Discussion on Article 5 of 6.4.2 of GB 50160-2008 Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises

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This post was last edited by gubingfeng on 2011-12-28 at 22:43. Article 5 of 6.4.2 in GB 50160-2008, the Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises: When there are no buffer tanks on site, an emergency shut-off valve that is easy to operate should be installed on the loading and unloading pipelines, at a distance of 10 meters from the loading and unloading cranes. The piping diagram is attached. The distance from the flexible hose to the pump inlet is over 10 meters, so an emergency shut-off valve is required. However, if such a valve is installed, it must be placed in front of the filter; as a result, the distance between the shut-off valve and the flexible hose becomes less than 10 meters. It is stated in point 5 of section 6.4.2 that the 10-meter distance refers to a safety margin, and therefore the shut-off valve must be installed beyond this 10-meter range so that it can be safely shut off in case of an emergency, thereby avoiding any risks. So the valve in the attachment is not suitable. According to my colleague, if a shut-off valve is to be installed, it needs to be placed 10 meters away; otherwise, no such valve should be added. If not added, when the distance from the flexible hose to the pump is greater than 10 m, it definitely does not meet clause 5 of 6.4.2 ； If it is added, the pipeline needs to first be routed for 10 meters, then a shut-off valve is installed, after which it is routed back before being connected to the pump inlet. However, such a piping arrangement is not aesthetically pleasing (I have never seen such a setup), it also increases the flow resistance, so it is not suitable. I’m faced with difficulties regarding the issues mentioned above, so I’ve come here to ask experts for help in understanding the true meaning of point 5 in section 6.4.2. I also want to know whether it’s necessary to install an emergency shut-off valve; if so, what is the most appropriate way to do so. Thank you!