Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
(OP)
I want to install a 500 gallon diesel fuel bladder storage tank on my mountain residence to contain heating fuel (in California). The bladder system is convenient because it can be easily carried (about 100 lbs) about 100 feet above my house on a slope, as well as easily drained for removal, if necessary. One company, InterstateProducts.com, seems to make a reasonable tank (3 CAM locks, top-loading, custom fittings, spark arrester, and vented) although they tell me their system is not NFPA-approved, but they don't say why not. They will sell it to me if my fire department approves. I would like to understand why it doesn't meet the codes. Rather than purchase NFPA 30, I thought I would ask YOU!
Can fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA standards if appropriately double-contained? Would a concrete secondary structure serve as the double containment solution? Must I build a storage room around the bladder and 2nd containment to meet fire codes?
Thanks for your advice
Can fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA standards if appropriately double-contained? Would a concrete secondary structure serve as the double containment solution? Must I build a storage room around the bladder and 2nd containment to meet fire codes?
Thanks for your advice





RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
- steel-inside tank for oil burner fuel
- underground storage tank
- aboveground storage tank
- field erected aboveground storage tank meeting either API 620 or 650
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
Thanks for your help.
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
API 620 and 650 are American Petroleum Institute standards that govern the design, erection and testing of field erected petroleum storage tanks.
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
You are very kind to share your knowledge. It saves me a laborious trip to the local fire department in an area that is not well-regulated locally. They would have struggled with it.
Last question on the matter (analytical as I am, although I suspect that regs are regs, and the use would still be forbidden:
Would a cinder block building housing the fuel bladder address the concern of meltdown? The inlet/outlet pipes would have to properly flanged into the concrete building? My mountainous area makes it really difficult to handcarry a steel tank up the hill, and the local cranes cannot reach the area. The local power company requires a very expensive environmental study to be done in order to bring in natural gas. I guess propane is the last resort and will be quite expensive for me to totally switch over (I'm told around $20K, given I have an hydronic system.
Thanks again,
Linda
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
A concrete masonry unit structure would provide 2-hour fire resistance based on ASTM E-119 but in this case the tank is now inside the building, and is still regulated by NFPA 37 and the California State Fire Code (CSFC), which would not permit a bladder tank.
Can you and another person move a 200 pound tank? If so, you could manifold two - 220 gallon vertical tanks. Grandby makes a UL 80 compliant tank that weighs 220 pounds empty.
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RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
Thanks so much. I really appreciate the understanding of the regulations and people like you who are willing to help others.
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?
Your welcome. It's nice when a solution can be reached. It appears your home is in a very beautiful, quiet area. I'm in South Texas where its over 100F everyday so Northern California forests would be nice right now.
Good luck.
RE: Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements?