NH3 storage tank plumbing (diagrams) and I also need.....?

[agricon]

We are currently working on installing a NH3 filling station on our large agribusiness operation and I am currently working on the plumbing and filling station blueprint.

Would anyone have any resources on NH3 storage tank plumbing (diagrams) and how filling station work. (I never really bothered asking the local CO-OP when they still had NH3)

 

[Latexman]

OSHA 1910.111 is the law in the U.S. on NH3 storage tanks. Here's the website to it:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9757

You'll have to see what the legal requirements are if the installation is elsewhere. If there are no legal requirements, it would be a good guide.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[ApC2Kp]

agricon,

The first place for information would be your ammonia supplier. For example, there is a short 28 page guide for handling ammonia at Terra Industries site,

http://tet.terraindustries.com/pdfs/ammonia_tech_manual_2008.pdf

with pages 11-14 on storage and loading. The bottom of page 14 has note that they reserve the right to refuse delivery to facilities that do not meet their safety requirements for handling ammonnia. Check with your supplier.

The pumps used on many ammonia transports are Blackmer brand. Also, Corken pumps are used at terminals. They could be good source for system design information. The same transports are used for LP gas delivery to terminals and distributors. A commmon design requirement for LP gas storage and loading station is the NFPA 58 standard which describes remote actuated valving, emergency shutoff trip swithches, check valves, and fusible link devices.

The guide page 13 from Terra includes a flare with continuous pilot light (NG or LP) to burn ammonia vapors.

The local fire department should also be notified of the ammonia storage site and reviewed for safety provisions as well as emergency response plans.

Finally, the local law enforcement agencies shoould be notified of the ammonia storage site. You will want to put very strong secure access closures on the ammonia system and dispensers. Many distributors have had equipment damaged by the meth labs stealing ammonia to make 'speed'. The damage to equipment would usually be much more than the value of the ammonia.

 

[Latexman]

A significant part of OSHA 1910.111 deals with security from the drug dealers. They don't tell you that's why they raised security, but that is why they did it.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[agricon]

Thanks Guys for the replies.

Yes I know about the drug problem its become a real problem these days.
Its sad to see the best AG product around being used this way.

Anyway
Thanks