Unexplained Damage on Floating Roof

[Razif]

Hi,

We have three 73000 MT floating roof crude oil tanks at site. About 2 months ago, the polyflow tubes along the roof guard plates failed, but no fire was detected. The tank dip is taken by an independant surveyor, so our own staff rarely go up on the roof, except on this ocassion to reinstate the polyflow tube. We were surprised to find significant damage on the far side (opposite to the stairs)of the roof. A number of guard plates had been pulled out of its bolted anchor on the roof rim in two spots. In one position a good portion of the material connecting the rim to the sliding plates had been torn, exposing the crude oil to the elements (a gap of about 380mm). There were no visible signs of burning or an explosion anywhere and the tank and the roof is not visibly distorted in any way. We have called for the tank manufacturers to advise us, but until then I would be interested to know if any of you have had any similar experiences and how found any interesting causes/solutions.

Thanks.

RR

 

[MJCronin]

Raz,

Consider reposting on

http://www.ast-forum.com.....there

seems to be a lot of "floating roof experts" there

MJC

 

[Razif]

Thanks MJC,

I've done that today.

RR

RR