Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)

[yk052052]

We are planning to install the diesel generator in oil refinery plant(standby 185kW) with 350 liter integral tank located on the bottom of generator.

We're gonna install it near substation where 35/6kV transformers are installed nereby.

Now I'm looking for any international code regarding minimum distance needed between Generator & Building / Generator & Substation / Generator & TR. /Generator & Process area

So far, I found some in NFPA37 4.1.4 that engines located outdoors should be at least 1.5m from the building.

But I can't seem to find any code for distance from substation, transformer, process area.

If you know or hit on something, please give me help.

And, can I consider the diesel fuel reservorr in generator as tank so that I apply the regulation for tank on this reservoir?

Thanks.

 

[MikeHalloran]

That's a small tank; how many hours do you expect the Diesel to run before the fuel truck arrives?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[waross]

I'd estimate between 4 and 5 hours at full load Mike. Good point.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[yk052052]

Mike,
We'll run it once or twice a year in case black out. Once it runs, it will run about 1-2 hour before truck arrives.

 

[7anoter4]

In my opinion, if the tank is located outside the substation the touch and step voltage will be dangerous only in short-circuit case when filling the tank in the same time.
If the substation fence is grounded then in the case of short-circuit it could be considered unguarded live part.
National Electric Safety Code ANSI/IEEE C2
Rule 234. Clearance of wires, conductors, cables, and equipment from buildings, bridges, rail cars, swimming pools, and other installations
C. Clearances of wires, conductors, cables, and rigid live parts from buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks, and other installations except bridges.
“Unguarded or accessible wires, conductors, cables, or rigid live parts may be located adjacent to buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks”
A horizontal clearance, without wind, of 1.50 m (5 ft) for voltages up to 50 kV.
NFPA 30 Class I, II, IIIA stable liquids Table 22.4.1.1 (b):
Minimum distance of a fuel tank to a building 5 ft [if the tank capacity is less than 275 gals].

 

[MikeHalloran]

So, the storm/tsunami debris will be cleared so the truck can get through with generator fuel, in five-ish hours max.

Congrats to your local utilities and highway maintenance folks for their confident estimates. You did ask for estimates, right?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[yk052052]

<7anoter4 >
Thanks for reply.
According to your find, 1.5m should be given between generator and building.
But still not clear about between transformer, process area.

Where I'm carrying out the project is CIS country and they also follow Russian Code (for instance, PUE(Russian Electrical Standard)).

In Table 7.3.13., it says that

'Diestance between [Outdoor explosion-hazardous installations, installations located near walls of buildings (tanks inclusive)] and [Switch-gear, Transformer and Converter Substations] is 12m(indoor) or 25m(outdoor)
I think diesel generator can be applied to this.

Also there is
'Diestance between [Tanks containing HIL] and [Switch-gear, Transformer and Converter Substations] is 30m(indoor) or 60m(outdoor)
In this case, I'm a little bit confused if I can consider sub base tank of diesel generator as Tanks containing HIL. If I do then the distance would go to 60m.

So far, except above and your research, I haven't found other code regarding clearance between deisel generator and TR or Substation in international code such as NFPA, IEC, etc.

Do you think I should give 25m or 60m from outdoor transformer?? This is going to be a problem for now.

<MakeHalloran,>

No. didn't ask them. But considering gas station is located right next this plan, I just assumed it. By the way, I don't get it what does this time do with clearance of tank??

 

[7anoter4]

I did not remark, up to now, you mentioned it is about oil refinery plant. In my opinion, here you have to consult the API standards-for instance API 2218.

 

[waross]

At the very least, outside the substation fence.
You may want to consider a gradient control mat around the gen-set and possibly also in the area where the fuel truck will be parked.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter