Maximum height of dike
Maximum height of dike
(OP)
In my experience, the maximum height of dike surrounding the crude oil tank could be 1.8 m.
However, there is an assignment to design and construct the dike with 6 m height.
- I understand that the height of 6 m will be confined space. I can install the stairway at the dike. But I'm not sure about other safty precautions especially the ventilation in dike area. Should we construct as above requirement? Anyone who have experience for the case, plese advise me.
- Are there any international standards (API, NPFA or etc.) for the subject? Please comment.
However, there is an assignment to design and construct the dike with 6 m height.
- I understand that the height of 6 m will be confined space. I can install the stairway at the dike. But I'm not sure about other safty precautions especially the ventilation in dike area. Should we construct as above requirement? Anyone who have experience for the case, plese advise me.
- Are there any international standards (API, NPFA or etc.) for the subject? Please comment.





RE: Maximum height of dike
Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants
www.tankindustry.com
RE: Maximum height of dike
RE: Maximum height of dike
You haven't stated or identified the obvious: What kind of dike are you talking about or what is it made up of?
I presume it is a conventional EARTHEN dike - as opposed to concrete dike walls. I've had both built for me, and I don't believe you're going to be allowed to erect a concrete wall that tall. Even a 6 meter-high earthen dike is a formidable construction. Depending on where it is located, I forsee maintenance problems already. I can't rationalize a continuous maintenance program on weed and, eventually trees inside the dike area. You're going to have to coat or top-layer a low-maintenance cover of some sort, I think, because you don't want to send personnel inside such a high confined enclosure for ground maintenance. Keeping it drained in order to protect the ground and its bearing property is going to require a pumping station and all equipment will have to be remote.
I think Guidoo's reference is a positive place to start.
RE: Maximum height of dike
The dike will be the combination of earthen dike (lower part) and concrete (upper part).
I believe that the dike height of 6 meteres will not pass the authority approval. There is an idea to connect between adjacent dike areas with underground pipe. The height of dike will be decreased.
RE: Maximum height of dike
Further, the available static head for a leakage from tank(say, from tank discharge nozzle) is higher than that causes flow from one dike area to the other.
Regards,
RE: Maximum height of dike
Regards,
RE: Maximum height of dike
Thanks for the comment. You are right. I can play with pipe size...may be 30 inches or more.
In my case, there is road crossing between two dike areas. Therefore, I propose an idea to have underground pipe.
The debris should be prevented. Both ends will be installed in horizontal position with 45 degree inclined cutting. The elevation of both ends will be ~300 mm above grade. They will sit on concrete support.
The insect screen or bird screen will be installed for both ends. That is an idea.
RE: Maximum height of dike
With the underground connecting pipe, would you need a sump pump to deal with rainwater?
How would you stop the pump from pumping out oil in the case of spillage?
I'm curious about the regulations or guidelines that lead to the specification of a six metre dyke. What is the rule connecting the tank capacity to the dyke height?
John
J.
RE: Maximum height of dike
These tall dikes often occur when steel dikes are installed around steel tanks. Real estate is lacking, so the dike capacity is obtained with a tall dike. In these cases, the dike is at least ten feet largeer in diameter than the tank. Rain water collection is often a problem, so some dikes are cover. This creates a confined space entry problem too.
Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants
www.tankindustry.com
RE: Maximum height of dike
RE: Maximum height of dike
---------
/
/ End of pipe
/
-----/
| Concrete support
---___ (Above Grade)
From NFPA 30 (1996 Edition), elevated walkway to tank roof and remote-operated valves are required.
RE: Maximum height of dike
RE: Maximum height of dike
Regards, Angel
RE: Maximum height of dike
Under what practical circumstances do you see the tank being empty and the area around the tank full. In the event of a leak surely the level of the liquid will be the same in the tank and the surrounding area.
athomas236
RE: Maximum height of dike
Hookem may comment for "group of tanks". The leakage from one tank can affect other tanks in the dike area.
RE: Maximum height of dike
Silly me, never thought of that