What specific gravity must pontoon type floating roofs maintain to remain afloat?

What specific gravity must pontoon type floating roofs maintain to remain afloat?

• A. 1.0
• B. .87
• C. .85
• D. .70

Answer: (D)

To remain afloat, pontoon type floating roofs must maintain a specific gravity that is lower than the specific gravity of the liquid they are floating on. A specific gravity of 1.0 indicates a balance between the weight of the liquid and the weight of the object, meaning that the object neither sinks nor floats. A specific gravity of 0.70 allows pontoon type floating roofs to effectively float on a wide range of liquid products, as most petroleum products have a specific gravity greater than 0.70. By being lighter than the liquid, the floating roof can effectively reduce vapor emissions and prevent contamination. This principle is essential for the proper functioning of floating roofs. They must displace enough liquid to float while maintaining structural integrity. Choices indicating higher specific gravities would not provide the necessary buoyancy for the roof to function effectively, especially in light of various liquid densities encountered in storage tanks.

To remain afloat, pontoon type floating roofs must maintain a specific gravity that is lower than the specific gravity of the liquid they are floating on. A specific gravity of 1.0 indicates a balance between the weight of the liquid and the weight of the object, meaning that the object neither sinks nor floats.

A specific gravity of 0.70 allows pontoon type floating roofs to effectively float on a wide range of liquid products, as most petroleum products have a specific gravity greater than 0.70. By being lighter than the liquid, the floating roof can effectively reduce vapor emissions and prevent contamination.

This principle is essential for the proper functioning of floating roofs. They must displace enough liquid to float while maintaining structural integrity. Choices indicating higher specific gravities would not provide the necessary buoyancy for the roof to function effectively, especially in light of various liquid densities encountered in storage tanks.