Internal Floating Roof of Oil Tanks (Internal Floating Roof)

Design and construction of various types of internal floating roofs of oil storage tanks | Internal Floating Roof (IFR) | Atama Company

What is the internal floating roof of oil tanks (Internal Floating Roof)?

Internal Floating Roof (Internal Floating Roof or IFR) is one of the most important equipment used in storage tanks for petroleum products, chemicals, and volatile fluids, which is installed inside fixed roof tanks (Fixed Roof Tank). This roof floats directly on the surface of the liquid and moves up or down as the fluid level changes. The main purpose of using an internal floating roof is to reduce the vapor space above the liquid, reduce evaporation, and reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds. (VOC), increasing safety and maintaining the quality of the stored product.‎

In the oil, gas, petrochemical and storage terminal industries, the use of Internal Floating Roof is considered one of the most effective methods for reducing product loss and controlling environmental pollutants.‎ This type of roof is usually selected and designed in accordance with the requirements for the design and construction of tanks in API 650 Appendix H.‎

Design and construction of an internal floating ceiling by Atama Company

Atama Company, utilizing its engineering knowledge and specialized experience in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, designs and manufactures a variety of Internal Floating Roofs (Internal Floating Roof) for storage tanks.‎

Atama was the first designer and manufacturer of internal floating roofs for oil tanks in Iran and has played an important role in the localization of this technology by implementing industrial projects. (If this claim is published, it is recommended that sample projects or documentation be introduced on the page.)

Atama products are designed and manufactured according to the needs of each project, tank specifications, fluid type, operating conditions and international standards.

How does an internal floating roof work?

Unlike fixed roof tanks, where a large space of vapor is created above the liquid surface, in tanks equipped with Internal Floating Roof, the roof is placed directly on the fluid surface and moves with the changing liquid level.

Like this:

• The volume of the vapor space is minimized.
• The evaporation of the product is greatly reduced.
• The emission of hydrocarbon vapors is controlled.
• The risk of forming flammable mixtures is reduced.
• The quality of the product is maintained over time It becomes.

Benefits of using an internal floating ceiling

Using Internal Floating Roof has several benefits for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries:

• Reducing evaporation of petroleum products
• Reducing VOC emissions
• Increasing tank safety
• Reducing the possibility of fire
• Reducing product waste
• Reducing operating costs
• Increasing the quality of the stored product
• Protection against environmental pollution
• Reducing moisture ingress into the tank
• Increasing the useful life of the tank
• Reducing costs Maintenance
• Possibility of installation on existing tanks (Retrofit)

Internal floating ceiling applications

Interior floating ceilings are used in a wide range of industries:

• Oil refineries
• Petrochemical industries
• Crude oil storage tanks
• Gasoline tanks
• Naptha tanks
• Jet Fuel Tanks (Jet Fuel)
• Chemical Solvent Tanks
• Aromatics Tanks
• Oil Export Terminals
• Fuel Storage Tanks
• Chemical Industries
• Volatile Storage Tanks

Why is Internal Floating Roof used?

In fixed-roof tanks, the liquid surface is constantly in contact with the vapor space, which causes product evaporation, increased pollutants, and loss of valuable materials.

Installing an internal floating roof minimizes the contact surface of the liquid with the air and, in addition to reducing product loss, significantly increases the safety of the tank. This type of roof also protects the floating surface from the effects of wind, rain and weather conditions, because it is located under the fixed roof of the tank.

Features of Atama's internal floating roof

• Specialized engineering design
• Manufactured according to international standards
• Suitable for new and existing tanks
• Light weight
• High corrosion resistance
• Quick installation
• Easy maintenance
• Use of high-quality materials
• Effective sealing around the tank
• Long service life
• Reducing operating costs

Main Components of an Internal Floating Roof

A Internal Floating Roof system typically consists of the following components:

1. Deck

The main surface of the roof that floats on the liquid.

2. Pontoons (Pontoons)

Floating containers that provide the necessary buoyancy for the roof.

3. Environmental sealing system (Primary & Secondary Rim Seal)

To prevent vapors from escaping from the gap between the roof and the tank wall.

4. Support Legs

To hold the roof when emptying the tank.

5. Guide and centering system (Guide System)

To prevent the roof from deviating during movement.

6. Inspection hatches and accessories

For access, sampling and repairs.

Types of Internal Floating Roof (Types of Internal Floating Roof)

Indoor floating roofs are divided into different models based on design, structure, material, and operating conditions. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as tank diameter, fluid type, vapor pressure, operating temperature, project standards, and environmental requirements.

Atama Company has the ability to design and manufacture various types of Internal Floating Roof (IFR) to suit the specifications of each project.‎

1. Pontoon Internal Floating Roof

The most common type of internal floating roof.

In this design, one or more hollow pontoons are placed around or under the deck and provide the necessary buoyancy.

Advantages

• Appropriate weight
• High buoyancy capacity
• Economical construction cost
• Suitable for large diameter tanks
• Easy repairability

Applications

• Gasoline tanks
• Nafta
• Crude oil
• Jet fuel
• Petroleum solvents

2. Full Contact Internal Floating Roof (Full Contact Internal Floating Roof)

In this model, the roof surface is almost completely on the liquid surface.

Advantages

• Further reduction of evaporation
• Reduction of vapor space
• Better performance in controlling VOC
• Suitable for materials with high vapor pressure

3. Honeycomb Floating Roof

This model uses a honeycomb structure.

Features:

• Very low weight
• High mechanical strength
• Uniform load distribution
• High resistance to deformation

Types of internal floating ceiling materials

The choice of material has a direct impact on the useful life of the roof, its resistance to corrosion and maintenance costs.

Aluminum (Aluminum Internal Floating Roof)

The most commonly used material.

Advantages:

• Very light weight
• High corrosion resistance
• Quick installation
• Long life
• Suitable for large tanks

Stainless Steel IFR

Used for highly corrosive conditions.

Advantages:

• Very high chemical resistance
• High strength
• Long service life
• Suitable for chemical industries

Carbon steel with protective coating

It is used for some projects with special conditions.

Advantages:

• Reasonable price
• Large-scale production capability
• Possibility of applying anti-corrosion coatings

Main Components of an Internal Floating Roof

An Internal Floating Roof is made up of various parts.

Deck

The main surface of the roof that floats on the liquid.

Tasks:

• Reducing the vapor space
• Preventing evaporation
• Withstanding operational loads

Pontoon

Floating enclosures that provide buoyancy to the roof.

Rim Seal (Environmental Sealing System)

One ​​of the most important parts of a floating roof.

Function:

• Preventing vapors from escaping
• Reducing VOC emissions
• Increasing system efficiency

Sealing systems typically include:

• Primary Seal
• Secondary Seal

are.

Support Legs

The legs on which the roof rests when the tank is emptied.

Guide Pole

To guide the roof when moving.

Access Hatch

Access hatch for inspection and repairs.

Drain System

In some designs to manage possible liquids on the roof.

Sealing System

The sealing system is one of the most important parts of the internal floating roof.

Functions:

• Preventing vapors from escaping
• Reducing air pollution
• Reducing product waste
• Increasing tank safety

Depending on the project design, different types of sealing systems are used.

Technical specifications

Design and manufacturing standards

Atama's internal floating ceilings can be designed and manufactured according to internationally recognized standards, including:

• API 650 Appendix H (Design and Construction of Internal Floating Roofs for Atmospheric Tanks)
• API 653 (Inspection, Repair and Alteration of Storage Tanks)
• API 2000 (Ventilation of Tanks and Control pressure)
• NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquid Safety Requirements)
• Standards related to VOC emissions and project environmental requirements

Benefits of using Atama's internal floating ceiling

• Engineering design based on the specifications of each tank
• Manufactured according to API standards
• Possibility of installation on existing tanks (Retrofit)
• Significant reduction in evaporation and product loss
• Reduction in the emission of polluting vapors
• Increase safety and reduce fire risk
• Use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials
• Production capability for tanks with different diameters
• Specialized team in design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning

Dimensions and manufacturing capabilities

Atama Company has the ability to design and manufacture internal floating roofs for various types of storage tanks with different diameters and capacities. All products are designed and manufactured based on the actual project specifications, fluid type, climatic conditions, employer requirements and international standards.

Guide to selecting the appropriate internal floating roof

The selection of Internal Floating Roof should be based on the technical specifications of the tank, type of fluid, operating conditions, and project standards. Proper design of this equipment has a direct impact on reducing evaporation, increasing safety, and reducing operating costs.

Atama experts examine the following parameters during the design process:

1. Type of stored fluid

The type of fluid is the most important factor in choosing the design and material of a floating roof.

Including:

• Crude Oil (Crude Oil)
• Gasoline (Gasoline)
• Naphtha (Naphtha)
• Gazoil (Diesel)
• Jet Fuel)
• Aromatics)
• Industrial Solvents
• Volatile Chemicals

Each fluid has different vapor pressure, chemical properties, and safety requirements that must be considered in the design.

2. Tank diameter and dimensions

The diameter of the tank affects the following:

• Type of roof
• Number of pontoons
• Thickness of components
• Sealing system
• Buoyancy rate
• Structural design

3. Climatic conditions

The conditions of the installation environment are also very important.

Such as:

• Ambient temperature
• Humidity
• Coastal areas
• Wind
• Dust
• Corrosive conditions

4. Environmental requirements

In many projects, it is mandatory to comply with the requirements for reducing the emission of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).

The correct selection of the waterproofing system and floating roof design plays an important role in achieving these requirements.

5. Project standards

Roof design must be carried out in accordance with the standards approved by the employer.

Including:

• API 650
• API 653
• NFPA
• Requirements HSE
• Employer Technical Specifications (Project Specifications)

Economic Benefits of Using Internal Floating Roof

In addition to increasing safety, using an internal floating roof also has significant economic benefits.

The most important benefits:

• Reducing the waste of petroleum products
• Reducing evaporation costs
• Reducing energy consumption
• Reducing tank maintenance costs
• Increasing tank life
• Reducing environmental costs
• Reducing accident risk
• Increase in investment value

Comparison between internal floating roof and external floating roof

Design and construction stages in Atama

Atama Company carries out the design and production process of the internal floating ceiling according to an engineering process:

1. Review of reservoir information and operating conditions
2. Analysis of fluid characteristics
3. Mechanical design based on API standard
4. Selecting the appropriate material
5. Design of sealing system
6. Manufacturing parts with precision equipment
7. Quality control and inspection
8. Assembly and testing
9. Installation and commissioning at the project site

Why Atama?

With years of experience in designing industrial equipment, Atama is one of the leading companies in the field of designing and manufacturing internal floating roofs for oil tanks in Iran.

Atama is the first designer and manufacturer of the Internal Floating Roof (Internal Floating Roof) in Iran and has localized this technology by relying on technical knowledge, engineering ability, and implementation of industrial projects. (Publish this claim on the site if there are documents and records that can be cited.)

Benefits of working with Atama:

• The first designer and manufacturer of Internal Floating Roof in Iran
• Expert design and engineering team
• Specialized design for each project
• Manufactured according to API 650
• Production with high-quality materials
• Possibility of installation on existing tanks
• Quality control at all stages of production
• Providing technical advice
• Installation and commissioning services
• Post-implementation support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an internal floating ceiling?

Internal Floating Roof or Internal Floating Roof (IFR) is a structure that is installed inside a fixed roof tank and floats on the surface of the liquid. This equipment minimizes product evaporation and vapor release by reducing the vapor space.

What is the most important advantage of using an interior floating ceiling?

Reducing the evaporation of petroleum products, reducing VOC emissions, increasing tank safety, maintaining product quality, and reducing operating costs are among the most important benefits of this system.

What tanks are suitable for an internal floating roof?

This type of roof is usually used for fixed roof tanks storing crude oil, gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, chemical solvents and other volatile liquids.

Is it possible to install on old repositories?

Yes. In many cases, the internal floating roof can be installed as a Retrofit on existing tanks, of course, after examining the technical conditions of the tank.

What services does Atama offer?

Atama provides design, engineering, manufacturing, quality control, installation and commissioning services for all types of internal floating ceilings according to project needs.

What standard is used to design an internal floating ceiling?

Design is usually based on API 650 Appendix H and other standards related to storage tanks and employer requirements.

Summary

Internal Floating Roof (Internal Floating Roof) is one of the most effective equipment for reducing evaporation, controlling vapor emissions, increasing safety, and maintaining the quality of petroleum products and chemicals in fixed roof tanks. Choosing the right design, using high-quality materials, and complying with international standards play an important role in the performance and lifespan of this equipment. Atama Company, utilizing its experience, technical knowledge, and engineering capabilities, produces various types of internal floating roofs for the oil industries,designs and manufactures gas, petrochemical and chemical. The company stands with industrial employers by providing customized solutions, from design to construction, installation and commissioning.

Call to Action (CTA)

For technical advice, price inquiries, and design of types of internal floating roofs (Internal Floating Roof), contact Atama experts.

Atama's engineering team is ready to provide the most appropriate solution for the design and construction of internal floating roofs in accordance with international standards by examining the tank specifications, fluid type, operating conditions, and project requirements.