Can diesel fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA 30 requirements? 1

[LindaChemE]

I want to install a 500 gallon diesel fuel bladder storage tank on my mountain residence to contain heating fuel (in California). The bladder system is convenient because it can be easily carried (about 100 lbs) about 100 feet above my house on a slope, as well as easily drained for removal, if necessary. One company, InterstateProducts.com, seems to make a reasonable tank (3 CAM locks, top-loading, custom fittings, spark arrester, and vented) although they tell me their system is not NFPA-approved, but they don't say why not. They will sell it to me if my fire department approves. I would like to understand why it doesn't meet the codes. Rather than purchase NFPA 30, I thought I would ask YOU!

Can fuel bladder tanks meet NFPA standards if appropriately double-contained? Would a concrete secondary structure serve as the double containment solution? Must I build a storage room around the bladder and 2nd containment to meet fire codes?

Thanks for your advice

 

[stookeyfpe]

Before I offer an answer please recognize that the applicable standard for fuel oil storage given the volume of liquid stored is NFPA 37. Based on this standard, what is proposed would not be allowed. Section 6.1 requires the tank be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as being either a

- steel-inside tank for oil burner fuel
- underground storage tank
- aboveground storage tank
- field erected aboveground storage tank meeting either API 620 or 650

 

[LindaChemE]

Please clarify for me. As the tank will be placed aboveground, outside, about 100 feet from the house and indoor furnace, what is the aspect that disallows the fuel bladder? Must it be steel specifically for aboveground storage? What is API 620 or 650?

Thanks for your help.

 

[stookeyfpe]

NFPA 30 and NFPA 37 do not allow ASTs (aboveground storage tanks) made from polymeric materials. It's not allowed because plastics have very low melting points and may be chemically incompatible with certain stored fuels. Such an installation would also be a violation of the California State Fire Code and Mechanical Code.

API 620 and 650 are American Petroleum Institute standards that govern the design, erection and testing of field erected petroleum storage tanks.

 

[LindaChemE]

Dear Stookeyfpe,

You are very kind to share your knowledge. It saves me a laborious trip to the local fire department in an area that is not well-regulated locally. They would have struggled with it.

Last question on the matter (analytical as I am, although I suspect that regs are regs, and the use would still be forbidden:

Would a cinder block building housing the fuel bladder address the concern of meltdown? The inlet/outlet pipes would have to properly flanged into the concrete building? My mountainous area makes it really difficult to handcarry a steel tank up the hill, and the local cranes cannot reach the area. The local power company requires a very expensive environmental study to be done in order to bring in natural gas. I guess propane is the last resort and will be quite expensive for me to totally switch over (I'm told around $20K, given I have an hydronic system.

Thanks again,

Linda

 

[stookeyfpe]

Linda,

A concrete masonry unit structure would provide 2-hour fire resistance based on ASTM E-119 but in this case the tank is now inside the building, and is still regulated by NFPA 37 and the California State Fire Code (CSFC), which would not permit a bladder tank.

Can you and another person move a 200 pound tank? If so, you could manifold two - 220 gallon vertical tanks. Grandby makes a UL 80 compliant tank that weighs 220 pounds empty.

http://www.granbyindustries.com/usa/cylindrical_tank.shtml

 

[LindaChemE]

Great idea. The problem for the bigger tank is the size, ie, the dimensions: there is not enough clearance for the tank to pass through the trees and decking (I can't cut down 1000+ year old redwood trees!) These smaller tanks will work.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the understanding of the regulations and people like you who are willing to help others.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Linda

Your welcome. It's nice when a solution can be reached. It appears your home is in a very beautiful, quiet area. I'm in South Texas where its over 100F everyday so Northern California forests would be nice right now.

Good luck.

 

[ProjEngHumboldt]

We are installing an API-650 diesel storage tank. It is made from carbon steel and will be externally coated. There are no specs or requirements to internally coat the tank. What is typical industry standard for internall coating diesel storage tanks (or not)?