Authors :
Abdulrahman G. Almarri; Mohammed S. Robai
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/m6z74wzh
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/428ypd4y
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug1218
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
Different tanks have different roof types, and each roof requires specific design considerations to insure safe
operation and extended service life. Also, each type needs continuous integrity assessments along with corrective
maintenance. However, some operational upsets lead to unaccepted damages, that if left unassessed, and not repaired will
lead to catastrophic failures. The paper will shed lights on the common failures of the floating roof, and their common causes
during operation of the tank, or even during incorrect practices for cleaning. Then the paper will discuss integrity assessment
approaches to assess damages, and the proper methodology for repair. Finally, the paper will share guidelines on the
preventive measures that operators need to consider to avoid damages and ensure safe floating roof operation.
References :
- Fleck, Daniel. “Preventing Catastrophe: Best Practices for Maintaining External Floating Roofs (EFRs) on Storage Tanks.” Becht, 4 Sept. 2024, becht.com/becht-blog/entry/preventing-catastrophe-best-practices-for-maintaining-external-floating-roofs-efrs-on-storage-tanks/. Accessed 8 July 2025.
- Alireza Doustvandi, et al. “Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Seal Presence on the Behavior of Double-Deck Floating Roofs in Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks.” Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, vol. 17, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 55–70, https://doi.org/10.32604/sdhm.2022.017458. Accessed 17 July 2024.
- Noaman, Ahmed, et al. “Study Assesses Floating Roof Designs against Rain, Pontoon Puncture.” OIL & GAS JOURNAL, 2 Jan. 2017, www.ogj.com/refining-processing/gas-processing/new-plants/article/17229599/study-assesses-floating-roof-designs-against-rain-pontoon-puncture.
- Bernier, Carl, and Jamie E. Padgett. “Fragility Assessment of Floating Roof Storage Tanks during Severe Rainfall Events.” Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, vol. 34, no. 6, Dec. 2020, p. 04020101, https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)cf.1943-5509.0001505. Accessed 4 June 2021.
- El-Samanody, Mohamed, et al. “Design and Study of Floating Roofs for Oil Storage Tanks.” 2016 IJEDR |, vol. 4, 2016, rjwave.org/ijedr/papers/IJEDR1604001.pdf. Accessed 5 May 2025.
- Degaev, Evgeniy, and Dmitry Korolchenko. “Improving Fire Protection of Pontoon Tanks or Floating Roof Tanks.” MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 117, 2017, p. 00036, https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201711700036. Accessed 4 June 2021.
- "API Standard 620, Design & Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute, Washington, 1996.
- "API Standard 650, Welded Steel Tanks For Oil Storage," American Petroleum Institute, Strategies For Today's Environmental Partnership, Washington, 1998.
Different tanks have different roof types, and each roof requires specific design considerations to insure safe
operation and extended service life. Also, each type needs continuous integrity assessments along with corrective
maintenance. However, some operational upsets lead to unaccepted damages, that if left unassessed, and not repaired will
lead to catastrophic failures. The paper will shed lights on the common failures of the floating roof, and their common causes
during operation of the tank, or even during incorrect practices for cleaning. Then the paper will discuss integrity assessment
approaches to assess damages, and the proper methodology for repair. Finally, the paper will share guidelines on the
preventive measures that operators need to consider to avoid damages and ensure safe floating roof operation.