Fixed Vs Floating Roof Storage Tanks

-M.M. SUNILKUMAR

Synopsis

Storage Tanks are an integral part of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry. These come
in various hues and different roof designs. This article seeks to review the common types of
storage tanks and bring out the rationale behind the selection of type of tank as well as type of roof

Overview
In today's age storage tanks are an integral and imposing part of our industrial landscape.
Storage tanks can truly be described as an index of generation and consumption of energy. Prior to
the twentieth century coal was the predominant source of energy. At the turn of that century the
focus shifted to oil and the first storage tanks were built, first of rivetted and as technology
progressed, of welded and non metallic construction. With the demand for energy ever increasing
exponentially and petroleum sources being depleted at an alarming rate with no technology for
replenishment and environmental degradation being a cause for concern, the time would not be far
for transition from oil to natural gas, hydrogen, green and nuclear energy. Perhaps storage tanks
would then be relegated from view.

Storage tanks play an important role in the oil industry in the logistics from production to
processing to consumption. The transport of fluids such as oil from their places of production or
collection to the processors or end users is rarely a continuous process. Even in cases where there
seem to be direct links between the point of production and the point of use, such as gas from the
United Kingdom’s suppliers in the North Sea where there is a direct pipeline from the offshore rig to
the consumer, the inability to match exactly production to consumption means that a gap in the
overall scheme must be introduced. In a processing plant such as an oil refinery, or a chemical
processing unit, production gaps are often necessary at stages in the process, perhaps to allow
reactions to occur and complete at different rates, or because products from differing intermediate
processes must be brought together for a finishing process. At the end of the production process
the product cannot be immediately delivered to the customer and a further gap may be required to
allow a suitable batch of material to be accumulated tor transport. All of these pauses as well as
fluctuations in cost or supplies, availability of market for the product create the need for bulk
storage. Even for water, where there is plentiful supply the rate of collection could be a weather
dependent matter and storage a matter of necessity.

Recognising the importance of storage tanks in the petroleum industry, the American
Petroleum Institute established specifications for their design, construction, inspection and use as
API 12A Specification for Oil Storage Tanks with Riveted Shells (first issue 1928), API 12C Welded
Oil Storage Tanks (first issue 1936), API 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage (first issue 1960)
and a horde of other specifications, publications, recommended practices to cover aspects of
safety in oil storage. These also serve as useful and reliable guides for storage of other fluids.

A wide variety of storage tank types exist, including those with fixed roofs, floating roofs,
internal roofs, variable vapour space, with single walls, double walls and insulated tanks etc.

Storage also comes with certain ills. While spills and leaks can be controlled by proper
system execution, emissions are a major cause for concern not only for the huge losses entailed
with hydrocarbons vanishing into thin air, also as it leads to a wide spectrum of emission of air
pollutants, mainly of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and greenhouse gases, some of which
are toxics, carcinogenic, some are responsible for damage to materials, some have potential to
photochemical oxidant creation, global warming, ozone depleting and creation of malodour and
irritation to eyes. Emissions arise as a result of evaporation from storage tanks and the
displacement of vapour during filling. Flashing can also be a cause for emission if contents are
pumped in from a pressurised source.

Computation method/formulae and other methods are available to determine the losses.
Some of these are:

1) AP-42, Chapter 7.
2) TANKS Emissions Estimation Software, Current Version 4.09D
3) E&P TANK
4) Vasquez-Beggs or Rollins, McCain, and Creeger correlations, or software that uses these
correlation equations(e.g GRI-HAPCalc)
5) Gas/oil ratio (GOR) method
6) Direct measurement of emissions
7) Process simulator models (HYSIM, HYSIS, WINSIM, PROSIM)
8) Environmental Consultants and Research, Inc.
9) American Petroleum Institute Technical Report 2567, “Evaporative Loss from Storage Tank
Floating Roof Landings” (API TR 2567)
10) Smart LDAR (IR cameras).
11) DIAL studies (Differential Absorption Lidar)

Types of Storage Tanks

Storage tanks used for petroleum oils service are largely of following types:

Fixed roof (FR)

The fixed-roof tank is the least expensive to construct and is generally considered the minimum
acceptable equipment for storing volatile organic liquids. Fixed-roof tanks consist of a cylindrical
shell with a permanently welded roof that can be flat, conical or single or double curvature dome
shaped.

Losses from fixed roof tanks are caused by changes in temperature, pressure and liquid
level. Fixed roof tanks are either freely vented or equipped with a pressure/vacuum vent. The latter
allows the tank to operate at a slight internal pressure or vacuum to prevent the release of vapours
during very small changes in temperature, pressure or liquid level.

Hatches / sample wells, float gauges, and roof manholes on the fixed roof, which provide
access to these tanks, also are potential but less significant sources of fugitive emissions.

External Floating Roof (EFR)

In floating roof storage tanks, the roof is made to rest on the stored liquid, covering the
surface area exposed to the elements and is free to move with the level of the liquid. These tanks
reduce evaporation losses and control breathing losses while filling. These tanks are equipped
with a seal system, which is attached to the roof perimeter and contacts the tank wall. The floating
roof system and seal act to reduce evaporative losses of the contents.

Evaporative losses from the external floating roof design are limited to losses from the seal
system and roof fittings (standing storage loss) and any exposed liquid on the tank walls
(withdrawal loss).

Internal Floating Roof (IFR)

An internal floating roof tank has a permanent fixed roof as well as an internal floating roof
(deck). Fixed roof tanks that have been retrofitted with an internal deck typically have the fixed roof
supported by vertical columns within the tank. External floating roof tanks which have been
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 2
converted to IFR tanks by retrofitting a fixed roof over the EFR typically have a self-supporting fixed
roof. A newly constructed internal floating roof tank may have either type of fixed roof. The
internal floating roof may be a contact type (deck floats directly on the liquid) or a non-contact type
(deck attached to pontoons which float on the liquid surface). Contact-type decks include (1)
aluminum sandwich panels with a honeycombed aluminum core floating in contact with the liquid;
(2) resin-coated, fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP), buoyant panels floating in contact with the
liquid; and (3) pan-type steel roofs, floating in contact with the liquid with or without the aid of
pontoons. The majority of contact internal floating decks currently in VOL service are pan-type steel
or aluminum sandwich panel type. Noncontact-type decks are the most common type of deck
currently in use, and typically consist of an aluminum deck laid on an aluminum grid framework
supported above the liquid surface by tubular aluminum pontoons. The deck skin for the
noncontact-type floating decks is typically constructed of rolled aluminum sheets (about 1.5 meters
[m] [4.9 feet (ft)] wide and 0.58 millimeter [mm] [0.023 inches (in)]thick). The overlapping aluminum
sheets are joined by bolted aluminum clamping bars that run perpendicular to the pontoons to
improve the rigidity of the frame. Of late these are preferred to be welded. Both types incorporate
rim seals and deck fittings.

Emission losses in internal floating roofs are greatly reduced as the contents surface area
exposed to the elements is not only covered but the ravaging effects of the elements are greatly
curtailed by presence of the permanent roof. Evaporation losses from decks may come from deck
fittings, non-welded deck seams, and from the seal fitted in the annular space between the deck and
the wall. Generally circulation vents on the fixed roof allow these emissions to freely vent, although
pressure/vacuum vents may alternatively be installed.

Considerations in storage type and roof type selection

Fixed Roof Tanks are used to store materials with a true vapor pressure of less than 1.5 psia
absolute.

Floating Roof Tanks are preferred for storage of petroleum products with a true vapor
pressure of 1.5 to 11 psia absolute.

Pressure vessels under API 620 or the ASME codes are recommended for higher vapour
pressures. Pressure tanks are equipped with a pressure/vacuum vent that is set to prevent venting
loss from boiling and breathing loss from daily temperature or barometric pressure changes. High-
pressure storage tanks can be operated so that virtually no evaporative or working losses occur.

Selection of roof type is predominantly dictated by need for conservation and is also at times
mandated by local regulations. Two significant types of emissions from fixed roof tanks are storage
and working losses. Storage loss / standing loss is the expulsion of vapour from a tank through
vapour expansion and contraction, which are the result of changes in temperature and pressure.
This loss occurs without any liquid level change in the tank. The combined loss during filling and
emptying is called working loss.

Fixed roof tank storage or breathing emissions vary as a function of vessel capacity, vapour
pressure of the stored liquid, utilisation rate of the tank and atmospheric condition at the tank
location. The filling losses are proportional to the throughput. Computation method/formulae are
available, the EPA model TANKS can be used to determine the losses from FR tanks.

Emission control techniques available for fixed roof tanks include:

• Installing an internal floating roof and seals to minimise evaporation of the product being stored
(efficiency 60-99%).
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 3
• Vapour balancing (vapours expelled during filling of storage tank are directed to the emptying
tanker truck. The truck then transports the vapour to a centralized station equipped with a vapour
recovery/control system. (Control efficiency 90-98%).

• Vapour Recovery System (collects emissions from storage vessels and converts them to liquid
product. Techniques used include vapour /liquid absorption, vapour compression, vapour cooling,
vapour/solid adsorption or combinations. (Control efficiency 90-98%).

A floating roof vessel is a cylindrical steel shell equipped with a disk-shaped deck with a
diameter slightly less than the inside tank diameter. The floating deck floats freely on the surface of
the stored liquid, rising and falling with the liquid level. The liquid surface is completely covered by
the floating deck, except in the small annular space between the deck and the shell. Thus the area
exposed to the environment is cut off reducing greatly the emissions. A rim seal attached to the
floating deck slides against the vessel wall as the deck is raised or lowered, covering the annular
space where the deck is not covering the liquid. The primary function of the rim seal is to prevent
emissions from this area while at the same time permitting movement. These losses are largely
wind induced, rising exponentially with increase in wind speed.

An EFR vessel does not have a fixed roof; instead, its floating deck is the only barrier
between the stored liquid and the atmosphere. An EFR vessel may have several types of rim seals
and deck fittings that penetrate the deck and serve operational functions. The external floating roof
design is such that evaporation losses from the stored liquids are limited to losses from the rim
seal system and deck fittings (standing storage loss) and any exposed liquid on the tank walls
(withdrawal/clingage loss).

An IFR vessel is equipped with a permanently affixed roof above the floating deck. The deck
in internal floating roof tanks rises and falls with the liquid level and either floats directly on the
liquid surface (contact deck) or rests on pontoons several inches above the liquid surface (no
contact deck). Evaporative losses from floating roofs may come from deck fittings, non-welded
deck seams, the annular space between the deck and tank walls. However wind does not play any
role, hence emissions are greatly reduced. The tanks are generally freely vented by circulation
vents at the top of fixed roof, to minimise formation of explosive mixture in the vapour space.

An internal floating roof tank not freely vented is considered a pressure tank. Emission
estimation methods for such tanks are not provided in AP-42.

Total emissions from floating roof tanks are the sum of withdrawal losses and standing
storage losses. Withdrawal losses occur as the liquid level and thus the floating roof is lowered.
Some liquid remains on the inner tank wall surface and evaporates. For an internal floating roof
tank that has a column-supported roof, some liquid also clings to the columns and evaporates.
Evaporative losses occur until the tank is filled and the exposed surfaces are again covered.
Standing storage losses from floating roof tanks include rim seal , deck fitting losses and for
internal floating roof tanks also include deck seam losses for constructions other than welded
decks. Other potential standing loss mechanism includes breathing losses as a result of
temperature and pressure changes from the rim seal system and at the deck fittings.

The majority of rim seal losses are wind induced. The rim seal system may consist of just a
primary seal or a primary and a secondary seal, which is mounted above the primary seal. The
primary seal serves as a vapour conservation device by closing the annular space between the
floating deck and the wall. Three basic types of primary seals are used on external floating roof
tanks and the type and configurations also impact emission- Mechanical (metallic) shoe, resilient
filled (non metallic) and flexible wiper seals. The primary seals are sometimes protected by a
weather shield, which protect the primary seal fabric from weather, debris and sunlight. A
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 4
secondary seal may be used to provide some additional evaporative loss control over that achieved
by the primary seal. Secondary seals can be either flexible wiper seals or resilient foiled seals. The
secondary seals maybe placed in two configurations viz. rim mounted and shoe mounted. Rim
mounted secondary seals are more effective in reducing losses than shoe mounted secondary
seals as they cover the entire rim vapour space.

An infrequent type of emission in floating roof tank occurs when the tank is idle with the
floating roof landed on its legs and contents incompletely drained out. The vacuum breaker vents
are pushed open providing a passage for the vapours. Emissions increase during refilling when
vapours from under the deck are expelled along with vapours generated in the incoming liquid.

Considerations other than emissions may also dictate type of roof used.

In the early years of the oil industry, fire in a storage tank was a common occurrence.
Virtually all products were stored in cone roof tanks. Tank fires were common especially after a
lightning storm. Floating roof tanks adopted for low flash point petroleum products proved to be a
most reliable method of protection against losses due to fires. Hazards of lightning and fire are
reduced by use of external floating roof. Vent fires in fixed roofs occur as a result of ignition of the
plume from hydrocarbon gases exiting tank vents, typically during tank filling or due to overheating
of carbon canisters sometimes used to control emissions. These fires are usually caused by
lightning. However, electrical arcing, static discharge and human activities around the tank can all
cause ignition of a flammable mixture. Vent fires can occur in all tank types except external floating-
roof tanks, which do not have vents.

All fixed roof tanks containing volatile stocks at times have flammable mixtures in a portion
of the vapor space. When the mixture is flammable at the liquid surface for long periods of time,
and when the stock is of the type capable of accumulating static charges on the liquid surface, a
special hazard exists. Stocks having a true vapor pressure of 0.2 to 0.9 psia at the temperature of
the liquid surface will form flammable mixtures. As a rule, the classification is limited to certain
naphthas, thinners, solvents, and refinery intermediates, as well as Jet-B fuels. Floating roofs are
sometimes put on such tanks as a safety precaution, even though they may not be warranted by
evaporation savings.

Investigation of a recent tank fire found that a static charge was generated as a result of the
operator using flowrates that were too high for the transfer operation. The subsequent static
discharge ignited the vapors . API RP 2003 - Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static,
Lightning, and Stray Currents identifies the proper flowrates and conditions to prevent static
discharge in storage tanks.

Rim-seal fires are the most common type of fire for floating-roof tanks, especially external
floating-roof tanks. It is estimated that 95% of rim seal fires are the result of lightning strikes and
0.16% of all tanks with rim seals will experience a rim-seal fire in any given year. All regions of the
world are subject to lightning strikes, although Europe and northern Asia have a lower probability
of strikes. Shunts are installed in floating roof tanks to dissipate the energy of the lightning to
prevent fires. However recent studies have revealed that these are not as safe as presumed to be
and current thought is to install Submerged grounding cables or Retractable Grounding Assembly
(RGA) that directly connect the tank roof and shell. This is shown to be more effective than roof
shunts, which, due to wall coating, corrosion or an out-of-round shell, may not effectively connect
the roof to the shell.

According to API RP 2021 - Management of Atmospheric Storage Tank Fires, the floating
roof is considered to be the single most important design variable affecting the potential for, and
severity of, a tank fire. As long as the floating roof remains buoyant, the roof limits the evaporation
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 5
of the tank contents, and limits the potential for fire to the gap between the floating roof and the
tank shell. Generally, this is 2% of the tank surface. This is further reduced by the presence of a
seal between the floating roof and the tank shell. There is no danger of the fire escalating or the
shell collapsing to the point where liquid is released as would be the case with fixed roof shell to
roof joint opening up in event of a fire.

Fire protection is not a basic consideration in the selection of a roof except for tanks over
120 feet in diameter. For these tanks, floating roofs are required for any stock having a flash point
lower than 100°F, and heavier stocks stored at temperatures within 20°F of their flash point. Crude
oil cannot normally accumulate surface charges of static electricity and is, therefore, not
considered a static hazard. It is, however, a fire and explosion hazard since it gives off flammable
vapors.

Shell corrosion in the vapor space of a fixed roof tank that holds sour stocks can be a
serious problem. The use of a floating roof which eliminates most of the sour vapor should be
considered in these circumstances.

Tanks with internal floating roofs are used when the stock contained in the tank is sensitive
to water or other contamination (such as jet fuel), or if other factors such as very heavy snow loads
would complicate the design of an external floating roof.

As the diameter of a floating roof decreases, the buoyant force that floats the roof decreases
in relation to the frictional resistance to vertical movement at the periphery of the roof. This loss of
buoyancy can result in erratic roof movement during the filling or emptying of small-diameter (3 to 5
m) tanks. It is desirable to minimize this potential difficulty with small diameter floating roofs by
avoiding roof ladders, swing lines, and closed-type roof drains whenever possible. This can be
accomplished by using an internal floating roof, which normally does not require these
accessories.

About the Author:

M.M. Sunilkumar is a Mechanical Engineer with post graduate

qualifications from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay-
Mumbai, having more than 30 years experience in the Chemical
Processing Industry, covering all facets of equipment design and
construction as well as execution of projects. He is at present Deputy
Discipline Head- Mechanical at Mott MacDonald Private Limited- OGP
Division, Andheri , Mumbai. He may be contacted at
mm.sunilkumar@mottmac-india.com or linustec@aol.in

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 6

 Comparison of Vapor Losses from Various Types of Tanks at Mumbai
Tank Diameter: 28 Meter x Tank Height: 14 m; Stored Fluid: Gasoline/MS/Naphtha: RVP10 psia (0.7kg/cm2a)

Loss
Tank Physical Fitting Type Status factors
Characteristics Kfa Kfb m/n
91.86352 feet (28
Tank Diameter Feet m) Access Hatch 24” Dia.-1No. Bolted Cover gasketed 1.60 0 M=0
Automatic Gauge Float Well Un Bolted Cover Un
Tank Height Feet 45.93176 (14m) 1No. Gasketed 14.00 5.40 M=1.10
2113567 Weighted Mach.
Tank Volume Gal. (8000.72m3) Vacuum Breaker 10” Dia. 1No. Actuation. Gask. 6.2 1.2 M=0.94
Gask. Sliding Cover,
Turnover per Year 30 Slotted Guide Pole 1No. W. Float, Wiper 21 7.9 M=1.8
Internal Shell condition Light Gauge Hatch/Sample Well 8” Weighted Mech.
Rust 1No. Actuation. Gask. 0.47 0.02 M=0.97
Adjustable Pontoon
Shell Color/Shade White/White Roof Leg (3”) (EFRT) 16 Nos. Area Un Gask. 2.0 0.37 M=0.91
Adjustable Center
Paint Condition Good Roof Leg (3”) (EFRT) 12 Nos. Area Un Gask. 0.82 0.53 M=0.14
Pontoon(Single Roof Leg or Hanger Well(IFRT)
Roof Type Deck) 29 Nos. Adjustable 7.9 0 M=0
Sample Pipe Or Well 24” Slit Fabric Seal 10%
Fitting Category Detail Dia.1No. open
Stub Drain(1Inch Diameter)
Tank Construction Welded 68Nos. -
Rim mounted
Seals As noted Vapor Mounted Primary(IFRT) Secondary 2.2 0.003 N=4.3
Rim mounted
Site Selection Mumbai Mechanical Shoe Seal(EFRT) Secondary 0.6 0.4 N=1
Annual Emission Calculations: Vapor Loss/ Tank in Pounds (Based on API Publication API Std.19, sec.2 &AP 42 & TANKS 4.09d)

Item Vertical Fixed Roof Tank EFRT DEFRT IFRT

Working Loss 797696.60 - - -
Breathing Loss 84,161.05 - - -
Rim Seal Losses - 3,510.57 704.93 2,584.76
Withdrawal Losses - 130.18 130.18 130.18
Access Hatch 24” Dia. - 20.4632 20.4632 20.4632
Automatic Gauge Float Well - 512.0406 179.0533 179.0533
Vacuum Breaker 10” Dia. - 138.1582 79.2950 79.2950
Slotted Guide Pole (Modified) - 1,594.18 268.5799 -
Gauge Hatch/Sample Well 8” - 7.0351 6.0111 -
Roof Leg (3”) Pontoon Area - 687.4613 409.2647 -
Roof Leg (3”) Center Area - 225.2203 125.8489 -
Sample Pipe Or Well 24” Dia. - - - 153.4743
Stub Drain(1” Diameter) - - - 1,043.62
Roof Leg or Hanger Well - - - 2,930.08
Deck Seam Loss - - - 3,022.03
Total Emissions lb/yr. 881,857.65 6,825.31 1,923.63 10,142.96
Savings wrt FRT lb/yr. - 875,032.34 879,934.02 871,714.69
EFRT: Mechanical Shoe Seal with Rim Mounted Secondary Seal Slotted Gage-Pole Modified
IFRT: Vapor Mounted Primary+ Rim Mounted Secondary. Skin& Pontoon Aluminum Floating Roof
VFRT: Vertical Fixed Roof Tank

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 7

 TANKS 4.0.9d
Emissions Report - VFRT Detail Format
Tank Identification and Physical Characteristics

Identification

User Identification: VFRT 28 m

City: Mumbai(IMD)
State: Maharashtra
Company: Mott
Type of Tank: Vertical Fixed Roof Tank
Description:

Tank Dimensions

Shell Height (ft): 45.93

Diameter (ft): 91.86
Liquid Height (ft) : 43
Avg. Liquid Height (ft): 21.5
Volume (gallons): 2131953.35
Turnovers: 30
Net Throughput(gal/yr): 63958600.63
Is Tank Heated (y/n): N

Paint Characteristics

Shell Color/Shade: White/White

Shell Condition Good
Roof Color/Shade: White/White
Roof Condition: Good

Roof Characteristics

Type: Cone
Height (ft) 2.84
Slope (ft/ft) (Cone Roof) 0.06

Breather Vent Settings

Vacuum Settings (psig): -0.03

Pressure Settings (psig) 0.03

Meterological Data used in Emissions Calculations: Mumbai (IMD), Maharashtra (Avg Atmospheric Pressure = 14.59 psia)

Emissions Report - Detail Format

Liquid Contents of Storage Tank
Mixture/Component Gasoline (RVP 10)
Daily Liquid Surf. Liquid Vapour Pressure Vapour Liquid Vapour Mol Basis for
Bulk (psia) Mol Wt mass frac mass Wt Vapour Pr
Temperature Temp frac Calculation
(deg F )
Month Avg Min Max (deg F) Avg Min Max
All 82.91 79.16 86.67 81.43 7.9368 7.4208 8.4807 66 92 Option 4:
RVP=1 0,
ASTM
Slope=3

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 8

 Emissions Report -VFRT Detail Format
Detail Calculations (AP-42)
Annual Emission Calculations
Standing Losses (lb) : 84,161.05
Vapour Space Volume (cu ft) : 168,205.71
Vapour Density (lb/cu ft) : 0.0900
Vapour Space Expansion Factor: 0.1779
Vented Vapour Saturation Factor: 0.0857
Tank Vapour Space Volume:
Vapour Space Volume (cu ft) : 168,205.71
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Vapour Space Outage (ft): 25.3784
Tank Shell Height (ft): 45.9318
Average Liquid Height (ft): 21.5000
Roof Outage (ft): 0.9467
Roof Outage (Cone Roof )
Roof Outage (ft): 0.9467
Roof Height (ft ): 2.8400
Roof Slope (ft/ft): 0.0625
Shell Radius (ft): 45.9318
Vapour Density
Vapour Density (lb/cu ft) : 0.0900
Vapour Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Vapour Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 7.9368
Daily Avg . Liquid Surface Temp. (deg . R) : 542.5833
Daily Average Ambient Temp. (deg. F ): 81.4100
Ideal Gas Constant R (psia cuft / (lb-mol-deg R) ): 10.731
Liquid Bulk Temperature (deg. R ): 541.1000
Tank Paint Solar Absorptance (Shell ): 0.1700
Tank Paint Solar Absorptance (Roof) : 0.1700
Daily Total Solar Insulation Factor (Btu/sqft day): 1111.0000
Vapour Space Expansion Factor
Vapour Space Expansion Factor: 0.1779
Daily Vapour Temperature Range (deg. R) : 15.0084
Daily Vapour Pressure Range (psia): 1.0599
Breather Vent Press. Setting Range(psia) : 0.0600
Vapour Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 7.9368
Vapour Pressure at Daily Minimum Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 7.4208
Vapour Pressure at Daily Maximum Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 8.4807
Daily Avg . Liquid Surface Temp. (deg R): 542.5833
Daily Min. Liquid Surface Temp. (deg R): 538.8312
Daily Max . Liquid Surface Temp . (deg R): 546.3354
Daily Ambient Temp. Range (deg. R) : 13.5000
Vented Vapour Saturation Factor
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 9
 Vented Vapour Saturation Factor: 0.0857
Vapour Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 7.9368
Vapour Space Outage (ft): 25.3784
Working Losses (lb): 797,696.60
Vapour Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Vapour Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature
(psia): 7.9368
Annual Net Throughput (gal /yr.): 63,958,600.63
Annual Turnovers: 30.0000
Turnover Factor: 1.0000
Maximum Liquid Volume (gal): 2,131,953.35
Maximum Liquid Height (ft): 43.0000
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Working Loss Product Factor: 1.0000
Total Losses (lb ): 881,857.65

Individual Tank Emission Total

Losses (lbs)
Components Working Loss Breathing Loss Total Emission
Gasoline ( RVP10) 797696.60 84161.05 881857.65

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 10

 TANKS 4.0.9d
Emissions Report – EFRT Detail Format
Tank Identification and Physical Characteristics
Identification
User Identification: EFRT 28m
City: Mumbai(IMD)
State: Maharashtra
Company: Mott
Type of Tank: External Floating Roof Tank
Description:
Tank Dimensions
Diameter (ft): 91.86
Volume (gallons): 2113567.00
Turnovers: 30.00
Paint Characteristics
Internal Shell Condition: Light Rust
Shell Color/Shade: White/White
Shell Condition Good
Roof Characteristics
Type: Pontoon
Fitting Category Detail
Tank Construction and Rim-Seal System
Construction: Welded
Primary Seal: Mechanical Shoe
Secondary Seal Rim-mounted
Deck Fitting/Status Quantity
Access Hatch (24-in. Diam.)/Bolted Cover, Gasketed 1
Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover, Ungasketed 1
Vacuum Breaker (10-in. Diam.)/Weighted Mech. Actuation, Gask. 1
Slotted Guide-Pole/Sample Well/Gask. Sliding Cover, w. Float, Wiper 1
Gauge-Hatch/Sample Well (8-in. Diam.)/Weighted Mech. Actuation, Gask. 1
Roof Leg (3-in. Diameter)/Adjustable, Pontoon Area, Ungasketed 16
Roof Leg (3-in. Diameter)/Adjustable, Center Area, Ungasketed 12

Meterological Data used in Emissions Calculations: Mumbai(IMD), Mahatashtra (Avg Atmospheric Pressure = 14.59 psia)

Emissions Report – EFRT Detail Format

Liquid Contents of Storage Tank
Mixture/Component Gasoline (RVP 10)

Daily Liquid Surf. Liquid Vapour Pressure Vapour Liquid Vapour Mol Basis for
Bulk Mol Wt mass mass Wt Vapour Pr
Temperature Temp (psia) frac frac Calculation

(deg F )

Month Avg Min Max (deg F) Avg Min Max

All 82.91 79.16 86.67 81.43 7.9368 7.4208 8.4807 66 92 Option 4:

RVP=1 0, ASTM
Slope=3

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 11

 Emissions Report – EFRT Detail Format
Detail Calculations (AP-42)
Annual Emission Calculations
Rim Seal Losses (lb) : 3,510.57
Seal Factor A (lb-mole/ft-yr) : 0.6000
Seal Factor B (lb-mole/ft-yr (mph )^n ): 0.4000
Average Wind Speed (mph) : 5.9700
Seal-related Wind Speed Exponent: 1.0000
Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938
Vapor Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature (psia) 7.9368
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Product Factor: 1.0000
Withdrawal Losses (lb): 130.1775
Annual Net Throughput (gal /yr.): 63407010.0000
Shell Clingage Factor (bbl/1 000 sqft) : 0.0015
Average Organic Liquid Density (lb/gal): 5.6000
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Roof Fitting Losses (lb): 3184.5560
Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938
Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Product Factor: 1.0000
Tot. Roof Fitting Loss Fact.(lb-mole/yr): 248.9973
Average Wind Speed (mph) : 5.9700

Total Losses (lb ): 6,825.31

Roof Fitting /Status

KFb
KFa (lb -mole/ (yr
Quantity (lb -mole/yr) mph^n)) m Losses(lb)
Access Hatch (2 4-in . Diam.)/Bolted Cover,
Gasketed 1 1.60 0.00 0.00 20.4632
Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover,
Ungasketed 1 14.00 5.40 1.10 512.0406
Vacuum Breaker (10 -in. Diam .)/Weighted
Mech . Actuation, Gask. 1 6.20 1.20 0.94 138.16
Slotted Guide-Pole/Sample Well/Gask.
Sliding Cover, w. Float, Wiper 1 21.00 7.90 1.80 1594.1773
Gauge-Hatch/Sample Well (8 -in. Diam.
)/Weighted Mech. Actuation , Gask. 1 0.47 0.02 0.97 7.04
Roof Leg (3 -in. Diameter) /Adjustable,
Pontoon Area, Ungasketed 16 2.00 0.37 0.91 687.4613
Roof Leg (3 -in. Diameter) /Adjustable, Center
Area, Ungasketed 12 0.82 0.53 0.14 225.2203

Individual Tank Emission Total

Losses
Components Rim Seal Withdrawal Deck Fitting Deck Seam Total Emission
Loss Loss Loss loss
Gasoline 3510.57 130.18 3184.56 0.00 6825.31
(RVP10)

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 12

 Emissions Report – DEFRT Detail Format
Tank Identification and Physical Characteristics
Identification
User Identification: DEFRT 28 m
City: Mumbai(IMD)
State: Maharashtra
Company: Mott
Domed External Floating Roof
Type of Tank: Tank
Description:
Tank Dimensions
Diameter (ft): 91.86
Volume (gallons): 2113567.00
Turnovers: 30.00
Paint Characteristics
Internal Shell Condition: Light Rust
Shell Color/Shade: White/White
Shell Condition Good
Roof Characteristics
Type: Pontoon
Fitting Category Detail
Tank Construction and Rim-Seal System
Construction: Welded
Primary Seal: Mechanical Shoe
Secondary Seal Rim-mounted
Deck Fitting/Status Quantity
Access Hatch (24-in. Diam.)/Bolted Cover, Gasketed 1
Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover, Ungasketed 1
Vacuum Breaker (10-in. Diam.)/Weighted Mech. Actuation, Gask. 1
Slotted Guide-Pole/Sample Well/Gask. Sliding Cover, w. Float,
Wiper 1
Gauge-Hatch/Sample Well (8-in. Diam.)/Weighted Mech. Actuation,
Gask. 1
Roof Leg (3-in. Diameter)/Adjustable, Pontoon Area, Ungasketed 16
Roof Leg (3-in. Diameter)/Adjustable, Center Area, Ungasketed 12
Meterological Data used in Emissions Calculations: Mumbai(IMD), Maharashtra (Avg Atmospheric Pressure = 14.59 psia)

Liquid Contents of Storage Tank

Mixture/Component Gasoline (RVP 10)

Daily Liquid Surf. Liquid Vapour Pressure Vapour Liquid Vapour Mol Basis for
Bulk Mol Wt mass frac mass Wt Vapour Pr
Temperature Temp (psia) frac Calculation

(deg F )

Month Avg Min Max (deg F) Avg Min Max

All 82.91 79.16 86.67 81.43 7.9368 66 92 Option 4:

RVP=1 0,
ASTM
Slope=3

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 13

 Emissions Report – DEFRT Detail Format
Detail Calculations (AP-42)
Annual Emission Calculations

Rim Seal Losses (lb) : 704.9342

Seal Factor A (lb-mole/ft-yr) : 0.6000
Seal Factor B (lb-mole/ft-yr (mph )^n ): 0.4000
Average Wind Speed (mph) : 0.0000
Seal-related Wind Speed Exponent: 1.0000
Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938
Vapor Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature (psia) 7.9368
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Product Factor: 1.0000
Withdrawal Losses (lb): 130.1775
Annual Net Throughput (gal /yr.): 63407010.0000
Shell Clingage Factor (bbl/1 000 sqft) : 0.0015
Average Organic Liquid Density (lb/gal): 5.6000
Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635
Roof Fitting Losses (lb): 1,088.52
Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938
Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000
Product Factor: 1.0000
Tot. Roof Fitting Loss Fact.(lb-mole/yr): 85.1100
Average Wind Speed (mph) : 0.0000
Total Losses (lb ): 1,923.63

Roof Fitting /Status Roof Fitting Loss Factors

KFb
KFa
(lb -mole/ (yr
Quantity (lb -mole/yr) mph^n)) m Losses(lb)

Access Hatch (2 4-in . Diam.)/Bolted Cover, Gasketed 1 1.6 0.00 0 20.4632

Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover, Ungasketed 1 14.00 5.40 1.10 179.0533
Vacuum Breaker (10 -in. Diam .)/Weighted Mech .
Actuation, Gask. 1 6.20 1.20 0.94 79.295
Slotted Guide-Pole/Sample Well/Gask. Sliding Cover, w.
Float, Wiper 1 21.00 7.90 1.80 268.58
Gauge-Hatch/Sample Well (8 -in. Diam. )/Weighted Mech.
Actuation , Gask. 1 0.47 0.02 0.97 6.0111
Roof Leg (3 -in. Diameter) /Adjustable, Pontoon Area,
Ungasketed 16 2.00 0.37 0.91 409.26

Roof Leg (3 -in. Diameter) /Adjustable, Center Area,

Ungasketed 12 0.82 0.53 0.14 125.8489

Individual Tank Emission Totals

Losses
Components Rim Seal Loss Withdrawal Deck Fitting Loss Deck Seam loss Total Emission
Loss
Gasoline (RVP10) 704.93 130.18 1088.52 0.00 1923.63
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 14
 TANKS 4.0.9d
Emissions Report - IFRT Detail Format
Tank Identification and Physical Characteristics
Identification
User Identification: IFRT 28 M
City: Mumbai(IMD)
State: Maharashtra
Company: Mott
Type of Tank: Internal Floating Roof Tank
Description:
Tank Dimensions
Diameter (ft): 91.86
Volume (gallons): 2113567.00
Turnovers: 30.00
Self Supp. Roof? (y/n): Y
No. of Columns: 0.00
Eff. Col. Diam. (ft): 0.00
Paint Characteristics
Internal Shell Condition: Light Rust
Shell Color/Shade: White/White
Shell Condition Good
Roof Color/Shade: White/White
Roof Condition: Good
Rim-Seal System
Primary Seal: Vapor-mounted
Secondary Seal Rim-mounted
Deck Characteristics
Deck Fitting Category: Detail
Deck Type: Bolted
Construction: Sheet
Deck Seam: Sheet: 5 Ft Wide
Deck Seam Len. (ft): 1,325.58
Deck Fitting/Status Quantity
Access Hatch (24-in. Diam.)/Bolted Cover, Gasketed 1
Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover, Ungasketed 1
Roof Leg or Hanger Well/Adjustable 29
Sample Pipe or Well (24-in. Diam.)/Slit Fabric Seal 10% Open 1
Stub Drain (1-in. Diameter)/Slit Fabric Seal 10% Open 68
Vacuum Breaker (10-in. Diam.)/Weighted Mech. Actuation, Gask. 1
Meterological Data used in Emissions Calculations: Mumbai(IMD), Mahatashtra (Avg Atmospheric Pressure = 14.59 psia)

Emissions Report - Detail Format

Liquid Contents of Storage Tank
Mixture/Component Gasoline (RVP 10)

Daily Liquid Surf. Liquid Vapour Pressure Vapour Liquid Vapour Mol Basis for Vapour
Bulk Mol Wt mass mass frac Wt Pr Calculation
Temperature (psia) frac
Temp

(deg F )

Month Avg Min Max (deg F) Avg Min Max

All 82.91 79.16 86.67 81.43 7.9368 7.4208 8.4807 66 92 Option 4: RVP=1
0, ASTM Slope=3

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 15

 Emissions Report –IFRT Detail Format
Detail Calculations (AP-42)
Annual Emission Calculations

Rim Seal Losses (lb) : 2,584.76

Seal Factor A (lb-mole/ft-yr) : 2.2000

Seal Factor B (lb-mole/ft-yr (mph )^n ): 0.0030

Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938

Vapor Pressure at Daily Average Liquid Surface Temperature (psia): 7.9368

Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635

Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000

Product Factor: 1.0000

Withdrawal Losses (lb): 130.1775

Number of Columns: 0.0000

Effective Column Diameter (ft): 0.0000

Annual Net Throughput (gal /yr.): 63407010.0000

Shell Clingage Factor (bbl/1 000 sqft) : 0.0015

Average Organic Liquid Density (lb/gal): 5.6000

Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635

Deck Fitting Losses (lb): 4405.9900

Value of Vapor Pressure Function: 0.1938

Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000

Product Factor: 1.0000

Tot. Roof Fitting Loss Fact.(lb-mole/yr): 344.5000

Deck Seam Losses (lb): 3,022.03

Deck Seam Length (ft): 1325.5800

Deck Seam Loss per Unit Length Factor (lb-mole/ft-yr): 0.1400

Deck Seam Length Factor(ft/sqft ): 0.2000

Tank Diameter (ft): 91.8635

Vapor Molecular Weight (lb/lb-mole): 66.0000

Product Factor: 1.0000

Total Losses (lb ): 10,142.96

Roof Fitting /Status Roof Fitting Loss Factors

Quantity KFa KFb m Losses(lb)

(lb -mole/yr) (lb -mole/ (yr mph^n))
Access Hatch (2 4-in . Diam.)/Bolted Cover, Gasketed 1 1.60 0.00 0.00 20.4632

Automatic Gauge Float Well/Unbolted Cover, Ungasketed 1 14.00 5.40 1.10 179.0533

Roof Leg or Hanger Well /Adjustable 29 7.90 0.00 0.00 2,930.08

Sample Pipe or Well (24-in. Diam.) /Slit Fabric Seal 1 0% Open 1 12.00 0.00 0.00 153.4743

Stub Drain (1-in . Diameter)/ 68 1.20 0.00 0.00 1,043.62

Vacuum Breaker (10 -in. Diam .)/Weighted Mech . Actuation, Gask. 1 6.20 1.20 0.94 79.2950

Individual Tank Emission Totals

Losses

Components Rim Seal Loss Withdrawal Loss Deck Fitting Loss Deck Seam loss Total Emission

Gasoline (RVP10) 2584.76 130.18 4405.99 3022.03 10142.96

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 16

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 17
Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 18
 References:

1) Evaporative Loss From External Floating Roof Tanks, Third Edition, Bulletin No. 2517, American Petroleum
Institute, Washington, DC, 1989.
2) Evaporation Loss From Internal Floating Roof Tanks, Third Edition, Bulletin No. 2519, American Petroleum
Institute, Washington, DC, 1982.
3) API MPMS 19.2: Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 19 - Evaporative Loss Measurement;
Section 2 - Evaporative Loss from Floating-Roof Tanks April 1997 (replaces API 2517 and API 2519)
4) Evaporative Loss From Fixed Roof Tanks, Second Edition, Bulletin No. 2518, American Petroleum Institute,
Washington, D.C., October 1991(currently superseded)
5) API MPMS 19.1: Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 19 - Evaporative Loss Measurement
Section 1 - Evaporative Loss from Fixed-Roof Tanks , March 2002 (superseding API 2518)
6) Sources and Control of Volatile Organic Air Pollutants, United States Environmental Protection Agency November
2002
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Supplement E to AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,
Volume 1,” U.S.EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC (Oct. 1992).
8) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “TANKS 4.09 Software Program,” U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC, available at www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/
software/tanks.
9) Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,Volume 1: Stationary Point and Area Sources (AP-42) 1997; Chapter
7-Liquid Storage Tanks, November 2006.
10) Evaporation Loss and its Control- Mr PB Rajan, 2006

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 19

Hierarchy of Equipment Types for Fixed Roof and Internal Floating Roof Tanks listed in order of
decreasing emission rate

Control
Equipment Description
Option

1 Fixed roof tank

Internal floating roof tank, bolted roof construction, vapor mounted

2
primary seal, uncontrolled deck fittings

Internal floating roof tank, bolted roof construction, vapor mounted

3
primary seal, secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

Internal floating roof tank, bolted roof construction, mechanical shoe or

4
liquid mounted primary seal, secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

Internal floating roof tank, welded roof construction, mechanical shoe

5
or liquid mounted primary seal secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

Hierarchy of Equipment Types for External Floating Roof Tanks listed in order of decreasing
emission rate

Control
Equipment Description
Option

External floating roof tank, riveted roof construction, mechanical shoe

1
primary seal, uncontrolled deck fittings

External floating roof tank, riveted roof construction, mechanical shoe

2
primary seal, secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

External floating roof tank, welded roof construction, vapor mounted

3
primary seal, uncontrolled deck fittings

External floating roof tank, welded roof construction, vapor mounted

4
primary seal, secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

External floating roof tank, welded roof construction, mechanical shoe

5
or liquid mounted primary seal, secondary seal, controlled deck fittings

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 20

Internal Floating Roof Rim Seal System Control Efficiency

Efficiency Relative to
Seal System Description
Baseline

Vapor mounted primary seal only Baseline

Mechanical shoe or liquid mounted primary seal

55%
only

Vapor mounted primary seal with secondary seal 63%

Mechanical shoe or liquid mounted primary seal

76%
with secondary seal

External Floating Roof Rim Seal System Control Efficiency

Efficiency Relative to
Seal System Description
Baseline

Vapor mounted primary seal only Baseline

Vapor mounted primary seal with secondary seal 66%

Mechanical shoe primary seal only 84%

Mechanical shoe primary seal with shoe mounted

95%
secondary seal

Liquid mounted primary seal only 95%

Mechanical shoe primary seal with rim mounted

99%
secondary seal

Liquid mounted primary seal with rim mounted

99%
secondary seal

Fixed Vs Floating Roof storage Tanks 21