Storage Tank Systems
Storage Tank Systems
Storage Tank Systems
Cone roof tank Open top floating roof tank Internal floating roof tank/Covered Floating Roof
A Cone Roof Storage Tank has vertical sides and is equipped with a fixed cone-shaped roof that is welded to the sides of the tank. Tanks that have been designed in accordance with API standards have a weak seam at the joint where the roof and sides meet. In the event of an internal explosion, the roof separates and blows off leaving the tank shell intact. This system allows the tank to retain its contents and any resulting fire will involve the full surface of the exposed flammable liquid. An Open Top Floating Roof Storage Tank is similar to the cone roof tank in construction but with the exception that it has no fixed roof. A pontoon type roof floats directly on the flammable liquid surface. This floating roof has a mechanical shoe or tube seal attached to its full perimeter. The rim seal covers the space between the floating roof and the tank shell ( side wall ). An Internal Floating Roof/Covered Floating Roof Storage Tank is a combination of both the cone roof and the open top floating roof tank. The tank has a cone roof but with the addition of an internal floating roof or pan that floats directly on the fuel surface. This type of tank can be identified by the open vents in the tank side walls just beneath the roof joint. If the internal floating roof is other than a steel double deck or pontoon
type, the fire protection system should be designed for full surface fires ( similar to cone roof tanks ). For the double deck or pontoon internal roofs of steel construction, a design for seal area protection shall be permitted (same as open floating roof tanks). Small quantities of flammable liquids are sometimes stored in horizontal style tanks which normally sit on saddles or in underground storage facilities. This section applies only to the three major types of tanks as listed above. IDENTIFY THE FLAMMABLE LIQUID There are two basic classifications of flammable and combustible liquids:
Flammable Liquids are subdivided as follows: Class I liquids include those having flash points below 100oF ( 37.8oC ) and may be subdivided as follows: (a) Class IA liquids include those having flash o o points below 73 F ( 22.8 C ) and having a o o boiling point below 100 F ( 37.8 C ). (b) Class IB liquids include those having flash o o points below 73 F ( 22.8 C ) and having a o o boiling point above 100 F ( 37.8 C ). (c) Class IC liquids include those having flash o o points at or above 73 F ( 22.8 C ) and below o o 100 F ( 37.8 C ). Combustible Liquids mean any liquid having a flash point at or above 100oF ( 37.8oC ). They may be sub-divided as follows: (a) Class II liquids include those having flash o o points at or above 100 F ( 37.8 C ) and o o below 140 F ( 60 C ). (b) Class IIIA liquids include those having flash o o points at or above 140 F ( 60 C ) and below o o 200 F ( 93.3 C ). (c) Class IIIB liquids include those having flash o o points at or above 200 F ( 93.3 C ). FIRE PROTECTION OF STORAGE TANKS U.L. has established two different types of foam discharge outlets:
Type II Discharge Outlet - A fixed device that delivers foam onto the burning liquid and partially submerges the foam and produces restricted agitation of the surface. Examples of this type of device are Foam Chambers and Foam Makers. Type III Discharge Outlet - A fixed or portable device that delivers foam in a manner that causes the foam to fall directly onto the surface of the burning liquid in such a manner that causes general agitation. Examples of this type of device are Hose Stream Nozzles and Monitors.
The Hydrocarbon family typically consists of standard petroleum products such as - Gasoline, Kerosene, Diesel, Jet Fuel, Heptane, Crude Oil etc. products that do not mix with water. The Polar Solvent group typically consists of Ethanol, Methanol, Ketone, Acetone etc. or products that will mix readily with water. All Chemguard U.L. Listed and Standard Grade Foam Concentrates are suitable for use on Hydrocarbon fuel fires or spills. Only Chemguard U.L. Listed and Standard Grade UltraGuard 3% and the 3%-6% ( at 6% proportioning rate ) Alcohol Resistant - Aqueous Film Forming Foam ( AR-AFFF ) concentrates are suitable for use on Polar Solvent Fuel fires or spills.
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS PER NFPA 11 Flammable liquids mean any liquid having a flash o o point below 100 F ( 37.8 C ) and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi (276 kpa)(absolute) o ( 37.8oC ). at 100 F
There are two basic methods of fire protection systems for storage tanks:
Sub-surface Base Injection Over the Top - (Subdivided as follows) Foam Chambers Foam Makers Portable Foam Monitor Foam Tower
SUB-SURFACE BASE INJECTION The sub-surface method of fire protection produces foam with a "High Back Pressure Foam Maker" located outside the storage tank. This system delivers the expanded foam mass through piping into the base of the tank. The pipe may be an existing product line or can be a dedicated fire protection foam line. The expanded foam entering the tank through a discharge outlet is injected into the flammable liquid. The discharge outlet must be a minimum of 1 ft. above any water that may be present at the base of the tank. The foam will be destroyed if injected into the water layer. When injected into the fuel, the foam will rise through the fuel and form a vapor tight foam blanket on the fuel surface. Advantages of Sub-surface
and 4 - 1. The device is capable of discharging against considerable back pressure which can be as high as 40% of the operating pressure. The back pressure is an accumulation of the head pressure of the fuel inside the storage tank and any friction loss between the foam maker and the tank. A minimum of 100 psi inlet pressure into the HBPFM is normally required to ensure correct operation. The foam velocity through the piping to the tank from the HBPFM is very critical. With flammable liquids, the foam velocity entering the tank should NOT exceed 10 ft. per second and with combustible liquids the foam velocity should NOT exceed 20 ft. per second. The following chart shows the minimum discharge times and application rates for Sub-surface application:
Hydrocarbon Type Fuel Minimum Discharge Time 30 min. Minimum Application Rate 0.10 gpm / ft. 4.1 L/min./m 0.10 gpm / ft. 4.1 L/min./m
The rising foam can cause the fuel in the tank to circulate which can assist in cooling the fuel at the surface. If there is an explosion and fire that could damage the top of the tank, the sub-surface injection system is not likely to suffer damage. The discharging foam is more efficiently directed to the fuel surface without any interruption from the thermal updraft of the fire.
Flash point between 100oF and 140oF (37.8oC and 93.3oC) Flash point below 100oF (37.8oC) liquids heated above their flash points. Crude Petroleum
55 min.
55 min.
NOTE: The maximum application rate shall be 0.20 gpm / ft. ( 8.1 L/min./m ). FOAM CHAMBERS TYPE II DISCHARGE DEVICE The Foam Chamber is normally used on cone roof storage tanks. The chamber is bolted or welded on the outside of the tank shell near the roof joint. A deflector is mounted on the inside of the tank so that the discharging foam from the foam chamber will be diverted back against the inside of the tank wall. The foam chamber is mounted on the cone roof storage tank wall shell in a vertical position just below the roof joint, or approximately 8" to 12" down from the roof joint to the center point of the foam chamber outlet. In sequence Chemguard Models FC 2.2, 3, 4 and 6 foam chambers are to be mounted from approx. 8" to approx. 12" down from the roof joint.
Disadvantages of Sub-surface
CANNOT be used in storage tanks containing polar solvent type fuels or products that require the use of AR-AFFF type foam concentrates. Not Recommended for use in either Floating Roof or Internal Floating Roof type tanks. Caution must be used so that the maximum foam inlet velocity is not exceeded; otherwise, excessive fuel pickup by the foam as it enters the tank will be experienced. Not to be used for protection of Class 1A hydrocarbon liquids.
HIGH BACK PRESSURE FOAM MAKER The HBPFM device is mounted in the foam line used to aspirate the foam solution before it is discharged into the storage tank base. It will typically give an expansion ratio of between 2 -1
When the foam chamber is mounted correctly, the internal glass seal of the chamber will be just slightly higher in elevation than the roof joint on the storage tank. Each foam chamber mounted on a cone roof storage tank SHOULD have its own individually valved riser supplying the foam solution from outside the dike area. For correct operation, a minimum of 40 psi is required at the inlet to the foam chamber. FOAM MAKERS TYPE II DISCHARGE DEVICE The foam maker is normally used to aspirate foam solution before being discharged inside a dike (bund) area or when used with external floating roof tanks to supply foam to the rim seal area. The discharge pipe down stream of the foam maker is sized to slow the velocity of the expanded foam and shaped to deflect the foam back against the inside of the dike wall or onto a splash board or the tank shell wall when used for floating roof seal protection. The splash board is to be mounted above the top of the floating roof tank. The correct size discharge pipe from the foam maker should be installed per the information supplied in the dike protection system design information. When mounted on a storage tank or used in a dike protection system, the foam maker can be mounted in either a horizontal or vertical position
Discharge device - Foam Chamber, Qty. 4 required Discharge Duration - 55 min. 1,767.2 x 55 = 97,196 gallons of foam solution x .03 = 2,915.88 gallons of 3% AFFF concentrate required. Supplementary Hose Lines required ( Per NFPA 11) - Qty. 3 required ( each minimum 50 gpm ) ( Tank dia. over 120 ft. ) Hose Line discharge duration ( Per NFPA 11) 30 min. ( Tank dia. over 95 ft. ) 3 x 50 = 150 x 30 = 4,500 gallons of foam solution x .03 = 135 gallons of 3% AFFF. 3,051 (135 + 2,916) gallons of foam concentrate required. A suitable bill of materials of major components for the above system using a bladder tank could be.
1 x 3,200 Gallon horizontal style bladder tank. 1 x 6" Between flange style ratio controller. 4 x Model FC6 foam chambers each with a flow rate of 395 to 1,050 gpm depending on incoming pressure. 1 x 2 1/2" Threaded type ratio controller (For supplementary system). 3 x 50 gpm handline nozzles. foam concentrate.
It is suggested that for tanks above 200 ft. (60 m) in diameter at least one additional discharge outlet be added for each additional 5,000 sq. ft. ( 465 sq. m. ) of liquid surface or fractional part. This chart indicates the number of SUPPLEMENTARY hose streams required for various size tanks. Each hose stream must be capable of a minimum flow rate of 50 gpm of foam solution. Diameter of Largest Tank Minimum Number of Hose Streams Required 1 2 3
This chart shows the Minimum discharge time and application rate for Type II fixed foam discharge devices on Cone Roof storage tanks.
Hydrocarbon Type Flash point between o o 100 F and 140 F o o (37.8 C and 93.3 C) Flash point below 100 F o (37.8 C) or liquids heated above their flash points Crude Petroleum
o
55 min.
55 min.
NOTE: This chart identifies the number of Foam Chambers required for the protection of a flammable liquid contained in a vertical cone roof atmospheric storage tank where the discharge device is attached to the tank. Where two or more outlets are required, the outlets are to be equally spaced around the tank periphery and each outlet is to be sized to deliver foam at approximately the same rate. Tank Diameter (or equivalent area) Up to 80 ft. Over 80 to 120 Over 120 to 140 Over 140 to 160 Over 160 to 180 Over 180 to 200 Meters Minimum Number of discharge outlets 1 2 3 4 5 6
Flammable liquids having a boiling point of less o than 100 F might require higher rates of application. These should be determined by test. For high-viscosity liquids heated above 200oF, lower initial rates of application of foam may be desirable to minimize frothing and the subsequent expulsion of the stored liquid from the storage tank. Good judgment should be used in applying foams to tanks containing hot oils, burning asphalts or burning liquids that have boiling points above the boiling point of water. The above table includes Gasohols and unleaded gasolines containing no more than 10% oxygenated additives by volume. Where these additives exceed 10% by volume or where the flammable liquid is a polar solvent or water miscible product, fire protection is normally supplied by the AR-AFFF type foam concentrates. In those instances check with
24 24 to 36 36 to 42 42 to 48 48 to 54 54 to 60
Chemguard to establish recommended application rates. The minimum discharge duration is 55 min. The following chart indicates the minimum operating time of the supplementary hose stream(s) for various size tanks. Diameter of Largest Tank Up to 35 ft. ( 10.5 m ) 35 to 95 ft. ( 10.5 to 28.5 m ) Over 95 ft. ( 28.5 m ) Minimum Operating Time 10 min. 20 min. 30 min.
Foam Dam installed on roof - Yes - 2 ft. from tank wall and 2 ft. in height Sq. ft. area of annular ring - 930 sq. ft. Application Rate - .30 gpm per sq. ft. NFPA 11).30 x 930 sq. ft. = 279 gpm of foam solution required. Type of Discharge Device - Foam Makers Discharge Duration - 20 min. 279 x 20 = 5,580 gallons of foam solution - x .03 ( 3% AFFF ) = 167.4 gallons of foam concentrated Quantity of Foam Makers Required ( Per NFPA 11) 6 required. Add supplementary hose lines per example for Cone Roof Tank with Foam Chambers. ( Per
Equipment List using a Foam Pump Skid Assy. for a 150 ft. dia. tank containing gasoline. 1 x Atmospheric Foam Concentrate Storage Tank 3,100 Gallons 1 x Electric powered Foam Pump Proportioning skid with prepiped 6" ratio controller ( Foam Chambers ) and prepiped 2 1/2" ratio controller ( Supplementary Hose Lines ) 4 x Model FC4 or FC6 Foam Chambers 3 x 50 gpm Hand Line nozzles 3,051 x Gallons 3% AFFF ( plus any additional for testing of the system ) NOTE: When protecting multiple storage tanks the foam system is to be sized to protect the single largest hazard. Fig. 9 depicts a manual foam pump skid system showing all necessary piping, valves, discharge devices, ratio controller, foam pump and foam storage tank for the above system. Fig. 10 shows a Cone Roof Storage Tank with a Semi-Fixed Foam System. The following example shows the foam system requirements for seal protection of a 150 ft. diameter open top floating roof tank. Type of Tank - Open Top Floating Roof Tank Diameter of Tank - 150 ft. Type of Fuel - Gasoline
NOTE: The number of fixed foam discharge points on an open top floating roof tank is determined by the circumference of the tank. The maximum spacing between discharge points is 40 ft. ( 12.2 m ) of tank circumference when using a 12" ( 305 mm ) high foam dam and every 80 ft. ( 24.4 m ) of tank circumference when using a 24" ( 610 mm ) high foam dam. In accordance with NFPA 11 Foam Dam Design - The foam dam should be circular and constructed of at least No. 10 US Standard Gage Thickness ( .134 in./3.4 mm ) steel plate. The dam is to be welded or otherwise securely fastened to the floating roof. The foam dam is designed to retain foam at the seal area at a sufficient depth to cover the seal area while causing the foam to flow laterally to the point of seal rupture. Dam height is to be at least 12" ( 305 mm ) and should extend at least 2" ( 51 mm ) above any metal secondary seal or a combustible secondary seal using a plastic foam log. It is to be at least 2" ( 51 mm ) higher than any burnout panels in metal secondary seals.
Foam dams are to be at least 1 ft. ( 0.3 m ) but no more than 2 ft. ( 0.6 m ) from the edge of the floating roof. Foam solution & rain water is to be drained by, slotting the bottom of the dam on the basis of 0.04 sq. in. of slot area per sq. ft. (278 mm sq./sq. m) of diked area while restricting the slots to 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) in height. Excessive dam openings for drainage should be avoided to prevent loss of foam through the drainage slots. SUB-SURFACE SYSTEM ( Sub-surface injection of foam is generally not recommended for fuels that have a viscosity greater than 2,000 ssu ( 440 centistokes ) at their minimum anticipated storage temperature ). Example of a Sub-Surface Base Injection System Cone Roof Tank - 80 ft. diameter Fuel - Gasoline Foam Concentrate - 3%-6% AR-AFFF Surface Area - = 40' x 40' x 3.1417 = 5,026.7 sq. ft. App. Rate - .10 gpm per sq. ft. .10 x 5,027 sq. ft. = 502.7 gpm of foam solution Discharge Duration - 55 min. Quantity of Foam Concentrate required 503 (502.7 ) x 55 x .03 = 829.95 gallons Discharge Device - Qty. 1 High Back Pressure Foam Maker ( " Foam generator " ) Number of Discharge outlets inside tank Qty. 1 (Tank 80 ft. or less) (Per NFPA 11) Supplementary hose lines per example for Cone Roof Tank. The following chart shows the number of discharge outlets required inside the tank.
Tank Diameter Number of Discharge Outlets Required o Flash Point below Flash Point 100 F o o o (38 C) or Higher 100 F (38 C) 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 Plus 1 outlet for each additional 5,000 sq. ft. (465 sq. m) 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 Plus 1 outlet for each additional 7,500 sq. ft. (697 sq. m)
Equipment list for the above example using a bladder tank foam supplied foam system.
1 x 900 Gallon vertical style bladder tank. 1 x 4" Between flange style ratio controller. 1 x 2 1/2" Threaded type ratio controller ( for supplementary hose lines ). 1 x Model CFM500 High Back Pressure Foam Maker ( HBPFM ). Supplementary hand line nozzles and foam concentrate.
Determining Number of Discharge Outlets for Subsurface Base Injection. The number of discharge outlets required is based on the tank diameter and the flash point of the fuel as shown in the above chart. FOAM MONITORS AND HANDLINES Monitors are not to be considered as the primary means of protection for fixed roof tanks over 60 ft. in diameter. Foam handlines are not to be considered as the primary means of protection for tanks over 30 ft. in diameter or those over 20 ft. in height. Application Handlines Rates Using Monitors or
The minimum foam solution application rate is based on the assumption that all discharging foam will reach the area being protected. In considering actual solution flow requirements, consideration should be given to potential foam losses from climatic conditions and thermal updraft of the fire, etc. The following chart shows application density and duration for monitors and handlines on tanks containing hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbon Type Minimum Application Rate 2 gpm/ft (L/min.)/m2 (min.) Minimum Discharge Time
Up to 80 ft. ( 24 m ) Over 80 to 120 ft. ( 24 - 36 m ) Over 120 to 140 ft. ( 36 - 42 m ) Over 140 to 160 ft. ( 42 - 48 m ) Over 160 to 180 ft. ( 48 - 54 m ) Over 180 to 200 ft. ( 54 - 60 m ) Over 200 ft. ( 60 m )
Flash point between 100oF and 140oF (37.8oC and 93.3oC) Flash point below 100oF (37.8oC) or liquids heated above their flash points Crude Petroleum
0.16
6.5
50
0.16 0.16
6.5 6.5
65 65
Included in the above table are gasohols and unleaded gasolines containing no more than 10 percent of an oxygenated additive by volume. On tanks containing water miscible/polar solvent flammable liquids the recommended foam application duration is 65 minutes. Flammable liquids having a boiling point less than 100oF and products that have been burning for some time can develop a heat layer which might require foam solution application rates as high as .2 or .25 gpm per sq. ft. Where monitors or handlines are used to protect storage tanks containing polar solvent or water miscible liquids the discharge duration shall be a minimum of 65 minutes at the recommended application rate.
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TECHNIQUE IN EXTINGUISHING LARGE TANK FIRES Large storage tank fires are very complex events and satisfactory extinguishment requires methodical planning and the effective use of resources. At this time, existing Codes and Standards do not provide guidelines for using high flow monitor foam applications for large tank fires. The existing Codes and Standards do provide good recommendations for fixed fire protection systems. Full surface fires involving large diameter tanks have occurred around the world. Extinguishment of such fires has not been totally successful. With the introduction of large capacity foam monitors, new varieties of foam concentrates and improvements in application techniques there has been some degree of success in achieving extinguishment. The largest fully involved tank fire that has been successfully extinguished was 150 ft. (46 meter). The extinguishment was carried out with a large capacity monitor/cannon applying non-aspirated foam "over-the-top" onto the burning surface. It is believed that present fire fighting technology is capable of extinguishing fully involved tank fires up to 197 ft. (60 meters) in diameter. In theory it may be technically feasible to extinguish tank fires in excess of 200 ft. (61 meters) using the "overthe-top" method of employing very large capacity mobile monitors with improved types of foam concentrates. The logistics for mounting such massive operations must be fully considered.
points such as Crude Oil may require application rates of 0.2 gpm/ft2. (8.1 L/min./m2) or more. The application rate stated in the code is based on the assumption that all the foam solution reaches the burning surface.
Note: The rates are intended for Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels. Polar solvent liquids are destructive to regular foams and require the use of alcohol resistance foams. Chemguard, Inc. should be consulted to determine the recommended application rate. In view of the above, rates and practical experience gained in incidents involving full surface fires involving large storage tanks, it would be more appropriate to consider 0.25 gpm/ft2. (10.4 L/min./m2) which is equal to a 60% increase for mobile systems. For burning crude oil tank a rate of 0.32 gpm/ft2. (12.9 L/min./m2) may be more appropriate. The elevated application rates provide a better chance of ensuring foam reaching the burning surface thus increasing the probability for extinguishment. Consideration for such high rates take into account fall out from the delivery system, losses due to strong thermal updraft, break down of foam as it travels through the flames to reach the burning fuel and destruction of the foam due to the hot fuel and any hot metal surface.
APPLICATION RATE NFPA 11 application rate for mobile equipment is often interpreted as 0.16 gpm/ft2. (6.5 L/min./m7). The code also states that flammable liquids having a boiling point of less than 100oF (37.8oC) may require higher rates of application. In addition flammable liquids with a wide range of boiling
WATER AND FOAM CONCENTRATE REQUIRED FOR FIGHTING LARGE TANK FIRES Water supply both in terms of pressure, flow rate and adequate amount of foam concentrate are among the most important factors for launching a successful extinguishing operation. Unless adequate and uninterrupted supply is guaranteed, an attempt to extinguish a fully involved large tank fire is doomed to failure at the very onset of the operation.
The amount of water and the flow rate needed to produce 3% foam solution to generate foam to fight a large tank fire can be found in Table 1. The quantity of 3% foam concentrate and the flow rate needed to produce 3% foam solution to generate foam to fight a large tank fire can be found in Table 2.
tank fire could be expected to fully involve a neighboring identical tank in approximately 1.5 hours under the following conditions. 4 m/sec.(14 km/hr.) wind towards neighboring tank intertank separation of 0.5 diameter (82 ft.) (25 m) neighboring tank having pontoon roof and inadequate water spray protection
COOLING INVOLVED TANK AND THE PROTECTION OF ADJACENT TANKS FROM RADIATED HEAT SOURCE With reference to existing guidelines, the amount of water needed to cool the involved tank shell is estimated by tank size: 100 ft. (30 meter) diameter 750 gpm (3m3/min.) 120 ft. (36 meter) diameter 1000 gpm (4m3/min.) 160 ft. (48 meter) diameter 1250 gpm (5m3/min.) 220 ft. (67 meter) diameter 1500 gpm (6m3/min.) Cooling water required to protect each adjacent tank not shielded from the tank on fire is 500 gpm (2 m3/min.). In practice water applied to the shell of a large tank on fire is ineffective in preventing it from buckling and deforming. In the late stages of extinguishment, cooling water applied on the area above the liquid level would help the foam stay in contact with the tank shell. The cooling streams should be stopped when foam attack has started to conserve water and to concentrate on extinguishment. The need for protecting adjacent tanks can best be illustrated with information and data published in a recent study done on large tank fires. Although not yet fully validated it nevertheless provides valuable information for pre-fireplanning purposes. The time required to create an escalation condition in an adjacent tank depends upon a number of factors including: tank size, separation, type, initial boiling point of flammable liquid in the tanks, water cooling, tank design, wind speed and direction. For example, a full surface fire involving a 164 ft. (50m) diameter open top, floating roof naphtha
Altering any of the above conditions can change the time for ignition of the adjacent tank: Base Case Change of conditions: Calm (no wind condition) = 2.8 hrs. Intertank separation increased to 1.0 D (50 m) = 3.0 hrs. Intertank separation increased to 2.0 D (100 m) = 17.0 hrs. Water protection on side facing exposure = 2.8 hrs. Double deck roof on exposed tank = 1.5 hrs. Water protection on side facing exposure + double deck roof = 24.0+hrs. Tank diameters only 30 m but with 0.5 D separation = 0.5 hrs Neighboring tank contains kerosene, not naphtha = 22.0 hrs. Some conclusions drawn from the results are:
= 1.5 hrs.
escalation is likely for unprotected tanks of volatile material with normal separation unless the original fire is extinguished quickly calm conditions only delay the escalation potential increased separation alone only delays the escalation potential water spray protection or roof insulation alone does prevent escalation water spray and roof insulation together are effective smaller diameter tanks at normal separation are at greater risk of escalation than larger diameter tank time for fire fighter
Cooling of adjacent tanks is best achieved with fixed systems that are designed to provide effective water film coverage of all exposed metal surfaces. A cooling water rate of 0.05 gpm/ ft2.(2.0 L/min./m2) is sufficient to absorb 90% of incoming radiant heat. Any increase in the cooling water rate does not increase the cooling effect significantly. The figure of 10.2 L/min./m2 by NFPA 15 relates mainly to the protection of pressurized vessels such as LPG tanks subject to direct flame impingement.
combines several monitors to form a Mass Stream discharging with the wind to concentrate on a selected landing zone within the tank. This extremely high local application rate/density promotes survivability of the foam journey through the fire to establish a foothold on a relatively small area of the burning surface. Once the foam blanket at the landing zone is established it can then be expanded by making adjustments to the Mass Stream. The added advantage of large volume application in a small area may help to reduce local fuel temperature and the associated actual vapor presssure which in turn can help in lowering the fire severity. These factors require consideration because as the fuel temperature approaches the boiling point of water, it is difficult for the foam to survive. As fuel temperature increases the true vapor temperature will increase to overcome the effectiveness of the foam blanket. Large volume foam attack should be launched as quickly as possible; however, it must be stressed that application must not be carried out until all equipment and logistic support are in place. The longer a tank is allowed to burn, the danger of escalation becomes greater, the fuel temperature increases making it more difficult to extinguish, the exposed tank shell deforms (normally the exposed steel curls inwards to create nooks and crevices) making it difficult for foam to cover all the burning surface. In the case of crude oil, the possiblility of having a boilover increases with time. The ability to deal with large tank fires depends on methodical pre-fire plan, regular training and exervises. The most important factor, however, rests on minimizing the risk of having a fully involved large tank fire through good engineering design, effective management and maintenance programs.
OVER THE-TOP-APPLICATION TECHNIQUE WITH LARGE CAPACITY FOAM MONITORS A present concept in extinguishing large tank fires is to employ Large Capacity Non-aspirated Foam Monitors to apply foam "over-the-top" of the involved tank onto the burning fuel surface. Although they are normally known as nonaspirated monitors, these monitors are capable of producing foam with an expansion ratio of about 3.1 to 4.5 when used with alcohol resistance type foam concentrates. Chemguard has large capacity foam monitors currently available have capacities ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 gpm (7,570 L/min.). The equipment operates at inlet pressure between 100 to 130 psig (690 to 890 kPa) and have a range of about 250 to 300 feet (61-99 meter). AR-AFFF type foam concentrate is preferred and it should be transported in bulk totes or trailers having large capacities. The logistics for transporting foam in 5 gallon pails or 55 gallon drums to the fire scene should not be considered, for obvious reasons. Large diameter hose should be used to supply the flow required for large volume foam attack. The use of 5" (125 mm) diameter hose is preferred due to low frictional loss and is relatively easy to use. It must be remembered that it is extremely difficult to move the hose once it is charged with water. For quick estimation, provide one 5" (125 mm.) hose line for every 1,000 gpm (3.8 m3/min.) flow requirement. At this flow rate the friction loss is 8.0 psig (55 kPa) for every 100 feet (30.5 m). Table 3 provides information on friction loss of some large diameter hoses. The over-the-top foam technique attacks the burning tank with either a very large capacity monitor that meets the required application rate or
STPrv995
Wind
Fuel
Foam
Monitor
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TABLE 1 WATER FLOW RATE TO PRODUCE 3% FOAM SOLUTION TO FIGHT FIRES IN TANKS MINIMUM QUANTITIES WATER FLOW RATE TOTAL WATER REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN 65 MINUTES OF OPERATION Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2
TANK DIAMETER
Feet
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2 0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2
Application Rate
Application Rate
Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2
Gallon
Meter3
100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300
30.5 33.5 36.6 39.6 42.7 45.7 48.8 51.8 54.9 57.9 61.0 64.0 67.1 70.1 73.2 76.2 79.2 82.3 85.3 88.4 91.4
1218 1474 1754 2058 2387 2741 3118 3520 3946 4397 4872 5371 5895 6443 7016 7613 8234 8879 9549 10243 10962
4598 5563 6621 7770 9012 10345 11770 13288 14897 16598 18391 20276 22253 24322 26483 28736 31081 33518 36047 38667 41380
1904 2304 2742 3218 3732 4284 4874 5503 6169 6873 7616 8397 9216 10072 10967 11900 12871 13880 14927 16013 17136
7357 8902 10594 12433 14420 16553 18834 21262 23837 26558 29425 32444 35606 38916 42376 45981 49733 53632 57679 61872 66213
79170 95796 114005 133797 155173 176133 202675 226801 256511 285804 316680 349140 383183 418809 456019 494813 535189 577149 620693 665820 712530
299 362 430 505 586 672 765 864 968 1079 1195 1318 1446 1581 1721 1868 2020 2179 2343 2513 2690
123760 149750 178214 209154 242570 278460 316826 357666 400982 446774 495040 545782 598998 654690 712858 773500 836618 902210 970278 1040822 1113840
478 579 689 808 937 1076 1224 1382 1549 1726 1913 2109 2315 2530 2754 2989 3233 3486 3749 4022 4304
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TABLE 2 FOAM CONCENTRATE (3%) TO PRODUCE 3% FOAM SOLUTION TO FIGHT FIRES IN TANKS MINIMUM QUANTITIES 3% FOAM CONCENTRATE FLOW RATE TOTAL 3% FOAM CONCENTRATE REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN 65 MINUTES OF OPERATION Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2
TANK DIAMETER
Feet
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2 0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2
Application Rate
Application Rate
Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2
Meter3
100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300
30.5 33.5 36.6 39.6 42.7 45.7 48.8 51.8 54.9 57.9 61.0 64.0 67.1 70.1 73.2 76.2 79.2 82.3 85.3 88.4 91.4
38 46 55 64 74 86 97 110 123 137 152 168 184 201 219 238 257 277 298 320 342
142 172 205 240 279 320 364 411 461 513 569 627 688 752 819 889 962 1037 1115 1196 1280
59 71 85 100 116 133 151 171 191 213 236 260 286 312 340 369 399 430 463 496 531
228 275 328 385 446 512 582 658 737 821 910 1003 1101 1204 1311 1422 1538 1659 1784 1913 2048
2470 2989 3557 4174 4841 5558 6323 7138 8003 8917 9880 10893 11955 13066 14227 15438 15697 18006 19365 20773 22230
9.25 11.19 13.31 15.62 18.12 20.80 23.67 26.72 29.95 33.38 36.98 40.77 44.75 48.91 53.25 57.78 62.50 67.40 72.48 77.75 83.21
3835 4640 5522 6481 7617 8629 9818 11063 12425 13844 15340 16912 18561 20287 22090 23969 25925 27957 30068 32252 34515
14.79 17.89 21.30 24.99 28.99 33.27 37.86 42.74 47.92 53.39 59.16 65.22 71.58 78.23 85.18 92.43 99.97 107.81 115.94 124.37 133.10
CHARrv895
TABLE 3
FRICTION LOSS IN WATER SUPPLY LINE EXPRESSED AS PSIG & kPa LOSS PER 100 FEET / 30.5 METERS OF HOSE 4 INCH SUPPLY LINE PSIG kPa 4-1/2 INCH SUPPLY LINE PSIG kPa 5 INCH SUPPLY LINE PSIG kPa 6 INCH SUPPLY LINE PSIG kPa
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500
369 737 1106 1474 1843 2211 2580 2948 3317 3685 4054 4422 4791 5160 5628 5897 6265 6634 7002 7371 7739 8106 8476 8845 9214
0.20 0.80 1.80 3.20 5.00 7.20 9.80 12.80 16.20 20.00 24.20 28.80 33.80 39.20 45.00 51.20 57.80 64.80 72.20 80.00 88.20 96.80 105.80 115.20 125.00
1 6 12 22 34 50 68 88 112 138 167 199 233 270 310 353 399 447 496 552 608 667 729 794 862
0.10 0.40 0.90 1.00 2.50 3.60 4.90 6.40 8.10 10.00 12.10 14.40 16.90 19.60 22.50 25.60 28.90 32.40 36.10 40.00 44.10 48.40 52.90 57.60 62.50
1 3 6 10 17 25 34 44 56 69 83 99 117 135 155 177 199 223 249 276 304 334 366 397 431
0.06 0.32 0.72 1.28 2.00 2.88 3.92 5.12 6.48 8.00 9.68 11.52 13.52 15.68 18.00 20.48 23.12 25.92 28.88 32.00 35.28 38.72 42.32 46.08 50.00
1 2 3 9 14 20 27 35 45 55 67 79 90 108 124 141 156 179 199 221 243 267 292 308 345
0.05 0.20 0.45 0.80 1.25 1.80 2.45 3.20 4.05 5.00 6.05 7.20 8.45 9.80 11.25 12.80 14.45 16.20 18.05 20.00 22.05 24.20 26.45 28.80 31.25
0.3 1 3 6 9 12 17 22 28 34 42 50 58 68 78 88 100 112 124 138 152 167 182 199 215
CHARrv195
FIG. 9
Atmospheric Tank
Balancing Valve
System 1: Foam solution to manifold supplying 4 foam chambers on cone roof tank.
Water Inlet System 2: Foam solution to separate storage tank system or hose reels, if required. Ratio Controller
D004rv895
FIG. 10
SEMI-FIXED FOAM SYSTEM WITH MOBILE APPARATUS SUPPLYING THE FOAM SOLUTION
Foam Chamber
Aerated Foam
OS & Y Valve
FUEL
Foam Solution from Mobile Apparatus Dike Wall
D085rv995
Foam Blanket
Check Valve
Gate Valve
FUEL
Foam Solution
Water Level
Test Point
Dike Wall
D003rv995
TYPICAL OUTLETS FOR SUB-SURFACE INJECTION INSIDE CONE ROOF STORAGE TANKS
2 Outlets
3 Outlets
4 Outlets
D023rv195
A. C.
Horizontal ELL
Recommended
E.
Recommended
Tank Shell
Recommended
Tee
Plan Elev.
Elev.
B.
180o ELL
o
Vertical ELL
Not Recommended
D.
Not Recommended
180 ELL
90o ELL
C. Good for Floating Roof Tanks (FRT) D. Not Good for FRT, Gives Stream Backlash
E. Best for Floating Roof Tank
D019rv195
9.1
30
FOAM VELOCITY
6.1
20
10
All dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted. 0 GPM LPM 2000 7570 4000 15139 6000 22710 8000 30278 10000 37848 12000 45420 14000 52990 16000 60560
D038rv195
60
20
FOR SI UNITS 1 gpm = 3.785 l / min. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa 1 ft. = 0.305 m
10
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
50
20
FOR SI UNITS 1 gpm = 3.785 / min. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa 1 ft. = 0.305 m
10
400
800
1200
1600
2000
2400
2800
3200
D075rv195
50
FOR SI UNITS 1 gpm = 3.785 l / min. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa 1 ft. = 0.305 m
20
0 1600
2400
3200
4000
4800
5600
6400
7200
8000
8800
25
FOR SI UNITS 1 gpm = 3.785 l / min. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa 1 ft. = 0.305 m
20
15
4000
8000
12000
16000
20000
24000
28000
32000
D076rv195
Foam Chamber
Ball Valve Normally Closed Ball Valve Normally Open Swing Check Hydraulic Actuated Ball Valve
Bladder Tank
D010rv1296
Vent
Foam Chamber
Aerated Foam
FUEL
Foam Solution
Dike Wall
D003rv195
Sheet steel splash board can be rectangular or cut as shown mounted on top of shell reinforced with suitable supports. Minimum dimensions will depend on minimum clearance needed between foam discharge outlet and top position of roof. "A" Dimension is the height of the foam maker outlet above the top edge of the tank shell. The minimum height must clear the top position of the floating roof.
Roof
Wind Girder
Urethane Seal
Foam solution piping to other foam makers may be located above or below wind girder or at grade level.
Swing Joint
Tank Shell
D040rv195
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL TOP AND BELOW SEAL APPLICATIONS FOR FLOATING ROOF TANKS
Foam Maker
Aerated Foam
Weather Shield Foam Dam Foam Maker Brace Foam Solution Aspirated Foam
Seal
Foam Solution
Pontoon Roof
D005rv195
SEAL AREA PROTECTION USING A FOAM MAKER OR HANDLINE NOZZLE FROM LADDER AREA
Foam Maker Siamese for Siamese Foam Foam Outlet Hydran Handline Connection Back Board Mounted Higher than Uppermost Position of Roof
Stairway Platform
Stairway
D022rv195
Monitor (Typical)
OS & Y Valve
Tank
Foam Concentrate
OS & Y Valve Monitor Ratio Controller
Water Supply
D033rv195
Dike
Dike
Foam Maker
A - B Foam Chamber
Mechanical Foam Generator Conversion Foam Solution Delivery Piping Foam Solution Delivery Hoses
Dike
Dike
A - B Powder Conversion
TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUB-SURFACE SYSTEMS INTO A CONE ROOF STORAGE TANK
Tank Shell
GateValve
At Least 1 ft. (0.3m) Water Bottom Foam Flow Valved Test Connection
D012rv195
Product Line
Although dedicated lines may be used to apply foam using the subsurface method, additional economies may be realized by using existing product lines for foam injection. In some installations a total tank farm may be covered by using a single subsurface injection station at the product line manifold. The piping pressure losses and the inlet injection velocity must be verified by calculation. This is to be done with each product line which is a candidate for subsurface injection.
D017rv195
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
Monitors for tanks up to 60 ft. (18.3 m) in diameter. Hand hoselines for tanks less than 30 ft. (9.2 m) in diameter and less than 20 ft. (6.1 m) high. 0.16 gpm/ft. 2 [(6.5 L/min.)/(m )]
o o 2
Monitors not recommended. Handlines are suitable for extinguishment of rim fires in open-top floating roof tanks.
0.16 gpm/ft. 2 (6.5 L/min./m ) For rim fires in open-top floating roof tanks. 65 min. 50 min. 65min. Use same times as for open-top floating roof tank rim fires.
Flash point below 100 Fo (37.8 C) o Flash point 100 F - 140 F Crude Oil Same as table for foam chambers.
Not Recommended.
Minimum 0.1 gpm/ft. [(4.1 L/min.)/m. ] of liquid surface. 2 2 Maximum 0.2 gpm/ft. [(8.2 L/min.)/m. ] Foam velocity from outlet shall not exceed 10 ft. per sec. (3.05 m per sec.) for Class 1B liquids or 20 ft. per sec. (6.1 m per sec.) for all other liquids. Flash point 100 F (37.8 C) o o to 140 F (194.4 C) o o Flash point below 100 F (37.8 C) Crude Petroleum Not Recommended.
o o
Not Recommended.
Discharge Times
Not Recommended.
Polar Solvents
2
Not Recommended.
For S1 units: 1 gpm/ft. = 40.746 (L/min.)/m ; 1 ft. = 0.305 m; 1 ft. = 0.0929 m ; 1 in. = 0.0245 m; C = F - 32/1.8.
D056rv0200
0.10 gpm (0.38 L/min.) per sq. ft. (sq. m) of liquid surface.
0.30 gpm (1.14 L/min.) per sq. ft. (sq. m) of annular ring area between tank wall and foam dam. Not covered by NFPA 11.
Type I Flash Pt. 100 F - 140 F (37.8 C - 194.4 C) o o Flash Pt. below 100 F (37.8 C) Crude Petroleum
o o o o
Type II 20 min.
Polar Solvents
Type I Type II
30 min. 55 min.
D057rv195