diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
(OP)
Is there a point when a diesel fuel tank for a generator becomes so large that it becomes classified as a hazardous area required a special hazardous location rated tank? A few years back I worked on a project where I believe at 10,000 gallons, diesel becomes classified as "hazardous".






RE: diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
Or were you talking about some other type of hazard?
RE: diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
RE: diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
RE: diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
Post change to diesel, with no fuel heating, the only resultant hazardous areas that were found by the consultant we engaged were inside the ullage spaces on the bulk tanks. We also had a classification around our flammable goods storage cabinets, but that was to be expected.
Even the generator canopies were not considered to be a potentially explosive atmosphere. However, the consultant reminded us that just because the generator enclosures weren't hazardous, didn't mean that is the end of the risk, diesel, is of course, still combustible. What it meant was that (apart from any instrumentation within the ullage space, normally we don't have any) whilst we don't have to comply with hazardous area instrumentation and zoning, its still a good idea to eliminate potential sources of ignition where possible (turbos are one such example thats hard to deal with).
Our classification was in Australia, and is largely based on IECEx standards. I would assume that NFPA would be an appropriate reference, we have equivalent fuel storage standards here, though they don't always require hazardous area classification.
RE: diesel generator tank and hazardous area classification
Bill
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