Secondary Containment for Chemical Delivery Vehicle Areas

[TomosSmith]

Hello,

We have Outdoor storage of Hydrochloric Acid (10m3) and Sodium Hydroxide (10m3) on our project site for a water treatment process.

The delivery vehicle for both chemicals has volume of 25m3.We have provided spill containment for the storage tanks themselves, but what I'm trying to establish is whether the vehicle unloading area should also have spill containment?

I have checked the NFPA codes and there is no requirements.Does anyone have any experience or know of any other codes and standards that I should be looking at?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[jamesbanda]

For spill containment you should consider the following.
1. Fire codes
2. Environmental codes.

And, where would the HCl/ NaOH go if it gets spilled?

I work in the chemicals industry.. we would provide spill containment for a premant facility used for tanker of loading to prevent ground water contaimination in the event of a spill

 

[Latexman]

What jb said. The pad where the delivery vehicle sits would be curbed on the sides, have tall speedbumps at the front and rear, and the area drained to a collection basin. Seams would be sealed and inspected at least annually. The basin level would be monitored frequently (each shift) or have instrumentation.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[TomosSmith]

Thanks James & Latexman,

If the chemicals spilled at the moment, they would drain into the storm drainage system.

Can you refer to any specific environmental codes which give any guidance on the design of the spill containment area?

How would I go about sizing a collection basin, would this need to sized to contain the entire volume of the tanker should the whole contents spill out??

I assume that the collection basin would have to be drained of rainwater on a regular basis to keep it empty?

Thanks again,
Tom

 

[Latexman]

I don't know if there are specific codes on this. It is generally accepted practice in the chemical industry based on my experience with 3 companies over 30+ years.

The entire tanker plus firewater, if needed, plus a reasonable amount of rainwater. The area will have to be washed down in case of a spill, right?.

Also, the first part of a rain (1st 1/4" or 1st 30 minutes - I've seen both) is usually contained, observed and tested for contamination prior to release.

Most engineering firms that cater to the chemical industry can bang out a design pretty quick. It's old hat.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[jamesbanda]

It depends on your location.. in asia codes will tell you.. in the uk they do as well..

 

[cheute79]

Om the US, it is a direct code requirement in some states (NY, for instance). In others, as suggested by JB and Latexman, it is groundwater protection that almost always ends up being the motivator. This can, again, be a direct requirement in your NPDES or GW permit, or it can be inferred by the compliance requirements. In those cases, the owner assumes all liability, and when pointed out the owner usually decides to go with it. In other cases, the owner is either cheap or hasn't been heavily fined in the past.

 

[zelgar]

Typicall design for secondary containment would be the largest volume + precipitation from the 25 yr 24 hr storm for the area + any additional run-on