The experts at Discus look at the challenges of internal floating roofs and how repurposing infrastructure can benefit the wider US ecomony
Domestic manufacturing is not just an ESG value-add, but a vital component to a sustainable fabrication strategy. The effects of repeated tariffs and tariff threats have caused considerable supply chain constraints on many suppliers, who were previously well-positioned to serve the major US oil companies.
Tariffs have driven up pricing for many in the US supply chain, and the ongoing volatility of tariffs is particularly harmful to US suppliers who rely on imported materials, or parts fabricated abroad.
Storage terminals maintain a critical function for the US energy industry. Liquid fuels dominate more than 40% of the tank storage market, and the industry looks forward to even greater expansion with the development and mandating of sustainable and renewable fuels. As science and emerging technology improve the liquids we use, new sustainable liquid products underscore the need for additional storage. Liquid storage capacity remains central to our future.
A big change is that the owners of aging infrastructure are not merely maintaining the systems in place. They are evolving by implementing new technologies that dramatically improve sustainability of the system itself. These changes are driven by economics, environmental policy, and the demands of an emergent circular economy.
Challenges To Internal Floating Roof Tanks
One of the biggest waste components with most internal floating roofs (IFRs) is their flotation technology; pontoons, honeycomb, or hollow panels. Enclosed flotation compartments trap vapor and liquid in service, requiring replacement throughout an IFR’s lifespan.
During a typical 10-year scheduled tank outage, owners expect that some, often many, enclosed compartments will need to be replaced. Purchasing new and disposing of old pontoons or compartments has historically been viewed as a necessary fact and the cost of doing business. But disposing of petroleum contaminated material produces an negative environmental impact, the very thing that IFRs are meant to reduce.
In response to this industry issue, Discus brought to market an IFR with no enclosed spaces to trap vapors, and in doing so, have eliminated the contaminated waste, cost, and tank downtime of replacing compartments.
Environmental And Economical Sustainability
The circular economy at Discus revolves around two core principles: reuse of materials and minimizing waste. The company involves renewable resources in manufacturing, utilizing both pre- and post-consumer recycled aluminum, with a design that is inherently conservative of materials and largely eliminates waste and wear components.
Eliminating enclosed flotation compartments, a known waste item, has helped Discus serve the major US pipeline and terminal companies and the refining sector, particularly those handling more aggressive liquids like high H2S crudes and ethanol products. The Discus OpenRaft is constructed with marine grade aluminum, which is inherently more corrosion resistant to H2S than steel, and works better in ethanol than 3000 series aluminum (which is the traditional IFR material). Discus has also maintained a disciplined commitment to American manufacturing, and domestic materials sourcing, reducing the company’s own carbon footprint and providing skilled jobs for American workers. While this is all easier said than done in an increasingly globalized world, Discus strongly believes in a broader approach to sustainability that addresses long-term business viability as well as community and environmental concerns.
The Discus circular economy is not only about building sustainable products, but also products that improve sustainability for our customers. The Discus OpenRaft IFR helps owners increase tank storage capacity without increasing emissions by combining a lower profile IFR with the EPA Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate, helping its customers get more with less is the smart and economical approach.
Value-oriented companies know that the right IFR can make or break tank marketing and profitability and they know that not all IFRs are created equal. The Discus OpenRaft is a vital part of new circular economy solutions right at an intersection of changing markets and a changing economy.
