fire code issue with a lube oil tank?

[kahlilj]

i recently placed an order with a tank manufacturer for a UL-142 AGHST with a site glass. in replying with the shop drawing (for approval) he wrote the below message:

"we did not list any openings for a sight gauge on this shop drawing. It is not recommended to have openings below the liquid level line in a double wall storage tank per Fire Code Regulations. If it is a must, we will put the openings in the tank for a sight gauge but cannot provide the gauge itself. Please review the shop drawing..."

does anyone know of such a thing?? this seems completely absurd to me. unfortunately i do not have the fire code regs, but obviously the tank's supply line (to the oil lines) MUST be on the tank bottom & therefore below liquid level. so why would an "opening" for a site glass be any different? or am i realy missing something here?

 

[CanuckMiner]

Why do you feel that "obviously the tank's supply line (to the oil lines) MUST be on the tank bottom"? Why couldn't it be out the top, across, then down to a pump (in the tank itself, the suction pipe extends down below the liquid level, but it is still "top entry")?

Did you review the shop drawing? Were there ports below the liquid level?

I once had a similar discussion with a tank supplier (with the same reluctance to provide a sight gauge). Ultimately, we went with a "dipstick" (from the top), with provision to add electronic level monitoring in the future.

You may find the following document of interest...

http://www.cppi.ca/tech/RecommendedPractice.pdf

Cheers,
CanuckMiner

 

[stookeyfpe]

The tank manufacturer is confused. I reviewed UL 142 section 7 and with the exception of the tank normal and emergency vents it places no restrictions as to where tank nozzles or fittings are placed.

Secondly, I reviewed the 2003 International Fire Code, Chapter 34 Flammable & Combustible Liquids and it has no prohibitions or restrictions regarding sight glasses. The 2003 International Fire Code adopts NFPA 30 and NFPA 30A by reference and neither of these standards has restrictions concerning sight glasses.

While I don't believe its necessary because of the high flash point temperature of lubrication oil, you may want to consider installing a Factory Mutual listed sight glass to alleviate the tank manufacturer's concern. A FM listed sight glass uses reinforced glazing and is shielded. Realistically, a plastic tube and two valves will work fine.

 

[kahlilj]

Thanks Canuck & Stookey,
Canuck, I had reviewed the drawings & there were no ports (openings) on the tank bottom. I said "obviously" because this is an atmospheric tank which was designed to be gravity-fed (hence no external pressure from pump or vacuum) into existing oil lines.

In addition, I have ordered these types of tanks from a different manufacturer previously & this was never an issue. When I really think about it, it does not make practical sense to prohibit bottom-oriented ports. I understand their may be some safety "restrictions" but not preventions.

Stookey, I appreciate you checking into your codes for conflict. I am not surprised at your findings. I will discuss in more detail with manufacturer as to where in the fire code he bases his decision.