Tank Roof Options

Cone Roofs

Self supporting cone roof tanks. Notice the steep roof pitch.  The steep roofs are for the tanks to better deal with the snow load we see in Canada. Snow slides off of the tank instead of building up on top of the tank.

Self supporting coned roofs with internal floating roofs (IFR). These type of tanks are popular in Canada because the cone roof keeps the snow out. Notice the vents on the side of the tank. These are the vents between the internal floating roof and the cone roof.

NO PICTURE

Supported cone roof is a common design in North America. It is found on larger tanks where self supported cones are not possible.

Domed Roofs

Self Supporting Domed Roof As tanks get larger using the API codes it is often less expensive to build a self supporting domed roof as in the above picture.  A sphere is the most efficient container to resist pressure. Since a Dome roof is closer to a sphere than a cone the API codes give the designer credit for using a dome as opposed to a cone. In other words we can often build a tank with a Dome roof constructed out of thinner material than a cone.

Geodesic Aluminum Dome Roof covers and structures feature all-aluminum construction. Geodesic domes are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and virtually maintenance-free, which translates to longer life and lower costs. They don't rust like steel, they don't degrade with ultraviolet light like fiberglass, and they don't spall like concrete.

External Floating Roof (EFR) tank.

Catwalks, Platforms, Stairs & Ladders

AGI uses Process Industry Practices publications where we can to help design our catwalks, platforms, stairs and ladders.

The ladder is the most economical way to access the top of a tank. It is also the least safest. Notice the rest platforms. Provincial safety regulations govern how frequently rest platforms are required if fall prevention is not used. Provincial safety regulations are not the same from province to province so make sure your designer or tank fabricator knows what the regulations are. Also notice the cage on the ladders. Provincial safety regulations govern the height of these cages as well.

Spiral stairs with Rest Platform.

Radial Stairs with rest platforms.

Joining Catwalks  Tanks are often joined together via catwalks. Joining tanks via catwalks provides an alternate method of escape in the case of a fire.  Notice the different catwalk designs. The distance spanned determines the design AGI would select. Catwalk designs are similar to bridge designs.