Does connecting the exhaust pipes of storage tanks containing different materials reduce the distance between the tanks?
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In a project in Xinjiang, the storage tanks are used for storing substances such as methanol and methyl acetate; nitrogen sealing and internal floating discs were designed, along with flame arresters on the vent valves. The exhaust pipes are connected to each other. **Experts from the inspection team said that this arrangement effectively reduces the distance between the tanks. Please share your thoughts – I’m not sure where this practice comes from, nor how it should be corrected. I’m seeking advice from everyone
The expert group is related to the problems identified during the on-site inspection; the original poster summarized it in two sentences, but I guess everyone found it confusing. It is recommended to show the diagram.
Seek advice humbly from the so-called experts
What the expert group means is that in the event of a fire, due to the connection between the exhaust pipes of different materials, the original spacing of 0.4D between the storage tanks will no longer be sufficient!
The above information was provided by the constructor; as the designer, I have not encountered such a problem, and the experts have not indicated the source of their advice. I am therefore asking if anyone else has faced similar issues, or if there are any arguments we can use to counter this: 1. A flame-arresting breather valve has been designed; 2. A nitrogen seal plus floating disk system has been implemented, and the flammability of the exhaust gases is very low.
The expert group was right; they didn’t mention anything about a safety distance Since others have a basis for this, as the design party, a safety assessment of the mixed discharge of these two materials should be provided in the dedicated section on safety facility design. (II) Strengthen the production and operation management of chemical tank areas. Under normal operating conditions, it is strictly prohibited to allow any space to form between the floating disk of an internal floating roof tank and the material contained within it. In special cases where operation at an extremely low liquid level is necessary, it is essential to ensure that the feed flow rate is below the specified limit when resuming feeding, in order to prevent accidents caused by static electricity. When high or low level alarms occur, immediate action must be taken. When there are fluctuations in the upstream equipment, it is necessary to strengthen the analysis and testing of materials entering the tank area, in order to prevent high-temperature materials or light components from entering the storage tanks and causing accidents. For tank farms with loading and unloading platforms, strict management of loading/unloading operations and vehicles is required to prevent illegal activities from compromising the safety of the tank farm. Strictly follow the requirements for change management to strengthen the change management in the tank farm. Suspend the use of the exhaust gas connection and recovery system for multiple chemical storage tanks immediately; it can be put into operation only after passing safety assessments.
The safety distance was mentioned verbally, with no source provided. — —Here, I would like to discuss with everyone whether such a possibility exists and whether the claim is reasonable. “Regarding security proofs” — I would like to ask everyone how they go about proving these; thank you very much for your guidance
The expert speaks as things occur on the spot; upon returning, they will check the relevant evidence and issue a notice requiring corrective action, with the final decision still being based on the order for correction issued by the emergency management department. Safety justification: Common safety assessment (evaluation) reports, HAZOP analysis reports, etc.
Yes, and those are also materials of different types.