FULL-CONTACT FLOATING ROOF FOR LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

摘要

A full -contact floating roof for a liquid storage tank, such as tanks for storing hydrocarbons. The roof comprises at least one panel (20). Multiple panels (20) are joined to produce an integral roof structure. Each panel (20) has a solid central core (21) of syntactic foam. An impermeable, UV- stabilised seal (23) overlies the top surface and an upper edge portion of the core (21). An impermeable, hydrocarbon - compatible seal (22) overlies the bottom surface and a lower edge portion of the core thereby to encapsulate the core (21). Each panel (20) has an overall density that is less than the density of the stored liquid it covers and each component in a panel (20) also has a density that is less than the density of the stored liquid. This construction assures that the roof will float during normal maintenance and fire - fighting and will not remain submerged.