fire code issues with UL 142 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?

 

[GenB]

If you are working with a mfr, you should ask the mfr of the requirement, the mfr has the Code and can advise you of the rules and regs of the fire Code.
It is a simple thing for any Mfr involved with the UL standard. else purchase the standard from UL, and the fiire std from the NFPA, it should not cost much.
er

 

[EGT01]

Kahlilj,

I think your best bet is to follow GenB's advice and go back to your manufacturer and discuss the issues with them. I don't have a lot of experience with this type of tank but performing a quick search on the internet, I came across a couple of links that supports what the manufacturer is saying.

http://www.steeltank.com/publications_list.aspx

http://www.steeltank.com/library/pubs/fcode_us.pdf

Look at page 6

http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/pdfs/rivkinpresent.pdf

Look at page 21

 

[kahlilj]

thanks genb & egt01. i will discuss this issue with the mfgr. before doing so though, i wanted to gather more information from informed & unbiased sources.

egt01, thanks for the links. but the steeltank.com references you cited are for "motor wehicle fuel-dispensing stations". this tank will be located at a natural gas complression station, so i'm not sure that it would apply? either way still a good resource tho. thanks again

kahlil

 

[JStephen]

If I remember right, the UL tank standard was something like $400 last time I checked.

 

[chicopee]

Kahliji-I suspect that the manufacturer does not want to be liable in the event the sight glass brakes by accident or intentionally and oil spread all over since double wall tanks do not have to be diked . I am also amazed that the fabricator is willing to intall openings to accomodate to your requirement. I have not to date seen sight glasses on oil tanks for such obvious reason. Oil level reading equipment is normally available for such tank.