Internal floating roof transfer tank system

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved transfer tank having a improved internal floating roof with special vapor sealing features, and wherein the tank ranges in storage size from 750 to 5000 barrels.

Claims

1. A liquid transfer tank, comprising: an internal floating roof disposed within a cylindrical shell wall, the internal floating roof comprising a horizontal circular deck, a vertical sidewall attached around a circumferential periphery of the rigid horizontal circular deck, and extending perpendicularly from the horizontal circular deck, the vertical sidewall in operative contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical shell wall; the cylindrical shell wall having a bottom floor plate attached to a lower portion of the cylindrical shell wall, and a cone-shaped fixed roof attached to an upper portion of the cylindrical shell wall, wherein the cylindrical shell wall comprises welded steel panels, wherein the cylindrical shell wall is single walled or double walled, and wherein the cylindrical shell wall has an internal lining on an inner surface of the cylindrical shell wall, wherein the liquid transfer tank has a height governor attached to the inner surface of the upper interior portion of the cylindrical shell wall adjacent the fixed roof to prevent the internal floating roof from rising too far and making contact with the fixed roof, wherein the height governor comprises one or more cables or shelf units, a first manway mounted on a lower portion of the cylindrical shell wall providing access to a lower interior space within the cylindrical shell wall, a roof port/sleeve extending from an upper interior space within the cylindrical shell wall through the fixed roof, a second manway mounted to a center region of the horizontal circular deck of the internal floating roof, the second manway having a removable cover; a plurality of bulkhead spoke members mounted on the horizontal circular deck and extending vertically in the same direction perpendicularly as the vertical sidewall, the bulkhead spoke members extending horizontally and disposed between the second manway and the vertical sidewall at regular intervals; at least one mechanical wiper disposed on the outer surface of the vertical sidewall providing an operational seal with the inner surface of the shell wall; a pressure vent mounted on the circular deck of the internal floating roof, the pressure vent comprising a sleeve that extends through the horizontal circular deck connecting the upper interior space with the lower interior space, and a gasketed pipe disposed within the sleeve, a bleeder valve caps the gasketed pipe; a second gasketed sleeve that extends through the horizontal circular deck connecting the upper interior space with the lower interior space; a ladder extends vertically from the bottom floor plate through the second gasketed sleeve of the horizontal circular deck and continuing vertically through the roof port/sleeve of the fixed roof, the ladder configured to prevent the horizontal circular deck from rotating about a vertical axis; and an inlet pipe mounted on the lower portion of the cylindrical shell wall and configured to load liquid into the lower interior space, wherein the inlet pipe is fitted with a diffuser element that causes liquid to spray during loading, a serial connection port mounted in the lower portion of the cylindrical shell wall to connect multiple adjacent tanks, and comprising a hatbox vent explosion proof vent in the fixed roof and a plurality of downward facing side wall vents mounted on the upper portion of the cylindrical shell wall to allow the internal floating roof to move up and down without creating a vacuum and to allow vapor to discharge freely, and a square access door mounted in the lower portion of the cylindrical shell wall; and, comprising a removable deck leg, the deck leg removably connecting the internal floating roof to the bottom floor plate.

2. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the circular deck is from 10 to 20 feet in diameter.

3. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the rigid vertical sidewall is from 6 to 36 inches in height above the IFR deck.

4. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the bulkhead spoke members are 4 to 9 feet in length from an outer surface of the manway hub to the vertical sidewall.

5. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one mechanical wiper comprises two mechanical wipers, wherein a first of the two mechanical wipers disposed on an upper portion of the outer surface of the vertical sidewall, said upper portion distal from the IFR deck, and a second of the two mechanical wipers disposed on a lower portion of the outer surface of the vertical sidewall, said lower portion proximal to the IFR deck.

6. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one mechanical wiper comprises two mechanical wipers, wherein both of the two mechanical wipers are disposed on an upper portion of the outer surface of the vertical sidewall, said upper portion distal from the IFR deck.

7. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one mechanical wiper comprises two mechanical wipers, wherein both of the two mechanical wipers are disposed on a lower portion of the outer surface of the vertical sidewall, said lower portion proximal to the IFR deck.

8. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels.

9. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0.

10. The liquid transfer tank of claim 1, wherein the liquid transfer tank is a removable storage tank, configured for addition to a tank storage yard and for removal and re-allocation to a new location using a moving truck and crane.

11. A method of providing a movable liquid transfer tank, comprising: providing the liquid transfer tank of claim 1; re-locating the liquid transfer tank with an expandable tank cluster within a storage tank yard, wherein relocating is selected from adding the liquid transfer tank using a moving truck and crane to the expandable tank cluster within the storage tank yard, and removing the liquid transfer tank using a moving truck and crane from the expandable tank cluster within the storage tank yard.

12. A system for re-allocating modular storage tanks, comprising: An array of a plurality of the liquid transfer tank of claim 1 within a tank storage yard, wherein each of the plurality of liquid transfer tanks is a removable storage tank, configured for addition to a tank storage yard and for removal and re-allocation to a new location using a moving truck and crane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an elevation view of one preferred embodiment of an improved transfer tank.

(2) FIG. 2 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of an improved transfer tank.

(3) FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an improved internal floating roof.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of an improved internal floating roof.

(5) FIG. 5 is a top view of the deck, bulkheads, and sidewall of an improved internal floating roof.

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an improved internal floating roof.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an improved internal floating roof.

(8) FIG. 8 is a close-up partial perspective view of the deck, bulkheads, and sidewall of an improved internal floating roof.

(9) FIG. 9 is a line drawing showing the intersection of the shell and the roof.

(10) FIG. 10 is a line drawing showing the intersection of the shell and the bottom.

(11) FIG. 11 is a line drawing of a top view of the bottom.

(12) FIG. 12 is a line drawing showing a sectional half of the bottom.

(13) FIG. 13 is a line drawing of the top of the roof.

(14) FIG. 14 is a line drawing showing a sectional half of the roof.

(15) FIG. 15 is a line drawing showing a pre-weld sectional half of the roof.

(16) FIG. 16 is a series of line drawings of a circular manway port in the sidewall (shell) of the tank.

(17) FIG. 17 is a line drawing showing a tank with a shell manway with the cover open.

(18) FIGS. 18A and 18B is a series of line drawings of a port in the shell.

(19) FIG. 19 is a drawing of a port with coupling in the shell near the bottom.

(20) FIG. 20 is a line drawing of a detail of a coupling in the shell.

(21) FIG. 21 is a line drawing showing a cross-sectional view of a tank with the internal anti-rotation device mounted within a cone platform near the bottom and extending vertically within the tank and extending through the roof deck.

(22) FIG. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D is a series of line drawings of a manway port in the roof deck.

(23) FIG. 23 is a series of line drawings of a pressure (bleeder) vent having a pipe extending from a notched portion near the bottom through a gasketed portion of the internal floating roof to a position raised above the IFR deck.

(24) FIGS. 24A and 24B is a series of line drawings of the overflow vent mounted in the shell near the roof.

(25) FIGS. 25A and 25B is a series of line drawings of the roof manway.

(26) FIG. 26 is a line drawing of the deck legs attached to the bottom within the tank for securing the IFR during transport.

(27) FIG. 27 is a line drawing comparing a cluster of improved transfer tanks next a traditional large storage tank.

(28) FIG. 28 is a line drawing of a cluster of improved transfer tanks.

(29) FIG. 29 is a line drawing of a crane inserting a new tank within a cluster of improved transfer tanks.

(30) FIG. 30 is a line drawing of a cluster of tanks having a variety of sizes store within a single spill yard.

(31) FIG. 31 is a line drawing of an improved transfer tank being transported by truck.

(32) FIG. 32 is a line drawing of an improved transfer tank being lifted by crane into position.

(33) FIG. 33 is a line drawing of a single tank showing the square maintenance manway port in an open position with the cover removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(34) The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

(35) Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

(36) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the full scope of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(37) The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

(38) Internal floating roof (IFR) refers to a disk-shaped structure within a storage tank or transfer tank having roughly the same diameter as the tank, and having the ability to float on top of the stored liquid and rise or lower vertically with the differing volumes of liquid being stored. This helps achieve a no-vapor zone. The objective of the IFR is to minimize or completely eliminate the potentially gaseous zone above stored liquid, both as a safety feature and to reduce corrosion of vaporous oxidizing elements on the inside of the tank.

(39) Anti-rotation device (ARD) refers to a pipe ladder that runs vertically from the interior floor of the tank through the internal floating roof, and exiting through a port/sleeve in the roof of the tank. This structure prevents the IFR from rotating and thus avoids generating the friction and possible sparking of prior designs.

(40) Manway refers to a sealed port for accessing a transfer tank or storage tank.

(41) Mechanical shoe seal/wiper refers to an annular device on the outer rim of the IFR that provides a seal between the IFR and the inner surface of the shell of the tank. The taller profile sidewalls of the inventive rigid IFR provides superior sealing abilities.

(42) Deck legs refers to hold-down devices for securing the internal floating roof during transport. Since the inventive tanks are portable, unlike traditional tanks, the deck legs prevent damage to the IFR or the tank shell.

(43) Cluster refers to a close array of inventive tanks as disclosed herein with a single location, Tank are generally installed within a distance ranging from 1-3 tank-diameters. But they may be spaced from 1-10 tank diameters as contemplated herein, unless claimed as smaller.

(44) Array refers to a systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns. An example of an array is a matrix which is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions.

(45) A floating roof storage tank refers generally to a solid cylindrical outer wall covered by a solid dome-shaped roof. A floating roof is held within the volume defined by the outer wall and roof. The floating roof extends over the liquid contents held within the volume, and forms a vapor seal around the internal circumference of the cylindrical wall. The height within the tank at which the floating roof is positioned varies according to the amount of liquid being stored within the tank and the rate at which the liquid is pumped out of the tank.

(46) Full-contact floating roofs have the vapor retention membrane on the liquid surface. Full-contact floating roofs do not have a vapor space underneath the membrane and are an improved method of controlling evaporation losses and minimizing explosive mixtures. These are an improvement over Vapor-space floating roofs that typically have a plurality of buoyant members supporting an impervious membrane above the liquid surface. Any mechanical joints, seams or holes in the membrane can leak vapors from the vapor space below the membrane to the ambient atmosphere above the membrane. Leaks in the membrane allow vapors to escape from the entire reservoir of vapors under the floating roof

(47) Full contact floating roof includes two broad categories: monolithic and segmented. Monolithic full contact floating roofs are constructed inside the vessel in one large unit with no mechanical joints, seams or breaks in the part of the roof in contact with the product. One example of this design is an all welded steel floating roof resembling a frying pan. The edge of this style pan roof is high enough so that liquid cannot flood over the top edge and sink the roof. Segmented full contact floating roofs are shop fabricated into modules that are field assembled inside the vessel. Each segment typically comprises a composite panel with edge closures that facilitate assembly. A composite panel is a structural component comprising two strong relatively thin skins (usually metallic) separated by and bonded to a lightweight material of a thickness usually many times greater than the thickness of the skins. For segmented full contact floating roofs, the skins are commonly aluminum of 0.015 to 0.050 inches thick and the core is commonly 11/2 to 3 thick polyurethane foam or 11/2 to 3 thick aluminum honeycomb made from 0.003 to 0.005 thick aluminum foil in to 1 hexagonal cells.

(48) During normal operation of storage vessels containing liquids, static electric charges are generated. These charges can be anywhere in or on the liquid surface. If the liquid or vapor is flammable, these static electric charges must be conducted safely to ground to avoid a spark and possible explosion.

(49) Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(50) Referring now to FIG. 1, is an elevation view of one preferred embodiment of an improved transfer tank. FIG. 1 an elevation view of transfer tank 102 having roof 104, tank shell 110, internal floating roof 108, and bottom 106. FIG. 1 also shows outflow vent 122, anti-rotation device 119 for the IFR, and roof port/sleeve 124. FIG. 1 shows the internal floating roof 108 having tall sidewall 232, pressure (bleeder) vent 121, and the anti-rotation device (ARD), with wipers 231 at the circumference edge, and IFR deck 234.

(51) FIG. 2 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of an improved transfer tank. FIG. 2 shows the orientation of the roof manway 124 relative to roof coupling 128 and hoist pegs 127. The 30 shell manway 113 is sen although not part of the roof. Outflow vent locations 122, roof coupling 123, and the ARD 119 rooftop extension is set within manway 124.

(52) FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an improved internal floating roof. FIG. 3 shows pressure vent 114, IFR deck manway 115, bulkheads 112, the gauge/ladder 214/215 that is part of ARD 119, and the ladder/ARD seal gasketed sleeve 216.

(53) FIG. 4 is a top view of an improved internal floating roof 108. FIG. 4 shows IFR deck port/sleeve 120, gauge hatch/ladder 119 (ARD), bleeder vent 121, and bulkheads 112.

(54) FIG. 5 is a top view of the deck 120, bulkheads 112, and sidewall 232 of an improved internal floating roof 108 before the bleeder vent 121, ARD 119, and deck manway 115 are installed.

(55) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an improved internal floating roof. FIG. 6 shows mechanical shoe seal/wiper 231 in operative contact with shell 110. IFR deck 234 and bulkheads 112 are shown connecting to central IFR deck manway 115.

(56) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an improved internal floating roof 108. FIG. 7 shows hub 225 connecting bulkheads 12 to tall sidewall 232. Sleeve 222 and ARD hatch structure gasketed port/sleeve 216 is shown attached to deck 234 of the IFR.

(57) FIG. 8 is a close-up partial perspective view of the deck 234, bulkheads 112, and sidewall 232 of an improved internal floating roof 108 with hub 225 connecting the bulkheads 112.

(58) FIG. 9 is a line drawing showing the intersection of the shell 110 and the roof 104. Splice 107 made be optionally used to connect the roof to the outside wall 129 of shell 110.

(59) FIG. 10 is a line drawing showing the intersection of the shell 110 and the bottom 106, with the inside wall 130 of the shell 110.

(60) FIG. 11 is a line drawing of a top view of the bottom 106 and shows a center weld for two hemispheric halves.

(61) FIG. 12 is a line drawing showing a sectional half 109 of the bottom plate 106.

(62) FIG. 13 is a line drawing of the top of the roof 104. FIG. 13 shows roof deck 393, roof cone cut 11, and roof elevation 394.

(63) FIG. 14 is a line drawing showing a cone-cut sectional half 395 of the roof 104.

(64) FIG. 15 is a line drawing showing a pre-weld sectional half 396 of the roof 104.

(65) FIG. 16 is a series of line drawings of a circular manway port 113 in the sidewall (shell) 110 of the tank 102. FIG. 16 shows cover 21 and hinge 240 of manway port 113. FIG. 13 also shows handle 243, gasket coupling 242, and the manway 113 relative to the bottom plate 106.

(66) FIG. 17 is a line drawing showing a tank 102 with a shell manway 113 with the cover 241 open.

(67) FIG. 18 is a series of line drawings of a port/pipe fitting 116 in the shell 110. FIG. 18 also shows pipe 250, cover 252, and the fitting 116 relative to the bottom plate 106.

(68) FIG. 19 is a drawing of another example of a port/pipe fitting 116 with pipe 250, and coupling 252 in the shell 10 near the bottom 106.

(69) FIG. 20 is a line drawing of another example of a detail of a coupling 252 for a pipe 250 in the shell 110.

(70) FIG. 21 is a line drawing showing a cross-sectional view of a tank 102 with the internal anti-rotation device 119 mounted to the floor of the tank. An optional a cone support platform 117 near the bottom can support deck legs or a shelf. Drip pan 125 is shown near ARD roof hatch 214, and gasket 311. Thru hole 272 is seen in pipe 270 which is part of ARD 119. Ladder 215 has rungs 271 connected by rung connectors 273. Internal floating roof 108 shows IFR deck manway 115, and ladder seal 216. Shelf 280 in cone support 117 can optionally house the IFR ARD footer 281.

(71) FIG. 22 is a series of line drawings of a manway port 120 in the roof deck 393. FIG. 22 shows handle 290, gasket 291, bolts 292, and coupling 293.

(72) FIG. 23 is a series of line drawings of a pressure (bleeder) vent 121 having a pipe 221 extending from a notched portion 223 near the bottom 106 through a gasketed portion 224 of the internal floating roof 108 to a position raised above the IFR deck 234. Sidewall 232 connects to deck 234, and seal 226 removes any gaps.

(73) FIG. 24 is a series of line drawings of the overflow vent 122 mounted in the shell 110 near the roof 104 of tank 102. Seal 301 and wire screen 302 are shown with outflow vent 122.

(74) FIG. 25 is a series of line drawings of the roof manway 124. FIG. 25 shows roof 104 in vertical elevation view with handles 310, gasket 311, cover 312, bolts 313, and coupling sleeve 314.

(75) FIG. 26 is a line drawing of the deck legs 126 attached to the bottom 106 within the tank for securing the IFR 108 during transport. FIG. 26 shows shell 110 with shell connection 323 ataching lateral support 325 to pipe 320. IFR connection 324 and bolts 326 connect the IFR deck 234 to the deck legs 126. Footer 322 is attached to bottom 106. Deck legs are removed during operation/use of the tank as a storage container.

(76) FIG. 27 is a line drawing comparing a cluster of improved transfer tanks next a traditional large storage tank.

(77) FIG. 28 is a line drawing of a cluster 131 of improved transfer tanks.

(78) FIG. 29 is a line drawing of a crane inserting a new tank within a cluster 131 of improved transfer tanks.

(79) FIG. 30 is a line drawing of a cluster 131 of tanks having a variety of sizes store within a single spill yard.

(80) FIG. 31 is a line drawing of an improved transfer tank 102 being transported by truck.

(81) FIG. 32 is a line drawing of an improved transfer tank 102 being lifted by crane into position.

(82) FIG. 33 is a line drawing of a single tank 102 showing an example of square maintenance manway port in an open position with the cover removed.

(83) One or more access ports or doorways are formed in the roof or outer wall of the tank. Persons may enter the vapor space through such access port(s) to service the tank, the floating roof and any equipment housed inside the tank.

(84) Special precautions are taken when introducing equipment into the internal volume of the floating roof storage tank when the tank volume holds a flammable liquid, such as gasoline. Measures are taken to prevent sparks and associated combustion of flammable vapors. Measures are also taken to minimize the amount of time the seal between the flammable liquid and the vapor space above the floating roof is broken to prevent substantial amounts of flammable vapors from being emitted into the vapor space.

(85) The floating roof frequently is provided with an opening or hatchway for access to the internal tank volume under the floating roof. That hatchway is covered with a hatch door that is sealed when closed to prevent unintended release of vapors. The hatch door also may be provided with grounding means to minimize the possibility of a spark.

(86) Floating roof storage tanks are inspected at regular intervals to locate cracks, corrosion or other defects that might lead to tank failure. Environmental protection regulations specify the frequency and recommended procedures for inspecting tanks for structural integrity.

(87) Assembly

(88) The transfer tanks herein are assembled using the following steps:

(89) 1. The tank bottom is cut from two pieces of welded steel to form a circular plate. This circular plate must be a nearly perfect circle. The plates can be welded before or after, but preferably are cut after being welded together to avoid offsetting during the welding of the two hemispheres.

(90) 2. The first portion of the shell wall is attached to the bottom plate, creating an open cylinder.

(91) 3. Deck support leg(s) are welded to the floor/bottom plate.

(92) 4. A second rigid circular plate is constructed, again being nearly a perfect circle and having a diameter slightly less then the inner diameter of the cylinder formed in step. 2.

(93) 5. The second circular plate has a vertical side wall is attached around the circumference, the vertical sidewall has one or more annular seals attached to the its outer surface, bulkhead support beams are attached to the surface (deck) of the second circular plate, and the bulkheads connect the vertical sidewall to a manway located at the hub of the second circular plate, form the initial internal floating roof.

(94) 6. A gasketed container is attached to the deck of the IFR between the bulkheads, the container has an opening at the bottom through the deck, and a pressure valve at also attached to the deck between the bulkheads, and has a pipe that communicates with the space below the plate and the above the plate, similar to the gasketed port/sleeve, forming the finished structure of the internal floating roof.

(95) 7. The internal floating roof is then hoisted into the shell cylinder, and is attached to the deck support legs, leaving a space below.

(96) 8. One or more manways and ports are cut into the shell, to access the cavity formed by the IFR mounted within the shell cylinder.

(97) 9. An anti-rotation device, such as a pipe or ladder or modified cylinder, to prevent the IFR from rotating while in operation inside the tank, is inserted into the gasketed port/sleeve, and is welded to the floor of the tank.

(98) 10. The remaining shell panels are installed until the desired height is obtained.

(99) 11. A fix roof is then attached to the top of the shell. The roof can be conical, but also requires a second gasketed port/sleeve to receive and secure the top portion of the anti-rotation device.

(100) 12. Additional sealed ports and vents are added to comply with API 650 standards for emission safe tanks.

(101) 13. To prevent the IFR from rising too far and making contact with the roof, optional cables or a top shelf can be deployed across the top portion of the highest shell stack adjacent the roof

(102) 14. In most instances, the inside of the first stack requires prepping and coating with a protective coating common in the industry.

(103) 15. One important optional feature is an inlet loading port having a diffuser attached at the inside end of the pipe. When liquids are loaded, they are frequently loaded at a very high rate since the loading employees are often paid based on speed/volume, but this can cause problems. One problems is that liquids at high force can leak through the IFR seal and flood the deck pan of the IFR, defeating the purpose of the IFR. Another problem is that poorly loaded liquids can cause suspended components in the liquids to settle out or separate. This is a hazard. Accordingly, a diffuser such as a pipe having radiator holes or a pipe fitting that causes the liquid to spray during loading will be the liquid subcomponents mixed and suspended.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

(104) A full contact internal floating roof for a transfer tank has a rigid horizontal circular deck; a rigid vertical sidewall attached around the circumferential periphery of the circular deck, the sidewall extending perpendicularly from the circular deck; a rigid circular manway hub attached to a center region of the circular deck, the rigid circular manway hub having a removable cover; a plurality of bulkhead spoke members mounted on the deck and extending vertically in the same direction perpendicularly as the sidewall, the bulkhead spoke members extending horizontally and connecting the manway hub to the vertical sidewall at regular intervals; at least one mechanical wiper disposed on the outer surface of the vertical sidewall for providing an operational seal with an inner shell wall of a transfer tank; a pressure vent mounted on the deck, the pressure vent comprising a sleeve that extends through the deck, and a gasketed pipe disposed within the sleeve, a bleeder valve caps the pipe; a rigid gasketed sleeve mounted on the deck, the gasketed sleeve extends through the deck providing a sealed aperture through the deck; an anti-rotation device extending vertically from a floor of the transfer tank through the gasketed sleeve of the circular deck and continuing vertically through a roof of the transfer tank, the anti-rotation device configured to have a cross-sectional shape operatively matching a cross-sectional shape of the gasketed sleeve, wherein the circular deck is prevented from rotating about a vertical axis.

Example 2

(105) A full contact internal floating roof for a transfer tank has a rigid horizontal circular deck; a rigid vertical sidewall attached around the circumferential periphery of the circular deck, the sidewall extending perpendicularly from the circular deck; a rigid circular manway hub attached to a center region of the circular deck, the rigid circular manway hub having a removable cover; a plurality of bulkhead spoke members mounted on the deck and extending vertically in the same direction perpendicularly as the sidewall, the bulkhead spoke members extending horizontally and connecting the manway hub to the vertical sidewall at regular intervals; at least one mechanical wiper disposed on the outer surface of the vertical sidewall for providing an operational seal with an inner shell wall of a transfer tank; a pressure vent mounted on the deck, the pressure vent comprising a sleeve that extends through the deck, and a gasketed pipe disposed within the sleeve, a bleeder valve caps the pipe; a rigid gasketed sleeve mounted on the deck, the gasketed sleeve extends through the deck providing a sealed aperture through the deck; an anti-rotation device extending vertically from a floor of the transfer tank through the gasketed sleeve of the circular deck and continuing vertically through a roof of the transfer tank, the anti-rotation device configured to have a cross-sectional shape operatively matching a cross-sectional shape of the gasketed sleeve, wherein the circular deck is prevented from rotating about a vertical axis; and wherein the IFR deck comprises a removable deck leg, the deck leg removably connecting the internal floating roof to the tank to prevent movement of the internal floating roof during transportation of the tank.

Example 3

(106) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof , the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0.

Example 4

(107) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof, the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions are 32 feet in height and 15.5 feet in diameter.

Example 5

(108) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof , the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, wherein the circular deck is 20 feet in diameter.

Example 6

(109) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof, the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and wherien the IFR has a rigid vertical sidewall 12 to 30 inches in height above the IFR deck.

Example 7

(110) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof , the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and wherein the IFR has a rigid vertical sidewall 12 to 30 inches in height above the IFR deck, and wherein the IFR has two mechanical wipers disposed on an outer surface of the vertical sidewall.

Example 8

(111) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof , the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and wherein the IFR has a rigid vertical sidewall 12 to 30 inches in height above the IFR deck, and wherein the IFR has one or two mechanical wipers disposed on an outer surface of the vertical sidewall, and wherein the anti-rotation device is configured to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, e.g. to accommodate a vertical ladder support assembly as part of the anti-rotation device where the ladder that travels through a gasketed port/sleeve in the deck of the IFR.

Example 9

(112) A liquid transfer tank has a shell wall and a full-contact floating roof having an anti-rotation device and having transportation deck legs, the IFR designed to move vertically within the tank, float upon the surface of product stored in the tank, the tank having: a cone-shaped roof , the cone-shaped roof having a roof manway, the roof manway having the anti-rotation device disposed there through; a cylindrical shell wall connecting the cone-shaped roof to a tank bottom panel, the shell wall having a circular first manway disposed therethough, and having a rectilinear second manway disposed therethrough, wherein the tank ranges in storage capacity from 750 to 5000 barrels, and wherein the tank dimensions have a height to diameter ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and wherein the IFR has a rigid vertical sidewall 12 to 30 inches in height above the IFR deck, and wherein the IFR has one or two mechanical wipers disposed on an outer surface of the vertical sidewall, and wherein the anti-rotation device is configured to have either a cylindrical cross-sectional shape e.g. cylinder having a ladder steps on or within the cylinder, or an irregular curvilinear cross-sectional shape, e.g. where the ladder has one larger diameter vertical cylinder attached by rungs to a smaller diameter vertical cylinder, or an irregular rectilinear cross-sectional shape shape, e.g. an L-shaped ladder, or other ladder or support shape that functions with the IFR to travel vertically and provides the anti-rotation purpose of the ARD device where the support that travels through a gasketed port/sleeve in the deck of the IFR from the bottom to the roof of the tank.

(113) The references recited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety, particularly as they relate to teaching the level of ordinary skill in this art and for any disclosure necessary for the commoner understanding of the subject matter of the claimed invention. It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined by the scope of the following claims and their equitable Equivalents.