existing #2 FO tank insulation requirement question

[liquiddecay]

my facility has two 15,000 gallon #2 fuel oil (FO) tanks. On one of the tanks the insulation has deteriorated and begun to fall away. It is the foam-type, wrapped by aluminum and bound by strapping.

My question is: does any code stipulate that the insulation must be repaired?

The FO is #2 grade, utilized in boilers in a CHP for space heating in campus buildings. It is not heated nor do the pumps run when the boilers are secured. Understandably, as the weather becomes colder, it will adversely affect the viscosity of the FO.

Again, my question is from a legal/code compliance concern rather than an operational standpoint.

Thanks in advance as any input would be appreciated.

 

[JLSeagull]

At ambient temperature, Diesel fuel tanks on trucks are not insulated and Diesel fuel tanks in refineries are not insulated. In the crude unit the hot Diesel fuel is insulated.

 

[MJCronin]

liquid....

I second the opinion of JLSeagull.....Number 2 distillate tanks are rarely insulated.

However, we do not know what your location is nor do we know your minimum one day temperature.

I have worked on fuel oil systems that were located in Pennsylvania that had long suction lines to the PD pumps. On the coldest day in 25 years, the pumps stopped because of "waxes" that had precipitated from the fuel. The solution was to continuously circulate the liquid below a certain temperature and to use low-temp additives.

For a very cold climate, insulation might be a great idea.

My opinion only

-MJC

 

[liquiddecay]

thanks for your feedback. To add more specifics, the facility is located in the Hudson Valley between Albany & New York City (closer to NYC, approximately 1 hr from NYC and 2 hrs from Albany).

The coldest single day, especially during the winter, could reach <0F.

Do either of you know of any regulation that mandates if insulation is installed, it must be repaired if damage is evidenced?

Thank you.

 

[JoeTank]

liquid,
I am not aware of any mandate, regulation or law that requires damaged insulation to be repaired. However, you should want to repair it asap as insulation systems are the second greatest danger to a storage tank. Poorly maintained insulation systems lead to water intrusion and sometime extensive external corrosion to the tank.

Joe Tank