Fire Case for Atm. Storage Tanks
Fire Case for Atm. Storage Tanks
(OP)
I was wondering if you need to consider the fire case for storage tanks that are at atm. pressure? I was talking to some maintenance personal and they think maybe we need one for our silicone storage tank although it is atmospheric.
Thanks.
Thanks.
RE: Fire Case for Atm. Storage Tanks
If your silicone is a class IIIB combustible liquid, and the tank volume is 285 bbl. or greater, an emergency vent is not required so long as the tank is not located in the same dike or drainage path of tanks that contain class I or II liquids.
RE: Fire Case for Atm. Storage Tanks
Thanks.
RE: Fire Case for Atm. Storage Tanks
You should review the flash point and boiling point data to make a determination as to the classification of the liquid (e.g., Class IA, IB, IC, II, IIIA or IIIB).
Without the liquid's classification I can't tell you if a PE tank would be acceptable using NFPA 30. NFPA 30 does allow combustible aboveground storage tanks for Class IIIB liquids so long as:
A) The tank is in an area not exposed to a spill or leak of Class I or II liquids, and
B) The tank is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. (NFPA 30, section 2.2.2 (b))
If this tank is in the US, you should ensure that you have the approval of the authority having jurisdiction (e.g., fire marshal).
One could consider that because the PE is a low melt point material that the tank emergency vent is by form of construction. This is assuming that this is a vertical tank. However, this is too important of a safety issue. Emergency vents are cheap.