The Primary Tube Type Roof Sealing System is a flexible sealing solution designed for use on external floating roofs to minimize the escape of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the annular space between the tank wall and the floating roof. It consists of an inflatable or foam-filled tube made of elastomeric or polymer-coated fabric material that is installed along the rim of the floating roof. The tube remains in constant contact with the tank shell, forming a compressible and adaptive barrier as the roof rises and falls with the liquid level.
This type of seal is often used as an economical alternative to more complex systems like mechanical shoe seals, particularly in storage tanks with low to moderate vapor pressure products.
Flexible & Adaptable: Conforms to irregularities in tank wall roundness and weld seams.
Easy to Install & Replace: Lightweight, modular components reduce installation time and cost.
Continuous Contact Seal: Maintains consistent contact with the tank wall across the entire circumference.
Cost-Effective: Lower material and labor costs compared to mechanical sealing systems.
Low Mechanical Complexity: No moving parts reduce wear and tear.
Corrosion Resistant: Materials used are generally non-metallic and resistant to chemical exposure.
Primary Tube Seal – Either foam-filled or inflatable tubular elastomeric design
Storage of diesel, kerosene, and other low to moderate volatility liquids
Crude oil tanks in moderate climates
Petrochemical and water treatment storage tanks
Tanks where retrofitting or replacement is required with minimal downtime
Oil & Gas
Petrochemical
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Terminals & Tank Farms
Refineries
| Feature | Specification / Options |
|---|---|
| Seal Type | Primary Tube Seal – Foam-filled or Inflatable |
| Tube Diameter | Typically 150–300 mm (custom sizes available) |
| Tube Material | Elastomer-coated fabric (e.g., Neoprene, Nitrile, EPDM, PTFE-coated) |
| Foam Core (if applicable) | Closed-cell polyethylene or polyurethane |
| Tank Diameter Range | Up to 130 meters |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C (custom materials for extreme conditions available) |
| Seal Compression | 10–25% of tube diameter to ensure contact and sealing |
| Mounting System | Clamp, bracket, or track system on floating roof |
| Compliance | API 650 (Appendix H), API 652, EPA 40 CFR Part 60 (NSPS), ISO 28300 |
Roof Preparation: Clean and inspect floating roof rim.
Seal Attachment: Tube is mounted along the rim using brackets or clamping hardware.
Foam-Filled Variant: Pre-shaped foam inserts are placed inside the fabric tube and compressed against the tank wall.
Inflatable Variant: Air is injected and pressure maintained to create contact tension.
Visual Inspection: Check for abrasions, material fatigue, or detachment every 6–12 months.
Pressure Checks (for inflatable types): Ensure inflation is maintained; repair any leaks.
Seal Material Replacement: Replace when outer shell degrades or foam loses compression (typically after 5–7 years).
Cleaning: Clean debris build-up to avoid abrasion and improve longevity.
Reduces VOC Emissions: Prevents escape of vapors from the tank’s perimeter space.
Supports Environmental Compliance: Helps meet Clean Air Act, EU VOC directives, and ISO 14001 targets.
Prevents Product Loss: Minimizes evaporation of stored products, conserving resources.
Lightweight Materials: Low carbon footprint in manufacturing and transport.
Passive Operation: No external power needed.
Minimal Waste: Modular components allow partial replacement rather than full system overhaul.
Not suitable for high-volatility products (e.g., gasoline, benzene) where tight sealing is critical.
UV and chemical degradation can reduce seal effectiveness if materials are not properly selected or maintained.
