N-pentane tank installation 1

[DavidCR]

Does anybody know where to find info on the requirements on instalaltion of a presurized N-Pentane tank (aboveground). This tank is part of a geothermal energy power plant that uses a binary fluid cycle with N-Pentane.

N-pentane is a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point -57°F (-49C). Boiling point 97°F (36C). Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.

We are looking for distances, diking, loading area, etc. requirements for an industrial installation on a remote area.

Locally (Costa Rica) we don´t have a code that applies. I´m not sure if NFPA30 is useful or other kind of standards is needed.

 

[stookeyfpe]

David,

In instances where I have dealt with n-pentane, the design was based on the installation of ASME coded pressure vessel. The last installation I did was using pentane as a blowing agent.

I would start with NFPA 30 since you are dealing with a Class I-A flammable liquid.

Because of n-pentane's high vapor pressure, I integrated flammable vapor detection with pnuematic shutoff valves on liquid withdrawl connections. It's not required by NFPA 30 but given this is a Class IA liquid, I am very sensitive to any small releases becoming large releases.