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Buried plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage

Buried plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage

Buried plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage

(OP)
I have read NFPA 22, which does not list plastic as an allowable material for fire suppression water storage in Section 4.4. However, equivalent designs are permissible in Section 1.4.

1.4 Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard.

Is anyone aware of applications where a buried plastic tank, where the soil cover provides a 2-hour fire rating, can be deemed acceptable relative to Section 1.4 above?

Also, is anyone aware of widespread use of plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage, and if so, where in the United States have you seen this application used?

Thanks!

RE: Buried plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage

(OP)
Sorry for not clarifying, but by plastic, I am referring to thermoplastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene - no glass content.

RE: Buried plastic tanks for fire suppression water storage

Not sure if you could bury it. NFPA 20 6.1.2 states a static suction lift is not allowed. I guess if you buried the pump at the same elevation as the bottom of the tank that would work or placed it in a basement level. There needs to be net positive suction head.

The only place I've used plastic tanks is for 13D applications where it is a combined tank/pump setup that works on 120V electrical service.

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