Blog

In fuel and industrial liquid storage systems, product quality depends not only on its composition, but also on how it is handled and transferred.
One of the most critical aspects is the suction point inside the tank. Silea addresses this with an efficient and reliable solution: floating suctions for tanks.

A simple principle: drawing from the cleanest fluid layer

The operation of floating suctions is based on a key concept: instead of drawing from the bottom, suction takes place near the surface of the liquid, where the product is
naturally cleaner.

This approach significantly reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring higher quality of the transferred fluid — an essential factor in sensitive applications such as the energy sector and aviation.

Design and components of the floating suction system

Floating suctions are installed inside tanks, both aboveground and underground, and are designed to follow liquid level variations during operation. A complete system
consists of:

• A swivel joint for connection to the tank
• Intermediate swivel joints, required in case of specific tank geometries (e.g. tanks that are taller than their diameter)
• A float unit, which allows the system to continuously adapt to level changes, maintaining the suction point close to the surface and ensuring constant intake of clean product

Materials and application compatibility

Material selection depends on the type of application and the fluid handled. Floating suctions can be manufactured in aluminum and stainless steel.

All Silea systems are designed to ensure maximum compatibility with aviation fuels, such as Jet A1, thanks to the absence of yellow metals, which could cause contamination.

Accessories and additional features

To improve control and fluid management within the tank, floating suctions can be equipped with various accessories, including:

• Analog level indicator
• Sampling systems, allowing liquid to be collected at different heights within the tank
• Limiting cables, which define the opening angle of the suction system according to tank dimensions, preventing incorrect positioning or overturning during emptying

These elements contribute to making the system safer, more controllable and adaptable to different operating conditions.

Solutions for different tank types

Silea floating suctions are designed to adapt to different plant configurations:

1. Floating roof tanks, equipped with submerged flotation systems and a terminal designed to slide on the roof during all filling and emptying phases
2. Underground tanks, equipped with a bottom valve that prevents the suction line from emptying

Silea series: choosing the right solution

The Silea range includes different series, designed to meet specific application needs:

Series 1501
• Ideal for underground tanks
• Surface suction to avoid sediments
• Compatible with aviation fuels

Series 1502
• For aboveground tanks with diameter greater than height
• Ensures clean surface suction
• Also suitable for aviation fuels

Series 1505
• Designed for aboveground tanks with height greater than diameter
• Equipped with an intermediate swivel joint, allowing the system to follow liquid level variations correctly
• Ensures operational continuity even in more complex configurations

Operational benefits

Floating suctions represent an effective technological solution to improve fluid management in storage tanks, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.
Thanks to their ability to adapt to level variations and different plant configurations, they play a key role in optimizing suction and transfer processes in the most demanding industries.