Space Between Fire Tank and Product Tank

[Clamont]

I cannot see in any NFPA standard where it is referenced the spacing requirements between the fire water tank (and pump house) and the storage tanks. Do we take it as an important building on the Same Property as highlighted in NFPA 30 Table 22.4.1.1?

 

[chicopee]

Storage tanks for which product?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Wrong standard dude. See NFPA 22.

 

[Clamont]

Thank you... I have purchased NFPA 22 however would like to enquire about the pump house. Is this considered as an Important Building on the same Property as per NFPA 30?

 

[LCREP]

Let me see it supplies the water for fire protection on site what do you think? If it was me I would put the tank and pump as far away as I can from the hazard. I know from an insurance point of view we would not want the water supply to be anywhere near tanks that contain combustible or flammable liquids and or gas. A few 1000' perhaps 2000 or 3000 feet would work again depending on the size and hazard of the tank. You may want to check out Factory Mutual data sheets they are free on the web. They may provide more guidance on this for you.

 

[stookeyfpe]

If it's anoutdoor pump unit apply NFPA 20, Section Table 5.12.1.1.2. And consider the advise of LCREP. I would hate for you to have a Buncefield type of incident and lose the water supply system.

 

[chicopee]

Clamont, what's in the storage tanks?

 

[Clamont]

Chicopee.... There are 4 tanks (2 x Diesel, 1 x Petrol with IFR and 1 x Jet A1).

 

[DavidCR]

I think it will not be in any code, the NFPA 30,20,22 give guides for common buildings but they will not include an oil tank in a code line. They say it "shall not be exposed to fire", and an expert or AHJ shall define what is "expposed to fire" in your particular tank installation. I´not 100% sure, but I think nobody will define a general distance for locating a fire pump from a product tank, this distance will always be related to specific conditions or analysis.

API 2001 (API RC for refineries) does not tell a number it says that the layout of the plant has to analyse all the risks to be safe water source shall be as far from risks as possible.

I think that if you use NFPA 30/NFPA 20 distances it will be a risky minimum but I would include, revision of this distances considering dikes, walls, oil product pipes, etc. If your water tank/pump is donwind or downward natural drain direction in case of a spill the NFPA 30/20 distance will not work.

From NFPA 20 (2004)
5.12.1.2 Outdoor Fire Pump Units.
5.12.1.2.1 Fire pump units located outdoors shall be located at least 15.3 m (50 ft) away from any exposing building ( i´m sure a product tank cannot be interpreted as an exposing building).
5.12.1.2.2 Outdoor installations also shall be required to be provided with protection against possible interruption in accordance with 5.12.1.
5.12.1* General Requirements. The fire pump, driver, and controller shall be protected against possible interruption of service through damage caused by explosion, fire, flood, earthquake, rodents, insects, windstorm, freezing, vandalism, and other adverse conditions.

NFPA 22
4.2 Location of Tanks.
4.2.1 The location of tanks shall be such that the tank and structure are not subject to fire exposure.
4.2.1.1 If lack of yard room makes this impracticable, the exposed steel work shall be suitably fireproofed or shall be protected by open sprinklers (see A.12.1.1).
4.2.1.2 Fireproofing, where necessary, shall be provided for steelwork within 6.1 m (20 ft) of exposures, combustible buildings or windows, and doors from which fire might issue.