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I. Concept, Structure, and Working Principle of Internal Floating Roof Tanks 1. Concept: Internal floating roof tanks are commonly used liquid storage devices that can store materials of Category A and Category B, including methanol, aromatics, solvent oils, etc., thereby ensuring the quality and safety of the stored liquids. It features a floating roof design that keeps the liquid level stable during storage, with the floating deck moving up and down as the liquid level changes. Internal floating roof storage tanks are mainly composed of a tank body, a floating roof, a sealing system, a level indication system, antistatic devices, fire protection devices, etc. 2. Structure: An internal floating roof tank consists of a tank body and a floating roof. The tank body mainly includes the tank bottom, tank walls, and tank top, while the floating roof is placed inside the tank. The floating roof is composed of a steel raft, sealing edges, sampling ports, breather valves, etc.; it can also use a corresponding level indication system to adjust the liquid level and maintain stability of the liquid surface. The sealing system of the storage tank is also an important component of internal floating roof storage tanks; it ensures that the stored liquid is protected from external influences, while also preventing the leakage of harmful substances such as toxic gases from the liquid. 3. Working principle: Internal floating roof storage tanks primarily rely on the upward and downward movement of the floating roof to adjust the liquid level inside the tank. As the liquid level stored in the tank rises, the floating roof rises as well and occupies more space; at the same time, the top of the tank also moves upward. As the liquid level drops, the floating roof also descends and occupies less space, and the tank top moves downward as well. The movement of the floating roof can also be adjusted through a level indication system to maintain a stable liquid level. 4. Advantages Internal floating roof storage tanks have the following advantages: They can effectively reduce the risk of external influences on the stored liquid, and ensure the quality of the liquid ； When storing flammable and explosive liquids, internal floating roof tanks can automatically adjust the height of the tank roof as the liquid level changes, thereby preventing accidents such as fires caused by fluctuations in the liquid level ； Internal floating roof tanks can also increase the effective volume for storing liquids, thereby improving storage efficiency. II. Common faults: During the operation of storage tanks, poor management can lead to serious problems such as tilted floating discs, stuck floating discs, and roof sinking. The reasons for the current failure of the floating disc or its sinking are as follows: 1. Floating disc failure – Gas or liquid leakage: Poor sealing of the floating disc allows gas or liquid to leak from the bottom or sides of the disc, disrupting the balance of buoyancy. Float disc wear or corrosion: After long-term use, the float disc may wear out or become corroded, losing its original buoyancy. Float disk jamming or blockage: Accumulated impurities, deposits, or other substances can cause the float disk to jam or get blocked, reducing its buoyancy effect. 2. Bottom settlement due to excessive fluid accumulation: When the liquid level in the tank is too high or exceeds the design limits, the floating disk may not be able to provide sufficient buoyancy, resulting in bottom settlement. Level control failure: Malfunctions in the level control system or operational errors can cause the level to exceed safe limits, resulting in flooding. Damage or failure of the floating disk: Damage, aging, or failure of the floating disk itself can prevent it from providing sufficient buoyant support, causing the tank top to sink. 3. Other reasons: Temperature changes: Changes in temperature cause the volume of the medium to expand or contract, which may lead to an imbalance in the buoyancy of the floating disc or its sinking. Operational errors: Mistakes or improper handling by the operators, such as overheating or excessive pressure, can lead to float disk failures or roof sinking. III. Safety Measures to Be Taken To prevent floating disk failures or roof collapse, chemical enterprises should take the following measures: 1. Regularly inspect and maintain the floating disks: Periodically check the sealing performance, integrity, and mobility of the floating disks, replace those that are damaged in a timely manner, and clean away impurities and deposits from the bottom of the floating disks. 2. Strengthen the level monitoring and alarm system: Regularly check the integrity of the installed level monitoring and alarm systems, monitor the liquid level in real time, and set appropriate alarm parameters. When the liquid level exceeds the safe range, an alarm is issued promptly and control measures are taken. 3. Train operators: Train operators to become familiar with the operating procedures and safety requirements for floating roof tanks, including proper level control, floating roof maintenance, and emergency response. 4. Regularly inspect the level control system: Periodically check the operating condition and accuracy of the level control system to ensure its proper functioning, and repair any faults promptly. Through the comprehensive application of the above measures, the risks of floating roof failures and roof submersion can be reduced, ensuring the safe operation of internal floating roof tanks as well as proper level control. At the same time, regular inspections, maintenance, and training are also crucial to ensure the reliability and security of the system.