VACONODome – Aluminium geodesic dome roof is used to cover

storage tanks of any diameter in the petroleum industry. It is usually

used in refineries and tank farms, where both the storage product
and the structural tank components must be protected from
atmospheric and environmental influences.

VACONODome combines ecological aspects with economic benefits

as it prevents the contamination of the storage product by e.g.
rainwater, sand and other foreign matters, and reduces evaporation
loss caused by wind or direct exposure to sunlight.

This is what makes the VACONODome so interesting:

SELF-SUPPORTING ALUMINIUM DOME ROOF

VACONODome is designed as a self-supporting dome roof whereby
only its outer edge is connected to the tank shell around the outer
rim. Central struts, which would have to pass through erected
floating roofs or decks and which would diminish the efficiency of
these systems, are no longer required. This advanced constructional
design results in an important reduction of evaporation loss.

INTELLIGENT LIGHT-WEIGHT CONSTRUCTION

The weight of a VACONODome (approx. 60 m diameter) is only 10-15%
of a comparable, self-supporting steel roof. The system therefore
offers a cost-optimised solution by saving the weight of the tank cover
and is also suitable for the retrofitting of existing floating roof tanks,
which are designed to function without a steel roof. The storage
product is thus completely protected from contamination by rainwater
as a malfunctioning of the floating roof drainage system is eliminated.
For new tanks, the light weight of the VACONODome allows savings
in expenditure for the foundations as well as the tank shell.

Use the know-how of our experienced engineers during the planning

stage for new or already existing tanks even when in operation.

Cost overview

600.000 Material Costs (E) Weight (to) 600

500.000 500
Material Costs

400.000 Weight 400

300.000 300
Steel

200.000 200

100.000 Aluminium 100

0 0
10 20 30 40 50 60
Diameter (m)
CORROSION RESISTANCE AND LOW MAINTENANCE

All structural components of the VACONODome are fabricated from

highly-tensile aluminium alloys and possess excellent corrosion-
resistant features, especially in an aggressive humid or saline
atmosphere. An additional protective coating is not required, even
after decades of operation, as our aluminium constructions are
designed to last as long as the tanks they are built on. This has been
confirmed in the course of numerous tests in cooperation with
internationally accepted research institutes of the aluminium industry.
These features are derived from our track record covering more than
100 years of aluminium production and processing as well as the
continuous further development of the single structural components.

THE VACONO DOUBLE I-BEAM: A GLOBAL PIONEER

As early as 1999 Vacono developed the Double I-beam and introduced

it as a pioneer in the industry. The Vacono Double I-beam has up to
50 times higher torsional stiffness than a conventional H-beam and
removes all possibilities of failures through Euler buckling. Today the
Double I-beam has become an industry standard. Vacono continues
to develop the advanced design even further to optimize the weight to
strength ratio and to implement the latest developments in advanced
mechanical engineering.

COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

The VACONODome is designed and fabricated in compliance with the

national and international industrial standards using materials as
referenced in the Aluminium Association‘s 2010 Aluminium Design
Manual and then erected on site.

Great significance is paid to the American API 650 App. G standard

recommended for the petroleum industry or chemical industry which
is accepted in most countries all over the world. Moreover the latest
European standards (Eurocode DIN EN 1990, 1991, 1999) as well as
other industrial standards such as IBC 2012 or AWWA D108 are of
course complied within the scope of the structural calculations.

FABRICATION AND UNIQUE FEATURES

The VACONODome structure is entirely CNC fabricated with minimal

tolerances. Also, the Double I-beams increase the accuracy during
fabrication and installation.
All gaskets are extruded EPDM, which is extremely UV and Ozone
resistant and temperature stable.
SLIDING SUPPORTS FOR EXISTING TANKS

The horizontal thrust from the Dome is taken on by the internal

aluminium tension ring. As a consequence, virtually no radial forces
act on the tank wall. The tank can be left untouched in most cases. The
slide shoe design is therefore most suitable for existing tanks where
the retrofit operation is time critical. It can often be fitted to the tank
using “cold work” only, as all connections to the tank can be bolted.

FIXED SUPPORTS: UNBEATABLE FOR NEW TANKS

For new tanks or for large diameter tanks, Vacono has developed
a fixed support design utilizing an external steel landing ring able to
compensate the tank out-of-roundness above the usually acceptable
tolerances. The steel ring fully absorbs the horizontal thrust from the
Dome and can be included in the initial tank design in a cost efficient
way. The resulting lighter design of the VACONODome reduces its
material cost by approx. 10 % vs. the slide shoe design.

VACONO QE²

VACONO’s new trademark when it is about exceeding international

market levels and setting new standards in terms of Quick Assembly,
Efficiency in the use of materials, Quality of Installation and Excellence
in operation.

The VACONODome QE² is the state of the art brother of VACONO’s

established and internationally accepted light weight aluminium
geodesic dome.

QUICKNESS & EFFICIENCY

Through research and manufacturing excellence, it has been possible

to extend the maximum width of triangular cover sheets from 2,74 m
(108”) to up to 4 m (157”) by means of shop-welding the API required
1,2mm (0,02”) coversheets under full workshop quality control
The piece count of triangular sheets, supporting beams and gusset
connections can be reduced significantly.
As a consequence, the net installation time in the field can be reduced
by as much as 30 %, setting a new standard in the market.

QUALITY & EXCELLENCE

The total seam length (clamping bars) can also be reduced by up to

over 10 % and therefore increase the long term water tightness of the
VACONODome QE² in a way beyond usual market level.
Another positive side effect is the reduction of materials by up to
10 %, thus reducing the Sales price by as much (depends on individual
geometry).
 ACCESSORIES
The VACONODome can be equipped with different and sophisticated
accessories to ensure an optimal functioning of the entire tank
Round Walkway with
Counterflashing 2 Handrails construction.
For example, Vacono’s unique round counterflashing reduces the
overhang of the Dome significantly to around 6 inches especially on
smaller diameter Domes e.g. if walkways have to be kept clear.
The Walkway from the perimeter to the apex of the Dome can be
built in various widths and designs.
Skylights allow for natural light in the tank when performing
maintenance work.
Pipe negotiation devices are available in all diameters and different
designs.
Polycarbonate Negotiation
Skylight Device VARIOUS INSTALLATION OPTIONS
The VACONODome is installed from the center outwards, eliminating
expensive scaffolding and not requiring flat surfaces. No field fit is
necessary for structural elements.
Installation can be done adjacent to the tank and craned in position.
Alternatively, in new tanks of large diameter the VACONODome
is usually built on the tank bottom and lifted up with manual or
pneumatic grip hoists.
In existing tanks and due to its low weight, the VACONODome can be
built on the EFR in low or even in high position, thus eliminating the
Erection on EFR Erection adjacent
to tank need for cranes or grip hoists.
Sometimes the Dome is installed on the first course of the tank while
the other courses are built underneath and the tank is jacked up. This
provides a closed and protected working space free of rain and wind,
especially under adverse climatic conditions.

LOW ERECTION COST

As a consequence of the simple but well-developed design, the
VACONODome aluminium construction can be erected very quickly
by local crews, without the demand for specially trained personnel.
Lifting with Lifting with crane
grip hoists Our specialists usually supervise the on-site erection worldwide, to
ensure Vacono’s usual level of quality.

PLEASE CONTACT US AT

www.vacono.com

GERMAN QUALITY WORLDWIDE