shoretanks

Shoretanks are a type of floating roof storage tank commonly used for storing volatile liquids like crude oil and gasoline. Their primary design feature is a roof that floats directly on the surface of the stored liquid, minimizing the vapor space above the liquid. This reduction in vapor space is crucial in reducing evaporative losses of valuable product and decreasing the potential for hazardous vapor accumulation.

The floating roof typically consists of pontoons or a solid deck designed to maintain buoyancy. Seals are incorporated between the edge of the roof and the tank wall to further minimize vapor escape. These seals can be of various designs, including flexible fabric seals or metallic shoe seals, depending on the specific application and environmental regulations.

Shoretanks are particularly effective in preventing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. By maintaining a direct contact between the roof and the liquid, they significantly reduce the surface area from which evaporation can occur, especially compared to fixed-roof tanks. This also contributes to improved safety by reducing the flammability risk associated with vapor buildup. While they offer significant environmental and safety benefits, shoretanks can be more complex and costly to construct and maintain than fixed-roof tanks.