Fire protection issues for low-temperature ethylene tanks
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Article 1.0.3 of the 2000 edition of the \"Code for Design of Low-Expansion Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems\" states that this code applies to the design of foam fire extinguishing systems installed in facilities where Class A (excluding liquefied hydrocarbons), Class B, and Class C liquids are processed, stored, loaded, unloaded, or used. There is an existing low-temperature ethylene tank with a diameter of 43.5 m, a height of 23.62 m, and a volume of 30,000 m³. According to the meaning of the above regulatory provisions, it is not necessary nor possible to use a low-expansion foam fire extinguishing system, right? Why is low-expansion foam not suitable for liquefied hydrocarbon storage tanks?
Reply to 1#: By no means a tough guy. My understanding is that this standard excludes liquefied hydrocarbons; it’s not that liquefied hydrocarbons cannot be treated with low-expansion foam, but rather if you use low-expansion foam, you cannot follow this standard. Also, why isn’t high-expansion foam used for 30,000 of ethylene? One more question: where in China can I find an ethylene tank with a capacity of 30,000?
Reply to 3# gaoshun: Well, it seems that Brother Gaoshun has a very thorough understanding of the standards. That makes a lot of sense. My initial thought was also that a foam system should be used. Article 8.7.2, Paragraph 1 of the \"Code for Fire Protection in Petrochemical Enterprises\" GB50160-2008: Fixed-roof tanks and floating-roof tanks with a fusible material bottom for Class A and B flammable liquids, as well as Class C flammable liquids with a flash point equal to or less than 90°C, shall be equipped with a fixed foam fire extinguishing system. This is a strong strip; it seems a foam system will need to be used. Since it is not applicable, then what other foam-related codes should be used in addition to the \"Design Code for Medium and High Expansion Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems\"? I’m not sure if there are tanks of such large size in the country; the tank mentioned on the top floor is a subject of study.
Reply to 3# I’m definitely not a tough guy. Thanks for the compliment. . The foam standard generally uses the one you mentioned; I’m not really familiar with any others
If I remember correctly, the storage temperature for ethylene is -104°C. Can the foam still function at such a temperature? ! It seems that for low-temperature ethylene storage tanks, only fixed water cooling is sufficient; specific details, however, require consultation with experts. It primarily ensures safety from a process perspective. The above views are for reference only.