Floating Roof Tank Shell Extension for Vapor Seal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large capacity cylindrical hydrocarbon storage tanks with floating roofs have limited storage capacity due to the vertical space occupied by the vapor containment seals, resulting in a significant loss of storage volume, which is economically undesirable for facilities that need to maximize storage without expanding infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves adding lightweight extension panels and brackets to the top of the tank, allowing the second seal to float above the tank's structural edge while maintaining a sealed vapor space, thereby increasing the liquid storage capacity without altering the tank's structural integrity or requiring additional land for new tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double seal arrangement is used to contain vapor space, then vapor containment reliability is improved, but storage capacity is reduced due to the vertical space occupied by the seals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the seal arrangement vertically beyond the original tank wall by adding extension panels. This dimensional extension allows the second seal to be positioned higher while maintaining vapor containment, thereby increasing storage capacity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank wall is segmented into the original wall structure and additional extension panels. This segmentation allows the seal system to be extended vertically while maintaining the integrity of the original structure, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and storage capacity.
2Volume of moving object
If the second seal is positioned higher to increase storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but the complexity of the seal system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system complexity is managed by segmenting the extension into modular panels that can be independently installed and maintained. Each panel is a discrete unit that simplifies the overall system complexity while achieving the goal of increased storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension panels are designed to accommodate the dynamic movement of the floating roof and seals. The panels can flex and move with the seals, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for rigid, complex support structures.
3Volume of moving object
If extension panels are added to increase storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but the structural complexity of the tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension panels use thin, flexible materials that can be easily attached to the existing tank structure. This approach increases storage capacity while minimizing structural complexity by avoiding heavy, complex reinforcement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension panels are designed and pre-assembled before installation on the existing tank. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall structural complexity by reducing on-site construction complexity and ensuring proper fit before attachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This modification effectively increases storage capacity by allowing the liquid level to rise closer to the tank's top, adding substantial gallons of storage without additional investment, providing a cost-effective solution for facilities seeking to maximize revenue from hydrocarbon storage.
Implementation Method 1
A sealant is provided between each bracket and the generally cylindrical peripheral wall and attaching each bracket to the generally cylindrical wall end to end so as to create a sealed connection between the brackets and the generally peripheral wall
Implementation Method 2
A sealant is provided between each of the panels and the bracket and attaching each of the panels to the bracket and to one another in an overlapping arrangement where the panels overlap at least part of the bracket and where at least part of each panel overlaps with other panels with sealant between where they overlap
Implementation Method 3
a floating roof comprises a roof that is separate from the storage tank and floats on the liquid surface using flotation pontoons or other flotation arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inexpensive technique and procedure to add storage capacity to existing hydrocarbon storage tanks that have a double seal floating roof. The additional storage capacity is obtained by installing an extension that is strong enough to provide the upper seal of the double seal arrangement to maintain a sealed vapor space that allows the roof to move higher within the existing peripheral wall of the storage tank.