Double seal with compression plates
The most commonly used solution in storage tanks. It consists of a primary and a secondary seal.
Storage Tank Seals (EFR and IFR Floating Roofs)
Modern sealing systems for maximum emission reduction and storage safety
Overview of Seal Categories
Techcom Serwis specializes in the design, supply, and installation of advanced sealing systems for external (EFR) and internal (IFR) floating roofs in storage tanks.
A key aspect of our seals is compliance with strict anti-electrostatic standards (according to PN-E-05204 or equivalent).
Key Applications and Benefits:
- Reduction of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions: Effective sealing of the space between the floating roof and the tank shell minimizes product evaporation by up to 95-98%.
- Product Protection: Preventing rainwater and contaminants from entering the stored medium.
- Increased Safety: Reducing the risk of forming explosive mixtures in the space above the liquid surface.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting legal requirements for environmental protection and technical safety.
- Long Lifespan: We use materials resistant to the stored medium, UV radiation, and weather conditions.
External Floating Roof (EFR) Seals
Pantograph-actuated seal
A system using a pantograph mechanism to ensure even pressure on the sealing material.
Liquid/Foam-filled seal (balloon)
A system with a flexible "balloon" filled with liquid or special foam.
Multi-Stage Floating Roof Seals (3-Stage System)
An innovative solution developed specifically for storage tanks with significant deviations from the designed cylindrical shape of the shell (up to 470 mm). The system consists of three sealing stages:
- Stage 1 - Primary Seal: Direct contact with the product, made of stainless steel and antistatic composites
- Stage 2 - Secondary Seal: Wiper seal with UV, water, and dust protection
- Stage 3 - Adaptive: F-K profile allowing compensation for deformations of several hundred mm
Application: tanks older than 10-15 years with large shell deformations, modernization without costly structural repairs.
Seal Water Drainage System
A dedicated system to eliminate hazards associated with standing rainwater on the secondary seal. It consists of:
- Collecting Gutters: Springs directing water from the seal surface
- Collection Points: Gravity drainage to the pontoon and the tank drainage system
- Materials: 100% stainless steel, antistatic, weather-resistant
Benefits: Protection against corrosion, water freezing, roof movement blockage, product contamination. Can be installed in new and existing tanks.
Internal Floating Roof (IFR) Seals
For internal floating roofs (aluminum or steel), we offer dedicated sealing systems:
Wiper Seals
Made of special materials resistant to abrasion and chemically compatible.
Foam Seals
Lightweight seals made of closed-cell polyethylene foam.
Rubber / Plastic Seals (Bulk Liquid Seals)
Flexible seals made of specially selected rubber or plastic compounds, resistant to the stored medium (e.g., gasoline, crude oil, chemicals). Available in various profiles and hardness levels.
Sealing Material Profiles
The flexible materials (wipers, membranes) used in our seals are produced from special plastic or rubber compounds, ensuring not only chemical resistance but also compliance with strict anti-electrostatic requirements (PN-E-05204). We offer profiles including:
Type F-Max
Industry standard for storage tank rim seal applications, exceptional flexibility and anti-electrostatic properties. Available from stock.
Type F
Standard profile for general applications, good flexibility.
Type I
Reinforced profile, optimized for larger loads and gaps.
Type L
Specially shaped profile, designed for harsh operating conditions and requiring high abrasion resistance.
Other profiles
Available on request, tailored to specific requirements.
Technical Specifications and Standards
All our sealing systems are designed and manufactured in accordance with the highest industry standards:
- Main Design Standards: PN-EN 14015:2010, API Standard 650 (appendices C and H).
- Antistatic Properties: Material compliance with PN-E-05204 or equivalent international standards (surface and volume resistivity).
- ATEX Directive: Metallic and conductive parts are properly bonded for potential equalization; non-conductive materials meet requirements for hazardous areas.
- Construction Materials: Galvanized steel, stainless steel (304, 316L), aluminum.
- Sealing Materials: Specialized rubbers (NBR, Viton®, EPDM), plastics (PTFE, polyurethane, polyethylene), selected for chemical and temperature resistance to the stored medium.
- Operating Temperature Range: Standard from -30°C to +80°C (other ranges available on request).
Detailed datasheets, material specifications, and declarations of conformity are available on request.
Product and Project Gallery
See examples of our sealing systems in various configurations and photos from projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Seals
The primary seal (lower) is the main sealing element, in direct contact or close to the liquid surface. Its purpose is to minimize evaporation. The secondary seal (upper) is mounted above the primary seal and provides an additional barrier for vapors and protects the primary seal from weather conditions.
The choice of the right seal depends on many factors: the type of floating roof (EFR/IFR), the type of stored product, the technical condition of the tank shell, emission reduction requirements, and budget. Our engineers will help you choose the optimal solution.
Modern seals are designed for minimal maintenance. However, we recommend regular visual inspections to assess the condition of the sealing materials, pressure elements, and connections. Detailed recommendations are provided in the technical documentation.
The lifespan of a seal depends on the system type, operating conditions, and the type of stored medium. Our seals are characterized by a long lifespan, often exceeding 10-15 years. We offer a warranty on our products.
Implementation Example
Modernization of a seal on a storage tank with an external floating roof
Challenge: The client faced the need to modernize outdated seals on 5 gasoline storage tanks (EFR) to meet new environmental standards.
Solution: Techcom Serwis designed, supplied, and installed complete double pantograph sealing systems. Materials resistant to gasoline and meeting anti-electrostatic requirements were used.
Results: VOC emission reduction by 97%, compliance with environmental requirements, increased operational safety, and client satisfaction with the quality of work.
Read more