The geodesic dome roof has become an important API 650 tank equipment, replacing conventional carbon steel conical roofs in several applications.
The first aluminum geodesic dome roofs (ADR) were installed in the late 1970s in the USA to protect external floating roofs (EFR) from weathering, particularly snow and ice.
Soon, operators realized that operational safety are also mitigated improved, as 70% of tank fires occur on EFR tanks (see RGA). Evaporations are also mitigated mitigated (about 30% compared to EFR), as the wind has a strong influence on evaporations.
The aluminum geodesic dome roof complies with API 650, appendix G.
Aluminum geodesic domes have been incorporated to support external floating roof tanks on numerous occasions, not only to prevent rainwater entry and reduce VOC emissions, but also to substantially reduce system maintenance costs.
This kind of roof offers a lightweight structure, self-supporting, and corrosion-free. Its quick and easy assembly provides total safety and speeds up project implementation times.
Our geodesic dome roof has the best cost-benefit ratio in the market.
Among the advantages of a Dome versus an external conical steel roof, we can mention:
In spite of the low initial costs that a conical roof might have, the maintenance costs and higher risks in the long term, have led operators to the massive use of the Dome.
Lower maintenance cost
Corrosion-free
No service tank removal required
No hot work required
Lower incidental risks
Shorter erection time
Increased tank capacity
Elimination of columns
Fully automated manufacturing process with great production capacity, high precision using CNC machinery and reduced manufacturing times
Design process supported by a strong engineering team committed to provide the best solution in terms of structural performance and cost
One-piece, seamless panels (G.4.2.3.1 "Roof panels shall be of one-piece aluminum sheet")
Batten bar bolts do not penetrate panels and structural beam simultaneously
Both the structural beams and the sliding dome supports are made of extruded aluminum. In particular, we do not use supports made of several parts welded together. They have to withstand a lot of stresses, as they transfer the stresses of the dome onto the tank shell. It is well known that welding weakens the parts. That is why it is necessary to have the supports made of a single piece of extruded aluminum