Pumping n-heptane

[aldavis]

I have an issue involving the transfer of n-heptane from a tanker truck to a 15Kgal stainless storage vessel.

Question 1: what is the recommended velocity of fluid (heptane) through this distribution system (static buildup prevention)? The system was designed for 5ft/sec, but I cannot find a reference in NFPA to back this up. 5ft/sec is mighty slow.

Attributes of system (to preclude addn'l questions):
Nitrogen powered diaphragm pump,2" sch10 316 stainless piping, gounded/bonded throughout, Nitrogen blanketing on tank.

 

[BigInch]

5 fps isn't too slow. That's right about where it should be a small diaphram pump (NPSH acceleration head).

Through a 2" pipe, how fast are you going to fill anyway???

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, its what we know for sure" - Mark Twain

 

[MJCronin]

Al...

I agree with "Biginch".... 5 fps seems reasonable

According to my trusty Crane 410, 5 fps in a 2"NPS pipe gives you a flowrate of about 55 gpm.

That means a 4000 gallon truck will fill in ~ 72 minutes.

"Mighty slow"...???

NFPA is not going to tell you how to design your piping systems

-MJC

 

[owg]

Be aware that a filter or strainer in the line may generate a charge that will need time to dissipate. Hightly purified hydrocarbons need a long time for a charge, once generated, to dissipate. Check OSHA regs 1910.106 which require fill pipes to terminate within 6" of the bottom of the tank for some classes of liquids.

HAZOP at

http://www.curryhydrocarbons.ca