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NFPA 30 for gensets w belly tanks

Jeng84

Industrial
Aug 9, 2024
9
I'm looking for insight into which NFPA standard and requirements that apply to the diesel tanks for the following scenario: 2 generators (not em or standby), outside (but has enclosures) with each diesel tank stored underneath (belly tank), tank is rectangular shape and ~5,000 gallons of diesel.
Looking at the following code path;
IMC Chapter 13 for fuel oil piping and storage and IFC Chapter 6--> 605.4 Fuel Oil Storage Systems --> storage above ground in quantities exceeding 660 gallons --> NFPA 31; OR
IMC Chapter 9 engine and gas turbine-powered equipment and appliances --> NFPA 37

Reviewing both NFPA 31 and 37 they both seem to be applicable, however when it comes to "outside aboveground tanks" of this capacity they both reference NFPA 30. (see section 6.3.3 for NFPA 37 and 7.9.3 for NFPA 31).

So here's the main question - is NFPA 30 applicable here? :
1. NFPA 30 Scope section 1.1.2 item 9 - it says it is NOT applicable to "liquids in fuel tanks of... stationary engines" ; and
2. All the boundary and tank to tank separation requirements throughout chapter 22 are based on the diameter of the tank.. this leads me to believe this standard was not written for the type of tanks I have, but instead typical giant circular storage tanks.?
3. How to calculate the tank to tank separation for rectangular belly tanks either using NFPA 30 (would you use the width of the tank instead of the diameter?) or is there another method?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!
 

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