Assembly for sealing an annular gap between the wall of a large vessel and a floating cover

A sealing assembly for a large tank having a generally vertical tank wall and a movable floating cover for sealing an annular gap therebetween, comprising:

• an annular outer sealing element adapted to be pressed against said tank vertical wall in sliding sealing engagement therewith;
• a plurality of spring elements fastened at the circumference of said floating cover at uniform distances adjacent each other, said spring elements spanning said annular gap and operating at the free ends thereof to press by spring tension said outer sealing element against said vertical walls;
• a sealing blanket which extends completely around said annular gap between said outer sealing element and said floating cover to cover said annular gap;
• said spring elements being comprised of U-shaped spring stirrups produced from narrow strips and being fastened with a web end at the outer border of said floating cover;
• said spring stirrups including a free spring web with whose end said outer sealing element is rigidly connected, said free spring web being supported with said sealing element and a second contact point at said tank wall;
• said contact point being spaced away from said sealing element in the vertical direction so that during all movements of said floating cover, the reaction forces of said tank wall acting at said contact points of said free spring webs constantly hold said free spring webs in a constant upright position.