Structured Approach for Floating Roof Integrity Assessment and Preventive Measures


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

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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 :

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. "API Standard 620, Design & Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute, Washington, 1996.
  8. "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.

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Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

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