BTE

12/2/11

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR

BTE HEAVY DUTY ALUMINIUM INTERNAL FLOATING ROOF (IFR)

WITH SHOE SEAL

FLOAT TESTING: Pontoons are pressure tested before shipment. We do not believe float testing is
required to check if the IFR will float. It may be necessary to float test the IFR to see that there are
no obstructions & that the IFR can freely travel from low to high level, although, prior to fitting an
IFR, a check should have been made to ensure that there are no obstructions to impede IFR travel.
If float testing is required, we suggest this is done with product, & not water. API650 H.6.4.3 states;
Because of possible corrosive effects, consideration shall be given to the quality of water used &
the duration of the test. Potable water is recommended. For aluminium & stainless steel floating
roofs, S.4.10 shall be followed.
FUNCTION: The function of the BTE Heavy Duty Aluminium Internal Floating Roof and Shoe Seal
system is to reduce evaporative loss of the stored liquid. The Shoe Seal system slides against the
tank wall as the roof is raised and lowered. The deck of BTE Heavy Duty Aluminium Internal
Floating Roof rises and falls with the liquid level and is supported by the pontoons above the liquid
surface.
DESIGN: BTE Heavy Duty Aluminium Internal Floating Roof is designed for a minimum Specific
Gravity of 0.7. Any change in product stored may affect the flotation of the Internal Floating Roof.
Check the Specific Gravity of the product before filling tank or contact BTE if unsure.
OPERATING ISSUES: Relative to regular tank assessment, please observe the following:

Is there any product, water or debris on the top of the Internal Floating Roof? If so, clean at
next scheduled maintenance period.
Examine that the anti-rotation and earth cables are secure. If not, tighten at next scheduled
maintenance period.
Avoid overfilling of product in tank. Use high level alarms or overflow vents to counteract this
problem.
If the inlet velocity is more than 1m/sec, install an inlet diffuser to reduce velocity.
Walking on the IFR under operating conditions is not recommended.
Pigging: If N2 pigging is used with N2 venting into the tank, a pigging diffuser together with
pigging & rim vents in the IFR should be used. Contact BTE or your local distributor for
further advice.

OUT OF SERVICE INSPECTIONS: Inspections should include but are not limited to the following:

Visual inspection of Rim Sealing device used. Check seal compatibility if product has
changed.
Inspect all connections for loose fasteners.
Inspect all components for corrosion.
Check pontoons for cracking or leaks.
Check roof drains for any blockages.
Check seals around all IFR penetrations.
Baillie Tank Equipment Pty Ltd. 7.11/247, Coward St. Mascot,
NSW, AUSTRALIA 2020 Ph: +61 2 9317-5900 Fax: +61 2 9317-5911
E-mail: Sydney@baillietank.com