A fully immersed floating roof support device

By evenly distributing submersible support structures and designing internal buoyancy cavities at the bottom of the floating roof, the problems of uneven internal floating roof support and insufficient initial buoyancy are solved, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the floating roof at low liquid levels and avoiding the risk of sinking.

CN224428629UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30LIANYUNGANG LEIXIN FLUID EQUIPMENT CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
LIANYUNGANG LEIXIN FLUID EQUIPMENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-09-09
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing internal floating roof has deficiencies in terms of support and buoyancy, resulting in uneven support and easy deformation of the floating roof at low liquid levels. The initial buoyancy is insufficient, affecting stability and safety, and posing a risk of sinking.

Method used

The floating roof support device is fully immersed in liquid. By evenly distributing the immersion support structure at the bottom of the floating roof, it automatically provides additional buoyancy by utilizing the fluid characteristics. The design includes surface support and internal buoyancy cavity to ensure stable support and enhanced buoyancy of the floating roof at low liquid levels.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents floating roof deformation, enhances stability and safety at low liquid levels, eliminates the risk of sinking, has a reliable structure, is easy to maintain, and requires no external force to drive it.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224428629U_ABST
    Figure CN224428629U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This utility model discloses a fully submerged floating roof support device, including a tank structure. The tank structure includes a tank body, and a floating roof is installed inside the tank. Several sets of evenly distributed support structures are arranged at the bottom of the floating roof. Each support structure includes a connecting seat and a submerged support structure. The connecting seat is fixedly connected to the bottom of the floating roof. The top of the submerged support structure is connected to the connecting seat, and its bottom is used to contact the bottom of the tank body. This utility model optimizes traditional point support into surface uniform support through the evenly distributed submerged support structure at the bottom of the floating roof, effectively preventing floating roof deformation. Its unique internal buoyancy cavity and high / low level difference guide hole design cleverly utilize the fluid's own characteristics to achieve rapid liquid inflow and slow outflow, automatically providing significant additional buoyancy to the floating roof. This device greatly enhances the stability and safety of the floating roof under low liquid level conditions, fundamentally eliminating the risk of sinking, and requires no external force to drive the entire process, making the structure reliable.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of floating roof support technology, specifically relating to a fully immersed floating roof support device. Background Technology

[0002] Internal floating roofs are key devices that float on the surface of the liquid in storage tanks to reduce media evaporation losses and improve safety. Fully submerged internal floating roofs are widely used because their edges and bottom are in contact with the liquid, resulting in a good seal. However, existing internal floating roof technologies still have some shortcomings in terms of support and buoyancy:

[0003] Uneven support issue: When the storage tank is emptied or the liquid level is extremely low, the floating roof descends onto the support columns at the bottom of the tank. Traditional support devices (such as outriggers) are usually point supports, which leads to uneven stress on the bottom plate of the floating roof, easily causing local deformation and affecting the flatness and sealing performance of the floating roof.

[0004] Initial buoyancy issue: In the initial stage of liquid filling the storage tank, when the liquid level rises slowly and just touches the bottom of the floating roof, the floating roof relies solely on the buoyancy of its own materials (mainly the buoyancy provided by the float or foam) to overcome its own weight. At this stage, the buoyancy margin is small. If the floating roof increases in weight due to long-term use or has additional loads, it may lead to excessive immersion depth or even sinking.

[0005] Stability and safety: The problems of point support and insufficient initial buoyancy directly affect the stability and safety of the floating roof during operation, and there are risks of friction with the tank wall, jamming or sinking.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of support device to solve the problem of uniformity of floating roof support at the bottom of the tank and to enhance its buoyancy at low liquid levels, so as to ensure its safety and stability throughout the entire operating cycle.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully submerged floating roof support device. This device can not only provide uniform and stable support for the floating roof at low liquid levels and prevent deformation of the bottom plate, but also automatically introduce liquid into the support structure when the liquid level rises, forming a closed liquid cavity to provide additional buoyancy for the floating roof, significantly enhancing its safety and reliability.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by a specific embodiment of this utility model is as follows:

[0010] A fully submerged floating roof support device includes a tank structure, the tank structure including a tank body, a floating roof installed inside the tank body, and several sets of evenly distributed support mechanisms at the bottom of the floating roof; the support mechanism includes a connecting seat and a submerged support structure; the connecting seat is fixedly connected to the bottom of the floating roof; the top of the submerged support structure is connected to the connecting seat, and its bottom is used to contact the bottom of the tank body; the submerged support structure has a hollow interior forming a buoyancy cavity, and its side wall is provided with a liquid delivery component that allows liquid to flow into and out of the buoyancy cavity.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the shape of the immersion support structure is cylindrical, square, or trapezoidal.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the immersion support structure is made of a corrosion-resistant lightweight material with a density less than that of the storage medium.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the connection seat and the immersion support structure are detachably connected.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the immersion support structure is integrally formed with a threaded rod, and a threaded cylinder is provided inside the connecting seat, with the threaded rod threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, after the threaded rod is installed in the corresponding position inside the threaded cylinder, a thread-locking agent is applied to the gap between the threaded rod and the threaded cylinder, and a sealing gasket is installed between the immersion support structure and the connecting seat.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the immersion support structure is provided with a support base plate, the area of ​​which is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the immersion support structure body.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the supporting base plate is supported by a soft, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the infusion assembly includes a plurality of main inlet holes and a plurality of flow-limiting outlet holes opened on the side wall of the immersion support structure. The plurality of main inlet holes are opened at the bottom position near the side wall of the immersion support structure, and the plurality of flow-limiting outlet holes are opened at the upper middle position of the side wall of the immersion support structure.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the aperture of the plurality of main liquid inlets is larger than the aperture of the plurality of flow-limiting liquid outlets, and the aperture of the plurality of main liquid inlets is formed as a tapered structure that gradually narrows from the outer sidewall to the inner sidewall of the immersion support structure.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, this invention optimizes traditional point support into surface-type uniform support through a uniformly distributed submersible support structure at the bottom of the floating roof, effectively preventing deformation of the floating roof. Its unique internal buoyancy chamber and high / low elevation difference guide hole design cleverly utilize the fluid's own characteristics, achieving rapid liquid inflow and slow outflow, automatically providing significant additional buoyancy to the floating roof. This device greatly enhances the stability and safety of the floating roof under low liquid level conditions, fundamentally eliminating the risk of sinking, and requires no external force throughout the process, making it reliable and easy to maintain. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-section of a fully immersed floating roof support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fully immersed floating roof support device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-section of a fully immersed floating roof support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the support mechanism in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 3 A schematic diagram at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 6 This utility model Figure 5 A schematic diagram at point B in the middle.

[0028] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0029] 1-Tank body structure, 11-Tank body, 12-Floating roof, 2-Support mechanism, 21-Connecting seat, 22-Immersion support structure, 23-Buoyancy chamber, 24-Main inlet hole, 25-Limited outlet hole, 26-Threaded rod, 27-Threaded cylinder, 28-Sealing gasket, 29-Support base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a fully immersed floating roof support device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a tank mechanism 1, which includes a tank 11. A floating roof 12 is installed inside the tank 11. Several sets of evenly distributed support mechanisms 2 are provided at the bottom of the floating roof 12. The support mechanism 2 includes a connecting seat 21 and an immersion support structure 22. The connecting seat 21 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the floating roof 12. The top of the immersion support structure 22 is connected to the connecting seat 21, and its bottom is used to contact the bottom of the tank 11. The immersion support structure 22 has a hollow interior forming a buoyancy cavity 23, and its side wall is provided with a liquid delivery component that allows liquid to flow into and out of the buoyancy cavity 23.

[0032] When the fully submerged floating roof support device is in use, the support state is as follows: When the tank 11 is emptied, the liquid level drops, and the floating roof 12 descends accordingly. The bottoms of all support mechanisms 2 simultaneously and smoothly contact the bottom of the tank 11, lifting the floating roof 12 as a whole and maintaining its horizontal state. In the enhanced buoyancy state: When liquid is injected into the tank 11, the liquid level gradually rises, and the liquid rapidly flows through the infusion assembly into the buoyancy chamber 23 of each submerged support structure 22 until it is completely filled. At this time, each submerged support structure 22 generates buoyancy equal to its external volume. These additional buoyancy forces, together with the buoyancy of the floating roof 12 itself, provide the floating roof 12 with buoyancy far exceeding its own weight and load, ensuring its smooth and safe floating and operation.

[0033] Preferably, the shape of the immersion support structure 22 is cylindrical, square column or trapezoidal.

[0034] Preferably, the immersion support structure 22 is made of a corrosion-resistant lightweight material with a density lower than that of the storage medium, so that the immersion support structure 22 is not corroded by the storage liquid while having good buoyancy.

[0035] Preferably, the connection between the connecting seat 21 and the immersion support structure 22 is detachable, which makes it easy to maintain and replace the damaged immersion support structure 22 when the tank 11 is under maintenance.

[0036] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the submersible support structure 22 is integrally formed with a threaded rod 26, and a threaded cylinder 27 is provided inside the connecting seat 21. The threaded rod 26 is threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder 27. The threaded rod 26 and the threaded cylinder 27 not only connect the connecting seat 21 and the submersible support structure 22 through their cooperation, but also allow for the adjustment of the height of the submersible support structure 22 within the pitch range, which is used to calibrate the levelness of the floating roof.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, after the threaded rod 26 is installed in the corresponding position inside the threaded cylinder 27, a thread-locking agent is applied to the gap between the threaded rod 26 and the threaded cylinder 27 to effectively prevent loosening between the threaded rod 26 and the threaded cylinder 27 after the immersion support structure 22 is subjected to impact. A sealing gasket 28 is installed between the immersion support structure 22 and the connecting seat 21 to seal the gap at the connection between the immersion support structure 22 and the connecting seat 21.

[0038] When installing the submersible support structure 22 on the connecting seat 21, the threaded connection is performed first: the threaded rod 26 at the top of the submersible support structure 22 is screwed into the threaded cylinder 27 of the connecting seat 21, which is already fixed on the floating roof 12. Then, height adjustment and calibration are performed: at this stage, tightening is not necessary. After all the submersible support structures 22 are initially installed, a level is used to measure the height on the upper surface of the floating roof 12. The height is finely adjusted by rotating each submersible support structure 22 until the entire floating roof 12 is perfectly level. This is a key advantage of the detachable connection method of the submersible support structure 22. Finally, after calibration, thread-locking agent is applied to the threaded connections to prevent loosening due to vibration during operation.

[0039] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the bottom of the immersion support structure 22 is provided with a support base plate 29. The area of ​​the support base plate 29 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the immersion support structure 22 body, so as to increase the contact area with the bottom of the tank, reduce the pressure, and prevent damage to the anti-corrosion layer of the bottom of the tank.

[0040] Preferably, the support base plate 29 is supported by a soft, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material, such as PTFE, so that the support base plate 29 will not damage the anti-corrosion layer of the tank bottom when it comes into contact with the tank bottom.

[0041] like Figures 4-6As shown, the infusion assembly includes multiple main inlet holes 24 and multiple flow-limiting outlet holes 25 located on the side wall of the immersion support structure 22. The main inlet holes 24 are located near the bottom of the side wall of the immersion support structure 22, while the flow-limiting outlet holes 25 are located in the upper middle part of the side wall of the immersion support structure 22. This allows the liquid to quickly enter the buoyancy chamber 23 through the multiple main inlet holes 24 at the bottom of the immersion support structure 22, while the air in the buoyancy chamber 23 is discharged through the multiple flow-limiting outlet holes 25. Inletting liquid from the bottom ensures that regardless of whether the bottom of the tank is completely level, the liquid can enter from the lowest point and quickly fill the entire buoyancy chamber 23 via the shortest path, achieving rapid buoyancy establishment.

[0042] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the diameter of the multiple main inlet holes 24 is larger than the diameter of the multiple flow-limiting outlet holes 25, and the diameter of the multiple main inlet holes 24 is formed into a tapered structure that gradually narrows from the outer wall to the inner wall of the immersion support structure 22. This allows the main inlet holes 24 to utilize the nozzle effect; the tapered pipe provides less resistance to the inflowing liquid, while for the outflowing liquid, it acts as a diffuser, creating greater eddies and resistance losses. Furthermore, the number of main inlet holes 24 is relatively small, but their diameter is large, primarily responsible for quickly introducing liquid into the buoyancy chamber when the liquid level rises; the number of flow-limiting outlet holes 25 is large, but their diameter is very small, primarily responsible for limiting the outflow velocity of liquid when the liquid level falls.

[0043] In use, under the following conditions: Support state: When the tank 11 is emptied, the liquid level drops, and the floating roof 12 descends accordingly. Simultaneously, the bottoms of all support mechanisms 2 smoothly contact the bottom of the tank 11, lifting the floating roof 12 and maintaining its horizontal position. Enhanced buoyancy state: When liquid is injected into the tank 11, the liquid level gradually rises. The liquid rapidly flows into the buoyancy chambers 23 of each submerged support structure 22 through multiple main inlet holes 24. Simultaneously, the gas in the buoyancy chambers 23 is discharged through multiple flow-limiting outlet holes 25 until the buoyancy chambers 23 are completely filled. At this time, each submerged support structure 22 generates buoyancy equal to its external volume. These additional buoyancy forces, together with the buoyancy of the floating roof 12 itself, provide the floating roof 12 with buoyancy far exceeding its own weight and load, ensuring its smooth and safe floating and operation.

[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fully immersed floating roof support device, comprising a tank structure, wherein the tank structure includes a tank body, and a floating roof is installed inside the tank body, characterized in that, The bottom of the floating roof is provided with several sets of evenly distributed support mechanisms. The support mechanism includes a connecting seat and an immersion support structure; The connecting seat is fixedly connected to the bottom of the floating roof; The top of the immersion support structure is connected to the connecting seat, and its bottom is used to contact the bottom of the tank. The immersion support structure has a hollow interior forming a buoyancy cavity, and its sidewalls are provided with a liquid delivery assembly that allows liquid to flow into and out of the buoyancy cavity.

2. The fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the immersion support structure is cylindrical, square, or trapezoidal.

3. The fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The immersion support structure is made of a corrosion-resistant, lightweight material with a density less than that of the storage medium.

4. The fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the connecting seat and the immersion support structure is detachable.

5. A fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The immersion support structure is integrally formed with a threaded rod, and a threaded cylinder is provided inside the connecting seat. The threaded rod is threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder.

6. The fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the threaded rod is installed in the corresponding position inside the threaded cylinder, the gap between the threaded rod and the threaded cylinder is coated with a thread-locking agent, and a sealing gasket is installed between the immersion support structure and the connecting seat.

7. The fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the immersion support structure is provided with a support base plate, the area of ​​which is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the immersion support structure body.

8. A fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The supporting base plate is supported by a soft, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material.

9. A fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infusion assembly includes multiple main inlet holes and multiple flow-limiting outlet holes opened on the side wall of the immersion support structure. The multiple main inlet holes are opened at the bottom position near the side wall of the immersion support structure, and the multiple flow-limiting outlet holes are opened at the upper middle position of the side wall of the immersion support structure.

10. A fully immersed floating roof support device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the plurality of main liquid inlets is larger than the diameter of the plurality of flow-limiting liquid outlets, and the diameter of the plurality of main liquid inlets is formed as a tapered structure that gradually narrows from the outer side wall to the inner side wall of the immersion support structure.