Firewater System for Propane Loading Terminal 1

[Ltorrado]

Hello all,

I am in charge of reviewing a firewater system for a
propane marine loading terminal. I will be making a field trip to the terminal next week where I will gather all the information necessary for me to properly analyze the system. This includes obtaining the ISO's, P&ID's, fire and jockey pump data, etc.

One doubt I have though is which NFPA standard should I be following. Assuming it's an LPG station, I was thinking of using the NFPA 58, but it states the following:

"This code applies to the [...] except for marine terminals associated with refineries, petrochemicals, gas plants, and marine terminals whose purpose is the delivery of LP-Gas to marine vessels."

So it seems that since I will be loading to the barges I should not be using it.

The other standard I found is API 2510A, which seems to correspond to my situation.

I am really seeking the advise of someone with experience on this subject. Which NFPA or API code should I follow?

Any other tips on what to information to obtain during my field trip would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[LCREP]

Here are a few:

To evaluate the fire pump see NFPA 25 for weekly and annual flow testing. For the fire pump installation see NFPA 20. Fire hydrants, see NFPA 25 for testing, and installation of the fire hydrants and mains see NFPA 24.

Check out FM Data Sheet 7-14 Fire & Explosion Protection for Flammable Liquid, Flammable Gas, for fixed fire protection designs and requirements and 7-55 Liquefied Petroleum Gas for tank spacing and other things to consider. FM Data Sheets are free on line from FM.

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[Ltorrado]

LCREP,

Thank you.

I checked out the FM data sheets and they have some very good information on fire protection/prevention design.

I was also reading API 2510A and it has some good hydraulic requirements. Really, I am more concerned with the hydraulic design of the system and making sure monitors/deluge/hose systems are capable of delivering sufficient flow and pressure. I'll be performing a hydraulic model of the system to confirm the latter.

I am assuming tank spacing and such has been taken into account, but of course, I'll be verifying this as well.

I appreciate your help.

 

[LCREP]

Get 3 years of annual fire pump tests to look at the performance of the pump. Also get fire hydrant flow test data. If they have a loop get or conduct tests with one side of the loop off and then the other side of the loop off, and with everything open. Then compare to your calculations to make sure you do not have a closed valve. Not sure of the water source for the water supply, but if a tank, get a copy of the last tank inspection, NFPA 25 requires one every 3-5 years. Did they look at the anti-vortex metal plate on the pump suction line to make sure it is in place and working? Is the tank big enough to meet the fire proteciton demands and duration requirements?

It is great to make sure from a design point of view they have everything they need. But if the pump will not start, or is operating below minimum NFPA 25 requirements, then the best design will not help during the fire! Proper maintenance and testing is critical to adequate site fire proteciton.

Have fun, and good luck, let us know what you find.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[Ltorrado]

I will make sure the pump meets NFPA requirements. I don't think they have a loop, but again I won't know until I get there and obtain all data. The water supply is a tank, so I'll also make sure to get the last tank inspection.

Thanks for the valuable information and I'll let you know!

 

[chicopee]

nfpa 58 will suggest the amount of water based on the tanks surface areas. Also check out the element of a fire safety analysis that is demanded by fire marshals in CT and MA for bulk propanel facilities.