Fire in stone filled containment basin

[jeg]

I am designing a bulk hydrocarbon (petrol, diesel) loading facility for rail wagons (12 per train). In case of spillage there will be a containment basin below track level. Containment basin will be approx 150m x 15m x 1.5m deep. To reduce fire risk and to support the track, the basin will be filled with 75mm single size crushed stone; voids have been calculated to receive contents of one wagon. The basin will be divided into cells by transverse walls and each cell will be valved and drained.
Consider the fire triad and my analysis:
1. Combustible material - always present only to be removed when fire risk controlled;
2. Oxygen - reduced availability in the stone matrix
3. Heat source - heat will be absorbed by stone and crushed stone presents large surface area to be cooled by drenching water.

Thus the fire risk may be controlled - but I don't have any data or technical references.

? Has anyone practical experience of this (transformer oil catch basins, perhaps)?
? Can anyone point me towards relevant technical literature?

All comments will be very welcome.

 

[dik]

We use a product called Sorbweb for transformer oil containment. It's provided by Albarrie at:

http://www.albarrie.com/sorbweb.aspx

YOu may want to contact them; they may have some information that may be of help.

Dik

 

[bimr]

You probably should run your design past the insurance underwriters.

Based on my experience, it has generally been the preference that flammables should drain away from assets. Otherwise, you risk having the entire rail car sitting within a fire.

 

[jeg]

thank you dik and bimr - i shall pursue both advices.