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NFPA 61 2008

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JLNJ

Structural
Oct 26, 2006
1,986
Does section 6.2 of NFPA 61 ("Enclosure Requirements") apply to silos (interior to a building) or is a silo a piece of equipment? Intuitively, it would seem that a silo is equipment, but Exception No. 2 under 6.2.1.2 specifically seems to pertain to silos (i.e. "Bins and Silos"). Chapter 7 ("Equipment") does not list any provisions for silos, and Section 4.5 has precious little info on silos.

I am trying to get a handle on the design philosophy and intent of NFPA 61. It seems to be saying that you do not need to vent or suppress a new or modified silo in an existing enclosure if it is "not practical". To me this seems to be an extraordinarily broad provision.



 
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6.1* General. Explosion prevention, relief, and venting, as used in this standard, shall encompass the design and installation of devices and systems to vent the gases and overpressure resulting from a combustion explosion occurring in equipment, rooms, buildings, or other enclosures so that damage is minimized.


would say it is a building/ structure
 
A silo is a building/structure? You would think they would address silos specifically since they are so common. The exception takes away the teeth of the provision.
 
from nfpa 101

3.3.36* Building. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

3.3.271* Structure. That which is built or constructed.
 
The NFPA 101 reference would lend credence to the idea that the silo is a piece of equipment rather than a building. (Even though the section reads 'Enclosure' and not 'Building'.)

The exception in question applies to a building ('Enclosure') given in 6.2, but not to the 'Equipment Requirements' given in 6.3. In my eyes, a silo therefore is not granted the "not practical" exception.
 
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