A Brief Guide on Storage Tank Fire Protection System

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March 12, 2019

Storage Tank Fire Protection System

Fire in a storage tank is a challenge to both tank operators and fire fighters. Value of the material adds to the risk of life-threatening damage in a storage tank fire.

Modern technology has made fire protection options easily available to tank designers and operators. Proper selection of right equipment and designs can make a difference between disaster and safe operation.

The spacing and layout of tank, its design, material and construction of bund walls influence the choice of equipment.

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1 Standards of Fire Protection System:

Standards of Fire Protection System:

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) decides tank fire protection guidelines in the USA. These include specifications of foam delivery layout, rates and spacing. The contents of the tank fix the foam application rates that range between 4 liters/m2/min to 12 liters/m2/min.

Foam Concentrates

Firefighting foam is an integral part of tank fire protection system. The foam concentration must suit different tank content and application systems. Fluor protein foams are best for hydrocarbon risks and Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF) for water miscible risks or polar solvent.

Foam Induction

Foam induction proportioning system plays the lead role in tank protection system. In simple words, correct amounts of water and foam are necessary for a perfect mix.

Foam delivery device decides foam solution amount. For constant foam solution demand, fixed inline inductors are the best choice.

For variable foam solution demand, you can choose any among the two: balanced pressure proportioned with balanced valve on foam skid and balanced pressure foam proportioner with bag tank.

Foam skids function well with water, diesel or electric driven motor foam pumps. Single or multiple skids can feed the foam systems. Thus, they aren’t always readily available.

Water Cooling

Radiated heat is a huge risk for storage tanks. Cooling water can minimize its effect. A mushroom nozzle can cool the roof and other nozzles can cool the tank walls. For additional cooling of the surface area, oscillating monitors are great to go with.

Bund Protection

The bund walls generally get neglected as tanks steal the limelight. But the casualties won’t be any less if bund walls get affected.

A fire in this area can result from leaking valve or tank or fractured pipe. These can also cause major accidents. A medium expansion foam system can protect the walls from fire and vapor suppression.

Rim Seal System

Sometimes it becomes tough to detect a fire in rim seal system, especially when the floating roof is at its lowest level. Early detection is necessary to reduce loss. The design needs to be wind-resistance. Strategically fitted fixed monitors are also helpful to supplement the rim seal system.

GSC Tanks is a leading tank production company of the USA that follows all of the required safety measures while building any storage tank. Our API and ASTM certified tanks are made following advanced techniques. We are committed to ensure the best storage tank production service.