propane tank to be converted to nitrogen tank

[chicopee]

The client wishes to convert his 18000 gallon (MAWP 250 psig)propane tank to a pure, free of water vapor, nitrogen tank. The maximum nitrogen pressure will be 125 psig.
The propane distributor indicated that this tank could become an illegal installation and I understand that since the tank has an ASME/NB stamp and number and lists the product as propane. This tank is in MA and MA has biennial requirement of inspections for air tanks but not for Nitrogen tanks.

Can a change in the tank useage and nameplate be made legally thu NB, or can the tank be used without a namplate?

Inputs will be greatly appreciated.

 

[786392]

Road plan envisaged;
A)Thorough Internal Inspection cum cleaning with
B)various areas pressure jet washing and grit blasting
C)after that internal snapshots& UT,RT etc. etc.

may tell us about the subject tank's health in the first place

secondly there can be exposure from some entrained caustic or sulfide residues impacting the interior.(Caustic induced corrosion cracking issue)

After that Hydrostatic pressure test to the applicable standard's requirement under carefully controlled conditions for (personnel,nearby equipments) safety.

As Regards NEB's acceptance I can not say much, since I have little if any info in this connection.
Hope this is helpful in someway identifying health in a more comprehensive manner!

Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)

 

[chicopee]

The paper trail issue in this case is the focus of my inquiry. For now being, since I have the manufacturer's data sheet listing the serial number, and if this conversion is accepted, the NB number will be omitted in the annual fire marshall inspection reports since this number is associated with the original product. Nonetheless, I'll make an inquiry to the National Board.

 

[metengr]

The National Board does not approve anything, all they do is provide registration services, and determine requirements for their R-Certificate and VR Certificate programs. Before you do anything, I would approach the Jurisdiction where the object will be installed and determine if pressure vessels are regulated. If they are, the Jurisdiction will decide on your request, not the National Board or anyone else.

 

[chicopee]

Jurisdiction (State Fire Marshall but not MA B&PV Safety division) has just approved tank conversion, however the point that I was making, perhaps not clearly, is that the NB# is assigned for propane tank as indicated on the metal tag. I don't beleive that the same NB# can be used for the same tank now to contain nitrogen. Meanwhile, I'll use the tank S# for identification.

 

[786392]

Thanks to all,
As I really Got educated on my grey area on NB#, Jurisdiction (State Fire Marshall)etc & other related requirements here.


Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)

 

[chicopee]

786392, be carefull this is MA. State Fire Marshall has jurisdiction on tanks (pressurized and unpressurized) over 10,000 gallons containing any product except water. MA safety division has jurisdiction over boilers, air tanks and air conditioning/refrigeration systems over certain sizes.

 

[786392]

Thanks again for the caution and I'll make note of this!

Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)

 

[photoengineer]

Check with the state fire marshall.

Cedar Bluff Engineering

http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com

 

[JStephen]

You would think that changing from a flammable product to inert at half the pressure would be a distinct improvement from their standpoint. It's when you want to double the pressure and go to flammable that they should be worried.