Seal of Approval
By choosing the optimum floating roof tank seal, terminal operators can achieve maximum performance with minimal disruption
Design and selection of floating roof seals is a process that requires thorough knowledge of the tank configuration and the properties of the product being stored. It also requires an understanding of local regulatory criteria to avoid re-work and possible penalties from regulatory agencies for non-compliance. The tank operator should have key information required by the seal designers and suppliers to help satisfy these requirements.
For existing tanks, where seals are being revamped, it is helpful to have a verticality and out-of-roundness study of the tank completed to determine the shell configuration. This can change somewhat when the tank is actually in service, but most reputable seal suppliers account for these changes during seal design. It is important that the seal be designed for the proper rim space, allowing for lateral movement of the floating roof and also to ensure that gap criteria are kept when traveling vertically over shell irregularities.
For newly constructed tanks, the roundness of the tank is usually less of a problem. However, it is important to confirm that the new tank is built in accordance with the dimensional tolerances prescribed by API 650 or similar international standards.
