Internal Floating Roof (IFR) is a specialised Structure installed inside aboveground storage tanks to help control vapour emissions and improve safety. Unlike fixed roofs, an IFR sits directly on the surface of the stored liquid and moves up and down as the liquid level changes. This design significantly reduces the amount of vapour space above the liquid, limiting evaporation and minimising the risk of hazardous emissions.
The primary purpose of an IFR is to enhance environmental protection, safety, and operational efficiency. By reducing the exposure of volatile liquids to air, IFRs help prevent product loss, lower the risk of fire hazards, and ensure compliance with strict industry set regulations. They are commonly used in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical industry, where volatile organic compounds must be carefully managed.
The Type of Internal Floating Roofs EWFM have to offer, how they work and their benefits:
The Full Contact Internal Floating Roof controls the vapour located in storage tanks a completely different way, in which it features a deck that will sit directly on the liquid’s surface with no space underneath. This eliminates any vapour pockets which in turn reduces evaporation and emissions.
✅ How It Works:
- The entire surface of the stored liquid is covered, preventing air exposure.
- Unlike the pontoon type, there are no gaps where vapours can accumulate.
- When the liquid level in the tank gets very low, it is designed to rest safely on dedicated supports positioned at the bottom of the tank. These supports prevent the roof from sitting directly on the tank floor.
✅Key Benefits:
- Superior vapour control, making it ideal for volatile or hazardous liquids.
- Enhanced safety and efficiency by minimising fire risk.
- Meets the strictest environmental regulations for emissions control.
The Pontoon Internal Floating Roof is lightweight structure consisting of a central deck supported by multiple seal pontoons spread around it perimeter. The pontoons allow the roof to significant gap that is enough to separate it from the product surface.
✅ How It Works:
- The pontoons keep the deck afloat as the liquid level rises and falls.
- When the liquid level falls, it will lower onto legs which prevents damage to both the roof and the tank floor.
- A seal system around the roof’s edge helps reduce vapour emissions.
✅Key Benefits:
- Reduces vapour loss and improves environmental compliance.
- Simple design with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Compatible with a wide range of storage tanks and liquids.
Internal Floating Roofs, whether the Pontoon Variation or the Full Contact type, are essential for improving storage efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing safety in industries that deal with volatile liquids. By adapting to the rise and fall of the liquid level, these roofs help minimise environmental impact and ensure compliance with stringent regulations.
At EWFM, we offer tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring that their storage systems are both effective and reliable.
Contact information:
Tel : +44 (0) 1763 248650
Email : [email protected]
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