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Unprecedented operation with geodesic dome in large tank in Paulínia (SP)

Ultracargo´s initiative combines innovation, safety and efficiency in the erection of a 22-ton structure.
07/07/2025

Ultracargo reached an important milestone in its history by performing, for the first time, the hoisting and coupling of a geodesic roof on a large tank at the terminal in Paulínia (SP). The structure, with a diameter of 42 meters and weighing 22 tons, was assembled next to a 20,000 m³ tank undergoing installation and was positioned with precision in a highly complex operation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.

The methodology used, carried out simultaneously with the tank construction, entailed several advantages, such as less total construction time. Made of modular aluminum components, the structure only required fitting, sealant application, and field bolting, dispensing the need for welding and the use of rotary tools. Assembly on the ground also significantly minimized work at height and in confined spaces, which increased the safety level of the process.

According to Rafael Andrade Barbosa, Engineering and Construction Manager at Ultracargo, the geodesic dome is a type of lightweight, self-supporting and resistant roof that does not require internal support columns. “Compared to carbon steel roofs, it has a lower acquisition and assembly cost. When used in together with an internal floating seal, it can reduce losses due to volatilization by up to 90%,” he adds.

The success of the construction, which involved a 600-ton crane to lift the structure, reinforces the commitment by Ultracargo with solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of its activities. “This operation represented a major advance in our engineering standards, combining technological innovation with operational and safety gains. The structure also helped to lower the internal temperature of the tank, thanks to the reflective properties of aluminum, and eliminated corrosion problems, in addition to reducing the need for shutdowns for maintenance of specific valves,” concludes Leopoldo José Gimenes, VP of Engineering and Operations at Ultracargo.

Check out how the operation went: