INTERNAL FLOATING ROOFS (IFR’S) - VOC Emission Reduction for Storage Tanks - CTS Aluminium IFRs

Oct 29, 2026

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Internal floating roofs (IFR’s) for atmospheric storage tanks are presented as an effective source-reduction instrument to cut emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The document explains how skin and pontoon IFR designs use closed vapour-space saturation and effective seals to achieve typical emission reductions above 98%, classifying IFR’s as BAT/BACT. It details CTS aluminium and safety standards coverage, available seal arrangements and engineering aspects, and includes performance testing claims, efficiency, fitment constraints, and guidance on replacing corroded external floating roofs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Internal Floating Roofs (IFR’s)

VOC Emission Reduction

Aluminium IFRs, Standards and Safety

Features

Seal Arrangements

Engineering Aspects

Proven Efficiency

Replacing Corroded External Floating Roofs

Detailed Product Information

Full (Direct) Contact Honeycomb

INTERNAL FLOATING ROOFS INTERNAL FLOATING ROOFS (IFR’S) FOR STORAGE TANKS, PONTOON TYPE To reduce the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from atmospheric storage tanks internal floating roofs (IFR’s) are an effective instrument eliminating emissions at their source. Skin and pontoon IFR’s are using a light weight floating structure combined with a closed skin. By saturating the vapour space under the IFR combined with an effective seal the typical emission reduction is in excess of 98%. For this reason IFR’s are categorised as BACT (Best Available Control Technique). Aluminium IFR’s, standards and safety CTS’ Aluminium IFR’s are designed and constructed according all relevant international standards such as API 650 and/or EN14015 . Local or user requirements are of course also reviewed and covered. Also safety standards such as a.o. ATEX and NFPA and all emission requirements such as a.o. EPA (USA) and IPPC BREF (Europe) are fully covered from CTS as your supply partner. Features • Reducing emissions of VOC’s by more than 98%, and classified as BAT – Best Available Technique and BACT – Best Available Control technique on that basis by EPA (USA) and under the BREF (Best Reference Guide) Storage tanks (EU – IPPC, 2006) • Maintenance free • Compatible with all products stored, including 100% aromatics • Light weight structure manufactured from aluminium or stainless steel • Can be fitted in tanks with diameters between 6 and 120 meters • Service life expectation in excess of 30 years • Designed for each specific tank • Easy installation, full installation manuals and project support available • Compliant with all international (environmental) standards such as API, EN, BREF IPPC, EPA and specific requirements such as EEMUA, PGS 29 and VLAREM etc. • Successfully used by all reputed major oil and tank storage companies • Suitable for high filling and emptying rates as well as Nitrogen pigging and mixing operations • Can be equipped with several different seal designs in an extensive range of materials able to withstand 100% aromatics SYSTEMS AND PRODUCTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CARGO TRANSFER AND STORAGE INTERNAL FLOATING ROOFS INTERNAL FLOATING ROOFS (IFR’S) Seal arrangements There are several different seal arrangements available for internal floating roofs. Each seal has its own specific areas of service. Seal materials have to be reviewed and are subject to change depending on the product stored. The most common seals are: • Single wiper seal (economic choice) • Double wiper seal (economic choice) • Liquid mounted mechanical shoe plate seal (often combined with an independent rim mounted secondary seal) • Foam seal Engineering aspects Each IFR will be designed for the tank it has to be fitted in. CTS has developed sheets with all relevant engineering information. This includes amongst others the tank diameter, stored product, cleaning routines, pumping rates and pigging requirements. All IFR materials will fit through a 24” manhole. Proven efficiency Our IFR’s are extensively tested and monitored. Overall emission reductions will typically exceed 98% . Skin and pontoon IFR under construction, 70m diameter. Upon request details of these emission measurements can be made available. Replacing corroded external floating roofs Besides being used in fixed roof tanks an internal floating roof is an excellent alternative for replacing heavily corroded external floating roofs, when combined with an aluminium dome roof. This combination will eliminate rain water ingress, drain lines and extensive repairs such as blasting and painting, for a converted tank generating very low emissions compared to a steel external floating roof tank. This means that the gains go well beyond reducing only maintenance costs and out of service time! Detailed product information Obviously this leaflet could not address all details of our internal floating roofs. Ful

FAQs

How do internal floating roofs reduce VOC emissions from storage tanks?

They reduce emissions at the source by saturating the vapour space under the IFR and using effective seals. Typical emission reductions are stated to exceed 98%.

What standards and safety requirements are covered for CTS aluminium IFRs?

CTS aluminium IFRs are designed according to relevant international standards such as API 650 and/or EN14015. Safety standards like ATEX and NFPA and emission requirements such as EPA (USA) and IPPC BREF (Europe) are stated as covered.

What seal types are available for internal floating roofs?

The document lists single wiper seal, double wiper seal, liquid mounted mechanical shoe plate seal (often with an independent rim mounted secondary seal), and foam seal.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by fresh2021