Floating Roof Tank Support Structure for Horizontal Transport Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating roof tanks face challenges in maintaining the integrity of seals when changed from a vertical to a horizontal position during transportation, leading to seal damage and potential volatile emissions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a support system that allows the floating roof to rest on a support structure in both vertical and horizontal configurations, transferring the weight of the roof from the seals to the support, thus preventing seal damage and maintaining structural integrity during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the floating roof tank is transported in a horizontal position, then transportation flexibility is improved, but the seal elements are crushed between the floating roof and tank wall causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
Guide posts are introduced as intermediary structures between the floating roof and tank wall. These guide posts bear the weight of the floating roof during horizontal transportation, preventing direct contact and crushing of the seal elements between the roof and tank wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal elements are positioned to rest on the tank wall before transportation begins. During horizontal movement, the guide posts are already in place to cushion and distribute the roof weight, preventing crushing damage to the seals that would otherwise occur during positioning and transport.
2Device complexity
If the floating roof is supported by seals during horizontal transport, then structural simplicity is maintained, but seal damage occurs due to crushing
Solution Approach 1:
Guide posts serve as intermediary support structures that transfer the floating roof weight away from the seal elements during horizontal transportation. This intermediary mechanism protects the seals from bearing the full roof weight, preventing crushing and extending seal durability.
3Reliability
If the tank is designed for permanent vertical installation, then seal protection is simplified, but transportation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism transitions from static vertical installation to dynamic horizontal transportation. Guide posts are positioned to provide support during vertical operation and then repositioned or utilized to support the floating roof during horizontal transportation, enabling the tank to adapt to different operational states while maintaining seal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide posts serve multiple functions: they guide the floating roof during vertical operation and provide structural support during horizontal transportation. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to protect seals in both vertical and horizontal configurations, enabling transportation capability without sacrificing seal protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Floating roof tank for a volatile liquid have an outer roof and an internal floating roof with a primary seal with a support such that when the tank is empty, the floating roof will rest on the support whether the tank is in a vertical or horizontal position. The support enables the tank to be transported in a horizontal position without damage to the seal. The floating roof tank with support can be configured as a conical tank, flat bottom tank or slant bottom tank. The floating roof tank can also include a cleaning system and a flush mounted manway cover.