The Difference Between Fixed Roof and Floating Roof Tanks

Roofing

Tanks are everywhere. They make efficient use of space for both commercial and domestic applications. From water towers to chemical storage, tanks fill the landscape.

Types of Tanks

There are two basic types of tanks: those with a fixed roof and those with a floating roof. Tanks are often placed on the roof of a building to conserve space, especially in urban areas, so roof tank fill pumps NYC are a common sight.

Fixed Roof Tanks

Fixed roof tanks are those that have a top or roof that doesn’t move. They can be made of metal or plastic, depending upon what they are designed to hold. There is often an outer shell that is dome-shaped to shed rain and snow and an inner roof. The space in between can accommodate measuring instruments and pressure release valves. Fixed roof tanks are the simplest storage solution for water and other non-combustible liquids. Fixed roof tanks are often used in the commercial food industry to hold additives and flavorings.

Floating Roof Tanks

Floating roof tanks are designed to store industrial chemicals and fuel. Because these items should not come into contact with air, an internal membrane floats on top of the contents to keep air to a minimum inside the tank. This helps reduce evaporation and cuts down on the hazards of fire. Floating roof tanks are often made of concrete or steel and are used most often in the oil and gas industry. There are internal and external floating roof tanks. The internal version has a roof that touches the walls of the tanks and floats on top of the contents. The external design has two roofs, an internal floating roof and a solid one, usually dome-shaped, on the outside.

Tanks are a part of the urban landscape. They are essential for storage and many industries would not survive without them.

 

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