Differences between internal floating roof tanks and external floating roof tanks
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Why are larger crude oil tanks generally equipped with external floating roofs? Instead of an internal floating roof? What’s the difference? Are there safety or cost considerations?
When using an internal floating roof, the medium needs to be relatively clean, and it is suitable for media with lower viscosity.
2louder’s answer is correct; internal floating roofs are all equipped with light oil
Internal floating roof tanks require a vaulted cover. For larger tanks, manufacturing such a cover is more difficult and costly. Generally, tanks with a capacity of less than 10,000 cubic meters use a ribbed structure for their covers, while tanks with a capacity of over 20,000 cubic meters employ a mesh shell structure; currently, the largest mesh shell structures can handle tanks with a capacity of up to 30,000 cubic meters. Crude oil tanks are relatively large; external floating roof tanks are generally used, and capacities of up to 150,000 cubic meters are now achievable.