Class IIIB material Fire Case

[Bill3752]

I have a recycled oil stream, Flash Point 204°F, being fed through indoor ASME filters designed for 150 psig. There is no source of temperature exceeding the flash point. I am questioning whether I need to consider a fire case. Thoughts?

 

[Latexman]

Sounds like, with the limited information, no.

Good Luck,
Latexman

 

[mk3223]

Beside the recycled oil stream, do you consider the other process or equipment in the surrounding area which may cause a fire incident?

 

[georgeverghese]

You still do, for as long as the indoor location is not classified as non hazardous per IEC.
Oil stream leak from filter or leaking pipe flange or leaking instrumentation tubing + electrical spark = fire
Speak to your electrical engineer.

 

[Latexman]

^^^^^
Not a Class IIIB that is not heated >= its flash point. That’s the standard at my last 3 companies.

OP needs to find out their company policy, API does not address this.

Good Luck,
Latexman

 

[shvet]

I am questioning whether I need to consider a fire case.

Consider for what purpose? Overpressure (API 521), ex-proof (NFPA 70/ATEX), firefighting, risk assessment?

Considering API 521
Flash point is not mentioned in API 521 relevant chapters. Do you believe a liquid that is combustible but not flammable is not able to a pool fire? Do you believe a pool fires of naphtha or vacuum gasoil are not the same. Why should NFPA's classification be relevant/applied to API's one? Your logic is not clear, describe that in details.

 

[georgeverghese]

If filter internal volume is < 500 litres, since max ambient temp << initial boiling point in this case, firecase RV not required. Am assuming there are no nasties in this "recycled oil".
So what is filter volume in this case ?

 

[TiCl4]

NFPA and OSHA have a bit different views on the matter. You didn't post your operating temperature. OSHA regulations (1910.106) have some sensitivity to flammable liquids being operated within 30 F of their flash point.

Specifically,

"When liquid with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) is heated for use to within 30 °F (16.7 °C) of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 4 flammable liquid."

If this is not the case, OSHA would not consider this material a flammable liquid (note that OSHA does not differentiate between "flammable" and "combustible", and simply assigns Category 1, 2, 3, and 4 to liquids.

Note that while NFPA 30 may be law in some states/jurisdicitons, OSHA has taken a stance that all provisions within 1910.106 must be met AT MINIMUM if following another standard - See interpretation letter (

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1995-07-18)

So, unfortunately, in the USA you may be required by law to follow BOTH NFPA 30 and and OSHA 1910.106. It's best to look at both and determine what requirements apply.

 

[Bill3752]

To follow up on your comments...

The max temperature of the oil sees is 130°F.
As indicated above, its flash point is 204°.
There are no "baddies" or volatiles in the oil.
There are no other sources of high temp in the building.

I am clarifying the electrical Code, but I believe it is non-hazardous.

I appreciate all your comments.

 

[Latexman]

That clarifies it a bit more. I stand by my “no”. Find out your company policy on IIIB combustibles. For 44 years and 3 companies, my companies practice was no fire case for IIIB’s not heated above flash point.

Good Luck,
Latexman