Welded OpenRaft™

The DISCUS OpenRaft™ Welded AIFR is the first and only (we patented it) internal floating roof of it’s kind. Fully welded, open-compartment panels are field welded at the seams for the lowest emissions internal floating roof available anywhere. Because of our Strong-As-Steel design, the DISCUS OpenRaft does not need drains, keeping emissions as low as possible. This product establishes LAER – the Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate, and is suitable for use where that level of control technology is required.

The DISCUS OpenRaft™—an aluminum deck with the benefits of steel, plus the advantages of aluminum.

Complies with API H 6.2.2b “Metallic open-top bulk-headed internal floating cover with peripheral and distributed compartments for buoyancy, usually made of steel.”

• Stronger than any other aluminum floating roof
• Designed to be suspended
• Engineered to eliminate drains
• Supports and connections designed for 12.5psf
• Inherent corrosion resistance, especially to H2S and non-potable test waters

DISCUS Aluminum structural components have a yield strength of 35 ksi—compared to 36 ksi for A-36 steel.

• Panel frame: proprietary extrusion (35ksi yield)
• Panel skin: 1/16″ (0.063″) thick, marine grade (31ksi yield)
• Top splice: 3/16″ thick with (16) 1/2″ SS bolts
• Bottom splice (main): custom extrusion with (6) 3/8″ SS bolts
• Bottom splice (cross): 3/16″ thick flat bar with (6) 3/8″ SS bolts

The DISCUS multi-point chain suspension system is designed for 12.5 psf live load (same spec as steel IFRs).  Where many companies use cables to suspend IFRs, at DISCUS we prefer chains because:

• chains attach to the fixed roof without looping at the suspension point—looping is necessary with cables and weakens them
• chains don’t need cable clamps, which are oftentimes mis-rated or mis-used
• chains nest nicely under the suspension point, whereas cables can lose their memory if stretched and no longer coil under their suspension point, and may drape in the seal area

The DISCUS OpenRaft™ Bolted AIFR is the first and only (we patented it) internal floating roof of it’s kind. Comprised of welded, open-compartment panels, seams are fitted together in the field in a proprietary mechanical and chemical sealing process where bolted channels fit together to form an I-beam. This design is structurally as strong as steel, and when it comes to emissions it is second only to fully welded seams. In most cases the DISCUS bolted design has lower emissions than other welded IFRs. Because of our Strong-As-Steel design, the DISCUS OpenRaft™ does not need drains, keeping emissions as low as possible.

All DISCUS panels are shop tested pre-construction including 4″ water column on entire panel and vacuum box testing during installation. Due to our panel design, and construction protocol, DISCUS is the only IFR that can be fully compliant with API 650 H.6.4