Storage Tank Flame arrestot

[mmujeeb1506]

Dear,

Shall we install a flame arrest on daily diesel fuel tank for generator - cap - 2000 ltr

 

[pennpiper]

mmujeeb1506,
You asked the following question:
"Shall we install a flame arrest on daily diesel fuel tank for generator - cap - 2000 ltr.?"
-
That is not enough information to make a judgment.
Missing Information:
- Where is this installation located (Country)?
- Is this tank installed inside (a building) or outside?
- What is the likely hood of having a lot of lighting (Electrical Storms)?
- What Code governs this installation?
- Is the service of the generator full time or only emergency?
- If the tank were to catch fire, what else would be in danger?
- Is this tank protected by an automatic Fire Water sprinkler system?




Sometimes its possible to do all the right things and still get bad results

 

[mmujeeb1506]

Dear,
Installation is in saudi arabia
Tank Installed inside the building in generator room
protected by foam system
no other services are installed in this room except generators
generator are for emergency only

 

[georgeverghese]

You will need a flame arrestor if the fluid COC flash point is lower than the actual tank temperature. Diesel typically has a COC flash point of 60-65degC - you may need to get written confirmation of this from the diesel supplier. Then compare this against the max operating temp inside this generator room - most likely this gen set room is going to be "very warm" in Saudi Arabia.

If max room temp > flashpoint, use CRA materials for the flame arrestor and the arresting elements - as a minimum, this should be SS316. Operating manual should state that this arrestor should be inspected and cleaned periodically . Point the free vent outlet in the downwind direction if you can, given you have dust storms in this part of the world? Size / select the arrestor for minimal pressure drop for worst case venting rate per API2000 (probably firecase).

Flame arrestors would be okay in this clean service application ( if you can keep dust and sand out).