Unveiling the Structural Strength of Aluminum Dome Roofs in External Floating Roof Systems

The integrity and reliability of storage tank roofing systems are essential for the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of operations in industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, and wastewater treatment. As regulatory pressures and environmental concerns continue to grow, external floating roof (EFR) systems have become a preferred choice for crude oil storage tanks, chemical containers, and other large storage vessels.

Among the various roofing options available, Aluminum Dome Roofs stand out as an ideal solution due to their structural strength, durability, and environmental benefits. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel), a leading manufacturer of bolted storage tanks and tank accessories, provides high-quality Aluminum Dome Roofs designed to enhance the structural performance of external floating roof systems.

As a leading storage tank manufacturer worldwide. Center Enamel can provide Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

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The Role of Aluminum Dome Roofs in External Floating Roof Systems

An External Floating Roof (EFR) is designed to float directly on the surface of the stored liquid, eliminating vapor space above the tank and significantly reducing evaporation losses. This setup helps mitigate the environmental impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimizes the risk of fire and explosion by limiting the formation of flammable vapor pockets.

The Aluminum Dome Roof forms the outermost layer of this system, providing structural protection and vapor containment. It acts as a shield from external elements, preventing environmental factors like rain, snow, and wind from compromising the internal floating roof or the stored liquid.

Aluminum’s exceptional strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion make it a perfect fit for external floating roof applications. The dome structure ensures the stability and durability of the entire tank system, particularly in harsh environments.

Key Structural Strengths of Aluminum Dome Roofs

1. Robust Structural Integrity

The primary function of an Aluminum Dome Roof is to maintain structural integrity under various conditions. Its geodesic design enhances strength while minimizing weight, allowing the aluminum dome to distribute stress evenly across the surface. This makes the aluminum dome roof capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy snowfalls, and temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, the lightweight nature of aluminum ensures that the roof exerts minimal load on the supporting structure, reducing the need for heavy, costly reinforcements while still providing the strength necessary to maintain the tank's safety and functionality over time.

2. Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion is a leading cause of tank failure, particularly in the oil & gas and chemical storage industries where aggressive chemicals and volatile liquids are involved. Aluminum Dome Roofs are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for protecting storage tanks in harsh environments.

Aluminum’s natural ability to form an oxide layer protects it from further degradation, even in coastal or highly industrialized regions where salt and pollutants are present. This corrosion resistance reduces maintenance costs and prolongs the service life of the storage tank and roof system.

3. Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity

Aluminum Dome Roofs are engineered to support considerable dead loads (e.g., snow, ice, and rain) and live loads (e.g., people and equipment), making them suitable for storage tanks located in areas prone to extreme weather. The structural design of the dome distributes these loads evenly, ensuring the roof remains stable and resistant to pressure from external forces.

In addition to external loads, Aluminum Dome Roofs are designed to withstand internal pressure generated by changes in temperature or liquid volume within the tank. The dome's tensioned structure accommodates these fluctuations without compromising its integrity.

4. Long-Term Durability

The longevity of Aluminum Dome Roofs is one of their key selling points. Unlike other roofing materials that may require frequent maintenance or replacement due to wear and tear, aluminum’s long-lasting properties ensure that these roofs can withstand the test of time with minimal upkeep.

The durability of aluminum minimizes the risk of roof collapse or failure due to fatigue, while the material’s lightweight design facilitates easy installation and ensures that the roof can maintain its shape and function for many years.

Benefits of Aluminum Dome Roofs in External Floating Roof Systems

1. Environmental Protection

One of the primary concerns in industries that deal with volatile liquids is the protection of the environment. Aluminum Dome Roofs serve as an effective barrier to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can escape into the atmosphere during the storage and handling of crude oil, petrochemicals, and other volatile substances. The tight seal formed by the aluminum dome ensures that emissions are minimized, meeting stringent environmental regulations and reducing the tank’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, the aluminum dome protects the tank from external elements, such as rain and UV radiation, helping to preserve the stored product and improve storage efficiency.

2. Reduced Evaporation Losses

In many industries, especially the oil & gas sector, evaporation can lead to significant product loss and increased operational costs. The external floating roof combined with the aluminum dome ensures that there is no open vapor space above the stored liquid, significantly reducing evaporation losses and conserving valuable products. This contributes to improved cost-efficiency and greater sustainability in industrial operations.

3. Low Maintenance Costs

Aluminum’s resilience and corrosion resistance minimize the need for regular repairs and replacements. Center Enamel’s Aluminum Dome Roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other materials, reducing long-term costs for tank operators. Their durability also translates into reduced downtime since the need for inspections, repairs, and replacements is significantly lower.

Applications of Aluminum Dome Roofs in External Floating Roof Systems

Crude Oil Storage: Aluminum dome roofs are commonly used in crude oil tanks, helping to prevent the release of volatile vapors while maintaining the structural integrity of the tank.

Chemical Storage: In tanks storing chemicals, aluminum domes provide additional safety and environmental protection by containing vapors and protecting the tank’s contents from contamination.

Wastewater Treatment Plants: These roofs help control emissions from wastewater storage, improving environmental compliance and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

Bioenergy Storage: For biogas and biomass storage, aluminum dome roofs provide secure, long-term containment of gases, ensuring a stable environment for storage and preventing energy loss.

Why Choose Center Enamel’s Aluminum Dome Roofs?

At Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel), we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge Aluminum Dome Roofs that enhance the structural strength and performance of External Floating Roof Systems. With over 30 years of experience in tank manufacturing and a focus on innovation and quality, we are dedicated to providing our global clients with roofing solutions that offer unmatched strength, efficiency, and sustainability.

Our Aluminum Dome Roofs are engineered to meet the highest industry standards and provide long-lasting protection for storage tanks in a wide range of applications. Whether you need a roof for crude oil storage, chemical containment, or biogas storage, Center Enamel offers the perfect solution to ensure the safety and reliability of your operations.

The structural strength of Aluminum Dome Roofs in External Floating Roof Systems provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for industries seeking to protect valuable storage contents and reduce environmental impact. From oil storage to wastewater treatment, aluminum dome roofs offer enhanced safety, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and improved environmental compliance.

By choosing Center Enamel’s Aluminum Dome Roofs, industries can achieve long-term durability and efficiency, ensuring the safety of their operations while reducing costs and environmental impact. Let us help you design and implement the ideal roof solution for your storage tank needs. Contact us today to learn more!

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer dedicated to the design and fabrication of bolted storage tanks since 1989. Our products range includes Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs. With professional enameling R&D team and more than 20 enameling patents, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd has become the leader in bolted tanks industry of Asia. Our products are certified to ISO 9001, CE, NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, ISO 28765, LFGB, BSCI, ISO 45001 and other international standards.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd is not only the first manufacturer in China which produces Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, but also the most experienced professional bolted tanks manufacturer in Asia. The engineering & design, product testing and quality system of Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is in strict accordance with AWWA D103-09, OSHA, ISO 28765, NSF/ANSI 61, NFPA and other international standards. Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are wildly used in drinking / potable water, industrial effluents, municipal sewage, bio-energy, landfill leachate, agriculture and other applications. Until 2023, Center Enamel bolted tanks have been exported to more than 100 countries including USA, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, UAE, Panama, Brazil and South Africa etc., the superior tank quality and prompt service gains us worldwide recognition.

As an outstanding containment and cover system provider with more than 30 years of experience, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd sincerely expects to establish long-term cooperation with the local partners throughout the world and make continuous contribution to the development of the industry.