Floating suction assemblies and skimmers are designed to draw liquid from the uppermost and cleanest level of a storage tank, ensuring product quality and minimising contamination from water bottoms or sediments.
At Prime Tank Systems, our Floating Suction and Oil Skimmer Assemblies are precision-engineered internal piping systems designed to efficiently extract product from the upper levels of the stored medium inside aboveground storage tanks.
These assemblies utilize rigid articulated piping equipped with one or more swivel or swing joints, allowing controlled vertical movement without risking interference or damage to the floating roof or suction line. Each system is carefully engineered to maintain movement within a maximum of 10 degrees off the radial line from the tank’s center to the nozzle, with design flexibility to navigate internal structures when necessary.
During the initial fill, our systems ensure that the internal floating roof moves freely and reaches its full operational height. Hydrostatic testing conditions are also considered, with buoyancy effects accounted for to ensure optimal suction behavior.
When the tank level is first reduced after being filled, close monitoring of the floating suction is recommended to validate smooth and reliable operation.
We offer standard sizes ranging from 3” to 24”, and all joints come with certified test documentation. Detailed engineering support and custom configurations are available upon request.
Common Configurations
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Floating Suction Lines:
• Swivel Joint (Offset) Assemblies
• Swing Joint (Central) Assemblies -
Oil Skimmer Lines:
• Flexible Hose Joint Assemblies
• Swivel & Swing Joint Assemblies
Floating Suction Assemblies & Skimmers
In storage tanks, especially those storing refined products or aviation fuels, drawing product from the cleanest level is essential. Without a proper system, contaminants, sediments, or water layers near the bottom risk entering the outlet line.
Our floating suction systems draw product from just below the liquid surface, where it’s cleanest. Skimmers target the uppermost layers of water or light liquids for efficient removal. Engineered to match tank geometry, our systems pivot smoothly and resist product turbulence.
Our clients report increased fuel purity, reduced filtration load, and compliance with aviation and petrochemical standards. The flexible design ensures compatibility with various roof types and inlet configurations, even in retrofit projects.
