Aluminium dome roofs for storage tanks.

Aluminium dome roofs have developed into a frequently used roof system for covering storage tanks. They are used for covering external floating roofs as well as in replacing heavily corroded steel roofs. Aluminium dome roofs are light weight, esthetical all aluminium structures. They have significant benefits for tank owners. The API has also acknowledged the importance and relevance of this development by introducing a standard for aluminium dome roof structures (API 650 Appendix G). Any tank farm will benefit from these aluminium dome roofs by reducing vapour emissions, rainwater ingress and by eliminating future maintenance.

Aluminium dome Features:
- maintenance free, no need for blasting and painting.
- excellent water tightness, resulting in eliminating rain water ingress to the
  stored product.
- reduces emissions by shielding the floating roof from heat and direct sun light.
- compatible with all stored products, including 100% aromatics.
- light weight and free-span structure manufactured from aluminium and
   stainless steel.
- can be fitted on tanks in service with a minimum of modifications.
- expected service life in excess of 40 years.
- custom designed for each specific tank.
- easy installation, full installation manuals and project support available.
- complies fully with API 650 Appendix G standard.
- successfully used globally by many major oil and tank storage companies.
- realistic roof option for new storage tanks.
- can be designed for high wind- and snow loads.

Relevant standards
Aluminium domes are generally constructed according API 650 appendix G, the standard setting details for aluminium domes on storage tanks.. The requirements of this rigid set of standards usually exceed any local load or engineering standard .

Water and vapour tightness of an aluminium dome Aluminium Domes are not only fully water tight, but they can also be built vapour tight when vapour recovery or other operational needs require. Generally a dome is installed as a free vented roof. It is, however, possible to deal with Nitrogen blanketing or internal pressures up to 24” ( 600 mm .) of water column when fitting an aluminium dome roof.


Sliding bearing
To reduce radial reaction forces on the top course of the tank shell aluminium domes for storage tanks are typically equipped with a sliding bearing, including a low friction PTFE (Teflon®) pad.

Amuminium dome structure during construction

Bottom repair underneath an aluminium dome

Aluminium domes are an excellent alternative for steel roofs