HDPE storage tank 1

[rsch1]

Gentlemens,
Does anyone know if HDPE is an accepted method of storage alcohols in US (according OSHA / NFPA and etc.)?
Thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[sheiko]

I know that PE is solvent resistant.

See "Materials and Processing, A. Brent Strong, Pearson Prentice Hall, Third edition (2006)"

"We don't believe things because they are true, things are true because we believe them."

 

[sheiko]

"Plastics, Materials and Processing, A. Brent Strong, Pearson Prentice Hall, Third edition (2006)"

"We don't believe things because they are true, things are true because we believe them."

 

[psafety]

NFPA-30

 

[rsch1]

Hi sheiko,
Thanks for your response.

The issuse is it approved by US authorities (OSHA, NFPA ect.) for storing solvents?

Thanks

 

[jdarco]

Although the HDPE may be chemically compatible, I suspect you'd have some problems with the local fire marshall. There is really no way to effectively ground a HDPE tank. We had once instance where a methanol supplier wouldn't fill a poly tank. I'd look at carbon or stainless, built to UL142 or something similar.

 

[SJones]

It would appear to be a case of NFPA 30 plus other considerations on top. Some of those considerations are in the attached document.

Grounding issues are discussed at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr804.pdf

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[psafety]

There are several factors unknown that I nor others are going to stick our necks out on.

You only indicate alcohol.
You don't provide quantites.
Is this inside or outdoors
Buried or above ground or in an underground vault?
In a dike area? Other combustibles or flammables in the same fire area.

Rob, You have work to do. You've been told a few applicable codes to research. All of the specifics mentioned affect design.

 

[MJCronin]

I believe that NFPA-30 specifically bans usage of FRP, HDPE, plastics etc as a MOC for flammable liquids.

It is not to early to ask the local autorities about the fire protection rules that they will follow.

Again, we now begin the silly game of asking the original poster..... how big a tank ?....Indoors or out doors ? etc

Does the OP expect to use HDPE piping as part of the system ?

ASME B31.3 specifically bans plastics/FRP in flammable liquid piping systems.

 

[rsch1]

Hi Psafety,

Some more information -
1 alcohols Class IIIA
2 three storage tanks 10,000 gal each
3 aboveground and indoors
4 in a dike area with other three S.S storage tanks 10,000 gal each(Solveso 100, solveso150)
5 the are is covered with sprinklers

Thanks

 

[psafety]

rsch1,
Some clues - BUT YOU NEED to REVIEW THE PERTINANT CODES FOR YOUR DESIGN. I am well satisfied you've been pointed in the appropriate direction.

I think, "not saying for certain", YOU need to verify tanks of the material you discuss "may be acceptable underground only, based on certain conditions."

Aboveground indoors - sounds very illegal.

All materials in the diked area would be considered as the most flammable after you get the MOC correct.

These are only a couple of items that come to mind - obtain the Codes recommended previously and become very versed on what you intend to provide.

 

[rsch1]

psafety,

Thanks for your help

have a great day

 

[stookeyfpe]

It's not allowed by NFPA 30. Indoor storage in a tank would be permitted but only in a Group H (hazardous) occupancy.