Bladder Tank and NFPA 20

[NightME]

Can the bladder tank and associated piping for a Hi-Ex foam system be in the same room as the Fire Pump and Controller?

According to NFPA 11 (2005) Section 4.2.2.1 states that pumps shall be installed IAW NFPA 20.

NFPA 20 (2007) Section 5.12.1.1.4 states: "Rooms containing fire pumps shall be free from storage and penetrations not essential to the operation of the pump and related components."

Since a bladder tank "stores" concentrate and neither the tank or the concentrate is essential to the operation of the fire pump, do I have to provide a separate room for the foam equipment?

Based on a strict reading of both standards it appears that I will need separate rooms. Do you agree?

 

[stookeyfpe]

No. The bladder tank is served by the fire pump, which is required for the fire protection system to adequately protect the hazard.

Look at this way: It's a noncombustible tank with a polymeric bladder filled with noncombustible high-expansion foam solution. It presents no additional risk if its considered as a exposure fuel package. Moving into another room means that it may not be inspected at the same frequency as the pump.

 

[NightME]

Thank you, it does make sense--just not real clear in the standards.

 

[ContractorDave]

I would suggest that the bladder tank would fall under 'essential components', being essential to the operation of the 'system'. And of course as Stookey so pragmatically points out, seeing as the fire pump is tested weekly, observing that the bladder tank valves are in their normal open or closed position (and hopefully sealed), and nothing seems out of the ordinary would more likely occur if the tank were in the same room. We have just completed a large tank farm system and the pumps, controllers, bladder tank, and main tank feed control valves are located in the same dedicated building / room.

Regards
Dave