×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Storage Tank Inerting Required?

Storage Tank Inerting Required?

Storage Tank Inerting Required?

(OP)
I am working on a low presssure storage tank  that will contain  mostly water with some organic.  Process simulation shows the vapor pressure of the organics is never quite enough to reach the lower explosive limit.

I think the tank should be inerted just in case, but I need to know if there are any codes or regulations to back my position?  I have searched NFPA & API, but found no mention of this subject, so far.

Thanks,
R

RE: Storage Tank Inerting Required?

(OP)
Thanks for the links.  Those are very good discussions, but they don't quite address my problem.

While I understand the technical aspects of an explosive atmosphere, I am not so welll acquainted with the applicable codes and regulations, especially as concerns inerting.

I was hoping someone familiar with the codes could point me at sections that address use of an inert atmosphere.

Thanks,
R

RE: Storage Tank Inerting Required?

I am surprised NFPA 30 does have some information . In any event , if there is no ignition source suchas an agitator , inerting should not be necessary . I am assuming the liquid is dip piped into the tank . Other possible sources for information are Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Manuals and the Center For Process Safety

RE: Storage Tank Inerting Required?

What did you use to estimate the vapour pressure above the water?  I remember reading an article some time ago that  showed that, according to Henry's law, even at very low concentrations in the water phase, they can still be above the LEL in the vapour phase.  I'll see if I can find a reference.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources