In today's energy, chemical, and petrochemical industries, large storage tanks serve as essential infrastructure for managing vast volumes of crude oil, refined fuels, volatile chemicals, and other sensitive liquids. While these storage systems ensure a continuous supply of critical resources, they also present complex challenges in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. Among these challenges, vapor losses, fire hazards, and atmospheric emissions rank highest, particularly when dealing with volatile substances.
One proven solution that addresses these concerns head-on is the use of external floating roofs for large storage tanks. Unlike traditional fixed roofs, external floating roofs rise and fall directly with the liquid level, significantly minimizing the vapor space above the stored liquid. This technology not only reduces evaporation losses and harmful emissions but also enhances safety, lowers operating costs, and ensures regulatory compliance.
At Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd. (Center Enamel), we have over 30 years of experience delivering engineered tank solutions that combine innovation, durability, and performance. Our external floating roof systems represent the forefront of tank safety and environmental protection, serving a wide range of industries across the globe.
External floating roofs are an essential component of atmospheric storage tanks, particularly in applications where minimizing vapor loss is critical. These roofs consist of a pontoon-supported or double-deck structure that floats directly on the liquid surface inside open-top tanks. As the tank is filled or emptied, the roof moves accordingly, maintaining close contact with the liquid surface and thereby reducing the formation of vapor space.
Key Benefits of External Floating Roofs:
Reduced Evaporation Losses: By eliminating vapor space, the system minimizes the loss of light hydrocarbons and volatile compounds.
Improved Fire Safety: The direct contact between the roof and liquid surface significantly reduces the risk of flammable vapor accumulation.
Environmental Compliance: External floating roofs help industries meet stringent emissions regulations by lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) releases.
Cost Efficiency: Less product loss translates into greater economic return and lower maintenance costs.
Long-Term Durability: Advanced materials and engineering ensure reliable performance even in the harshest environments.
Center Enamel’s external floating roofs are built with precision to deliver robust, safe, and high-performance solutions for large-capacity storage. Our roofs come in two main configurations: single-deck pontoon type and double-deck type, each offering unique benefits based on the operational demands.
Pontoon-Type Floating Roofs
This design incorporates a series of radial pontoons around the perimeter of the roof, providing buoyancy while maintaining a lightweight structure. It is particularly suitable for tanks with moderate diameters and low internal pressures.
Double-Deck Floating Roofs
Built with two layers of steel decks and interstitial stiffening structures, this configuration offers superior strength, improved buoyancy, and enhanced resistance to wind and weather impacts. It is the preferred choice for large-diameter tanks and sites with high wind or seismic activity.
Additional Safety and Performance Features:
Rim Seals: Equipped with primary and secondary seals that reduce vapor loss and prevent the ingress of rainwater and debris.
Drainage Systems: Integrated rainwater drainage systems keep the roof dry and maintain floatation integrity.
Anti-Rotation Devices: Ensure the roof maintains correct alignment during operation.
Roof Support Legs: Adjustable legs enable secure resting of the roof during tank emptying and maintenance.
Corrosion Protection: Galvanized, epoxy-coated, or stainless-steel materials are used to extend service life and resist corrosion from chemical exposure or harsh weather.
By combining these design features, Center Enamel’s floating roofs offer exceptional reliability and long-term operational cost savings for large storage tanks.
The versatility and efficiency of external floating roofs make them ideal for a wide variety of industries that store volatile or flammable liquids in large quantities. Center Enamel has provided customized floating roof solutions to clients across the globe in sectors such as:
Oil and Gas Industry
For crude oil and refined petroleum product storage, external floating roofs are indispensable in minimizing evaporation losses and fire risks. Their implementation ensures safer, cleaner storage while complying with national and international safety codes.
Energy and Biofuel Storage
With the rise of biofuel production and storage, floating roofs help maintain the integrity and usability of ethanol and biodiesel while minimizing degradation due to air exposure.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
In some applications, external floating roofs are used in water reservoirs to prevent algae growth and reduce evaporation in arid climates.
Choosing the right partner for external floating roof systems is critical to the success of any large storage tank project. Center Enamel stands out as a trusted, innovative, and customer-focused manufacturer that delivers not just products—but solutions.
a. Engineering Excellence and Customization
We approach each project with a commitment to precision engineering. From tank geometry to environmental conditions, we provide custom-designed floating roof systems that meet your exact specifications. Our technical team ensures compliance with international codes and adapts to site-specific factors like wind load, seismic activity, and temperature fluctuations.
b. High-Quality Materials and Craftsmanship
We use premium-grade steel, advanced membrane coatings, and proven sealing systems to ensure maximum durability, even in highly corrosive environments. Our roofs undergo rigorous quality checks during both manufacturing and field installation.
c. Complete Project Lifecycle Support
Center Enamel provides a full suite of services including consultation, design, manufacturing, delivery, installation guidance, and post-installation support. Our one-stop solution model eliminates coordination delays and ensures consistent quality across all project stages.
As the global demand for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible storage solutions continues to rise, external floating roofs represent a vital technology for large storage tanks. From reducing product losses to ensuring compliance and improving safety, these systems offer multi-dimensional benefits.
Center Enamel’s commitment to excellence in engineering, innovation, and customer service positions us as a leader in the design and supply of external floating roof technology. Whether you’re upgrading an existing tank or planning a new installation, our team is ready to deliver a tailored solution that enhances capacity, protects assets, and supports a more sustainable future.