What is the fire separation distance between liquid ammonia storage tanks and factory buildings?
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I have a few questions for the teachers: 1. For the liquid ammonia storage tank (with a design temperature of 50 degrees and a design pressure of 2.16 MPa), should the fire separation distance from the adjacent building in the factory area (classified as Category B) be determined according to Table 4.2.1 of the building codes, or should it be reduced by 25% according to Table 4.4.1 recommended in Table 4.3.7? My supervisor said that after consulting with experts, Table 4.4.1 refers to the fire separation distances between structures in adjacent enterprises, and Table 4.2.1 should be followed; moreover, the supervisor added that the fire separation distance between storage tanks and open flames should be determined in accordance with the petrochemical regulations. I’m a bit confused – is that correct?
Additionally, what is the distance from the fire dike of the liquid ammonia storage tank to the edge of the fire access road, and which standard specifies this?
@Laborer Talks About Chemical Engineering @EngineeringYoungRager @WiseOne @ylb913 @*nht1
The fire separation distance between the liquid ammonia storage tank and the adjacent buildings (Category B) within the plant area should be calculated by reducing the value specified in Table 4.4.1 recommended in Code for Building Design 4.3.7 by 25%. There is no basis for it according to Table 4.2.1. Liquid ammonia is not an ordinary Class B flammable liquid; in the event of a leak, it vaporizes rapidly. It is classified as a liquefied hydrocarbon under petrochemical regulations. That’s why Article 4.3.7 was specifically established for it in the building codes.
1. In accordance with Code for Building Design 4.3.7, this is a specific requirement for liquid ammonia storage tanks； 2. In accordance with Code for Building Design 4.2.9, it can be treated as a non-primary road, that is, 10m.
With everyone saying this, I’m even more confused. Personally, I think a 25% reduction should be applied according to Table 4.4.1 of the building codes; the designer on the construction drawings needs to sign my name for that. But the manager insists on following Table 4.2.1. If anything goes wrong in the future, will I not be held responsible? If the installation review according to Table 4.2.1 is approved, then there should be no problems, right? So frustrating!
There is another question: should the fire separation distance between the liquid ammonia spherical tank and the loading arm be determined in accordance with petrochemical regulations? Table 4.2.7 of the building codes only specifies the distance required between dome tanks and floating roof tanks. Can it be arranged so that the distance from the loading arm to the outer base diagonal of the fire dike is at least 5 meters, as stated in note 2?
According to the petrochemical regulations, the fire separation distance between the liquid ammonia sphere tank and the transfer pipe should be 35 meters, but the owner cannot accept this. My supervisor has suggested using 15 meters instead. So, what should the correct distance be? Help needed
It still needs to be adjusted in accordance with the standards; otherwise, the safety and fire protection requirements won’t be met, so it has to be modified again