Do horizontal storage tanks for flammable liquids require foam installation?
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This post was last edited by fangqiong on 2011-8-13 at 15:43. For full-pressure storage tanks of Class A/B liquids with a boiling point below 45 degrees Celsius, which are horizontal tanks, is it necessary to install foam fire extinguishing systems? Or do horizontal tanks not require such systems at all?
GB 50151-2010, \"Code for Design of Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems\", does not cover the design of foam systems using full-pressure tanks or even horizontal tanks. According to GB50160－2008 \"Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises\", section 8.7.2 specifies that fixed foam fire extinguishing systems should be used in the following locations: 1. Fixed-roof tanks and floating-roof tanks with fusible material floats for Class A and B flammable liquids, as well as Class C flammable liquids with a flash point of 90°C or lower: 1) Storage tanks for water-insoluble flammable liquids with a single-tank capacity of 10,000 m3 or more ； 2) Water-soluble flammable liquid storage tanks with a single tank volume of 500 m3 or more ； 2. Floating roof tanks for Class A and B flammable liquids, as well as Class C flammable liquids with a flash point of 90°C or less, and internal floating roof tanks whose floating decks are made of non-fusible materials: storage tanks for water-insoluble flammable liquids with a single-tank capacity of 50,000 m3 or more ； 3. Flammable liquid storage tanks that cannot be effectively protected by mobile fire-fighting equipment. 8.7.3 Mobile foam fire extinguishing systems may be used in the following locations: 1. Storage tanks for water-insoluble flammable liquids with a tank wall height of less than 7 m or a volume of 200 m3 or less ； 2. Lubricant tank ； 3. Fires caused by the flow of flammable liquids on the ground, and oil pool fires. 8.4.6 Above-ground horizontal tanks containing flammable liquids should preferably be cooled using portable water guns. The cooling area should be calculated based on the surface area of the tank. Water supply intensity: The fire extinguishing rate should not be less than 6 L/min•m2 ； The adjacent tank should not be less than 3 L/min•m2. Based on the above, I personally believe that a fixed foam system need not be considered; if a foam system is to be used, a mobile one could be an option. Or consider gas fire suppression, such as nitrogen, steam systems, and mobile fire cooling water systems.
It is sufficient to have 1-2 mobile foam trucks installed near the tank area; of course, there should be an adequate supply of fire hydrants and fire extinguishers on site.
I think it also depends on whether the liquid is water-soluble; it seems that ethanol cannot be used with hydrophilic foam!