Pumps for a tankfarm application
Pumps for a tankfarm application
(OP)
I am looking for the reference that states that solvent transfer pumps located inside of a secondary contaiment area have to be 18 inches above the floor of the secondary containment. Or something to that effect. This is in the US. I thought it was NFPA 30 but when I looked there I could not find it. Does anyone know what I am talking about?
Thanks
StoneCold
Thanks
StoneCold





RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
Thanks
StoneCold
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
Just a thought.
jwy
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
The placement of pumps on a "housekeeping pad" is a good idea for many other reasons. It does not matter if the pumps are in a containment or not.
The pad can take one or more pumps, I have seen many pads 36-48 inches from the floor.
Pumps for your "tank farm" can be inside or outside of the cotained area. Make sure you use fireproof seals if you have piping that penetrates the containment walls.
Make sure that you have the correct electrical classification of any electrical equipment within the contained area...
-MJC
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
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"Pumping systems account for nearly 20% of the world's energy used by electric motors and 25% to 50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities." - DOE statistic
"Note: Make that 99.99% for pipeline companies" - http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
The area has LEL and H2S heads interconnected to ventilation fans to de-rate the area form class 1 div 1 to class 2.
The pumps are on their skids a couple centimetres from the ground.
<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying " Damn that was fun!" - Unknown>>
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
The pumps are rated Class 1 Div 1 Group C&D. I realize that moving them up is not really going to change there rating. What I was really interested in, was "Is there a guideline for pump placement in secondary contaiment area?" Which I think the answer is no, or it depends on your industry/application. Since the pumps are vertical inline centrifugals I think I am going to raise them up so that the motors are above the level of the containment. Then if the containment fills up my motors won't get flooded. Unless someone has a better, "best practices" guideline.
Regards
StoneCold
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
We handle mortly water and oil so if it ever happens to flood, it will more than likely not cause a fire. Your case is different.
<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying " Damn that was fun!" - Unknown>>
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
You have a higher probablity of a leak from the pumps and pipng than from the tank.
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
**********************
"Pumping systems account for nearly 20% of the world's energy used by electric motors and 25% to 50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities." - DOE statistic (Note: Make that 99.99% for pipeline companies) http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
RE: Pumps for a tankfarm application
It may be a best case operating practice but the 2006 IFC nor NFPA 30 require it. I am unsure of any recommended practices from API.