Fire Protection System for Liquor Production Plant

[olmedo]

Can I know what type of fire protection system should we provide to protect liquor storage and blending tanks? Do you know of specific websites that I can visit to learn more about this matter?

 

[StoneCold]

Assuming you are in the US you need to contact the local fire marshall and find out what version of the fire code they are using. Then the information you need is in the code book. It will also help if you make a plan and then discuss it with the fire marshall because there is a lot of grey area that they can make it easy or hard for you.

Regards
SToneCold

 

[JLSeagull]

Blanket the atmospheric alcohol tanks with nitrogen to eliminate the explosive gas mixture.

 

[MJCronin]

tolmedo,

If your tank installation is to be in the USA, I would consult NFPA-30 as the definitive guideline. Be aware that the local fire protection autority may have additional requirements

The only proper and reasonable way to design a tank farm is to group the tank by thier "flammability" classification (see NFPA-30) and design dikes, nitrogen blanketing and fire protection systems to suit the group.....

Outside of the US.....who knows ????

Tell us more about the specific chemcals, volumes and flashpoints that you are considering..


regards

-MJC

 

[olmedo]

I am talking of an alcohol distillery, fermentation and blending plant. Flash point is 13 degree celsius. We need to provide a fire protection system. But what type of fire protection shopuld we install (foam, water cooling, etc.)?

 

[EdStainless]

The only plants that I have been in were heavily divided into small work areas. No fire suppression. If a fire started they dumped the product into a dike and let it burn.
The did blanket for explosion protection. I don't recall the LEL and O2 levels, but I don't think that you need to use straight nitrogen for blanketing.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[MJCronin]

olmedo,

At a PR rum distillery, a foam system was used:

http://www.puertoricosuppliers.com/frm/index.cfm

The Canadians use this:

http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/ENGLISH/Publications/Guidelines/part4/4commen7.asp

"Subsection 4.9.3.

Storage Tanks and Containers

Storage tanks, wooden vats, aging barrels, drums or containers used to store or process alcohol must be designed, fabricated and tested in accordance with good engineering practices to withstand the anticipated maximum operating pressure or temperature. Storage tanks used for ethyl alcohol may be steel or stainless steel (for purity).

Good engineering practices are provided in a guide recommended by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc., entitled "Recommended Fire Protection Practices for Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities."

Since exposed steel supports do not have a 2 hour fire-resistance rating they require protection as do the timber supports for tanks. Automatic sprinklers have proven to be an effective means of achieving the required protection provided there is enough space under the tank to install them. "

Try these guys...

http://www.discus.org/

Oh, .......and gimmie a star


-MJC


The design of the normal and emergency venting should be such that accumulation of flammable vapours inside the building is prevented. New tank installations can achieve this by directing breather vents and emergency vents, equipped with flame arresters or pressure/vacuum valves, to the outside of the building.

If ventilation design principles are applied to the building ventilation, venting into the building space may be acceptable for existing installations. Such measures include, but are not limited to: installation of automatic sprinklers throughout the tank room and under any raised tanks greater than 1.2 metres in diameter; classification of electrical equipment and wiring according to the zone classifications of the "Canadian Electrical Code"; provision of adequate natural or mechanical ventilation meeting the objectives of Article 4.9.6.1.; and training of personnel in safe operating procedures.

 

[niyeki]

Assuming that your tanks are fixed roof, nitrogen blanketing will help you to reduce your operational losses. Foam protection and shell cooling is the code requirement for such tanks. For the foam applications you can refer to NFPA 11A and NFPA 13 will help you for the shell cooling sprinkler design. The foam type, as you are handling alcohol should be AFFF
But never forget. When a tank containing alcohol gets on fire, better let it burn and cool the others.