PVC Piping for #2 Fuel Oil Transfer

[chicopee]

Is it acceptable to install PVC piping (3"nom. sch 80; ASTM D1785; NSF-PW 907599 C18) to transfer #2 fuel oil from an outside AST. This piping is a short segment between a newly installed tank and existing steel piping that runs thru the plant to boiler room.

 

[unclesyd]

Our piping code absolutely forbids the use of plastic piping on any fuel source under pressure. It is only acceptable on some waste drain lines where water is always present.
Personally I wouldn't use it for any flammable or critical service and as you state this is a boiler fuel line it is definately a no,no, IMHO. I can't see any savings by using PVC over carbon steel in this case.

Before you go any further check the compatibility of #2 with PVC and at the same time check with your local jurisdiction and your insurance carrier.

 

[MJCronin]

chic....

I think that NFPA-30 talks about the use of plastic tanks and piping systems......

and I believe that unclesyd's comments are correct.

You have very little savings over good old schedule 40 CS pipe..

-MJC

 

[moltenmetal]

I love PVC but I even I wouldn't do it, for fire safety reasons.

 

[rconner]

While you identified the carrier fluid service there is not much else in your original post that details all aspects of the intended service. In any case before you make your decisions and particularly when anticipating any sort of service critical to safety or the environment, it may be helpful for you to obtain and read very carefully the report, “PVC (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) PIPE RELIABILITY AND FAILURE MODES”, M.M. Carroll and prepared by Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the United States Department of Energy (DOE). I believe this report for the DOE (DE84013862 or SAND83-2464), about 25 years ago and documenting substantial research and examination of then commercially available pipes apparently after a number of cited accidents, is available from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service (NTIS) at nominal cost.
While there has no doubt been more research particularly in the evolving areas of fracture mechanics etc., and maybe even some at least subtle improvements in available pipe manufacture and Q.C. etc. since that time, I’m not sure that the basic nature and utility/concerns of unplasticized pvc pipe material have really changed much since then.

 

[chicopee]

I'll check out the current NFPA 30.
The segment of PVC piping would be under suction and outside elevated about 15' above ground where no traffic except pedestrian would exist.
I'll remind plant personnel to think about steel piping instead.

 

[Zapster]

chicopee,
In a link provided by John Breen on another thread there is a discussion on changes to the B31.3 pipe code for 2004. You might want to look at that as well as NFPA 30 as you stated above.

http://www.becht.com/Content.aspx?cid=180&lvl=3

Thermoplastics in Flammable Fluid Service
Thermoplastics are now permitted in above ground flammable fluid service, provided all of the following are satisfied.
1. The size of the piping does not exceed DN 25 (NPS 1)
2. Owner’s approval is obtained.
3. Safeguarding per Appendix G is provided.
4. The precautions of Appendix F, para. F 323.1 (a) through F 323.1(c ) are considered.

 

[chicopee]

Thanks to the responders. I got my answer and yes NFPA30 allows PVC piping but under certain conditions.